10 Something Different.

OK, fine. It is probably nothing. But you can't be too sure,. He said.

You are too careful, she said slowly standing up.

Maybe you are the careless one, you know, he replied.

Going to bed, I hope you feel better soon. She said walking through the grass towards the servant quarters.

He wanted to go inside too but refused. Don't want to make it look like it was her keeping me here all along, he thought.

What do I care anyway, she is just another woman. He said trying to convince himself.

But he must admit, she was a special kind.

He had had affairs all over the past years and each one of them had ended terribly.

He was alone for a long time before now and he didn't realize he was lonely.

Each passing of the day, he had confined more and more into himself.

Why was he thinking of her?.

He had just known her for a short period of time.

Then this.

Quit day dreaming, the voice in his head said to him. The flames had almost died off. Now it was only the full moon giving the only light he was using.

He looked at his shadow made by the moon light in front of him. Remembering when he used to sit here all by his self as her child. How time has passed since he was just a young lad day dreaming about being a free man again.

But those dreams had turn to despair and pain, as years went by and the possibility of it grew dimmer. He had forgotten about those dreams and accepted this life or pretend to accept it.

Now this woman was here, awakening those buried hopes that had failed.

This time he didn't just dreamt of freedom, he dreamt of other things too.

Those dreams now include her.

..... ..... ..... ..... .... ..... ...

The early morning sun scupe into the curtains in swift motion and soon found it's way in Williams sleeping face in his room.

He had slept late last night and had no actual plan for today.

So he didn't want to wake up early. But the heat of the sun persisted and he soon found his face almost scorched by the pressure.

He lifted his eyelids then blinked furiously, he needed more sleep. But the weather had other plans for him.

Damn this sun, he cursed.

He soon got off from the bed taking slow steps in waking fully up.

You can't just be happy here, some depressing event would just be at the corner in ambush waiting to unfold.

His mind cast back to yesterday night, that he has been talking to Natalie and he was soon filled with happy thoughts.

At least one good thing to be cheerful about, she was starting to get comfortable with him. That was an improvement.

One decent conversation without getting confronted by her, was good enough.

A knock came at the door if the room. You can tell the person was in haste.

OK, what now, he said to himself. He was getting too comfortable knowing that in the palace, happiness was a rare thing that almost never come.

He opened the door to the face of one of the royal servant who looked like he was going to faint on that spot.

Your majesty, there is an emergency, he said.

What! Williams exclaimed.

I am afraid to tell you that the king had fallen ill. He said.

My father is sick? He asked not actually expecting any answer from him.

But the servant replied.

yes, he fainted this morning in his chambers. The royal servant replied.

I will be right there, I mean... The physician is attending to him right. The prince said. And soon realized he was talking to himself. The terrified royal servant had long gone our of his chambers.

Williams went into the king room and immediately the smell of medicine and concoction filled his nostril.

He didn't remember he hated these things but that was the least if his worries.

His father lay on the bed, his eyes half closed. He was staring at the walls lost and didn't notice Williams in the room.

The palace physician saw him and bowed his head to greet him.

Your majesty, the already aging man said.

Is he going to be fine? Williams asked sitting down on the father side.

This was the firsy time he had seen his father vulnerable like this. All of the image he had of his father inside his head was this strong, authoritative and powerful man not the one lying down here and it felt strange.

Strange and real.

It's nothing serious, the man said. Just signs of old age and nothing else. You know your father is a strong man.

He must have forgotten that he was not that vibrant like he used to be before and probably stressed himself that much for this to happen. The physician explained in details.

Williams let out a sigh of relief, his father was not going to die. At least not now.

His countenance about this man was not all that perfect. But he was still an integral part of his life.

His father opened his eyes and faced him, not saying a word.

Father, he said softly, touching holding his hands which was laying there, cold on the bed.

Williams, is that you my son. The king said stretching his head to see him.

Are you okay? Williams asked him, he needed to know, if after the physician had said. Nothing was wrong.

I am fine, he said. You look lost son, I am nit going to die now. I am not done overseeing this kingdom and also guiding you. The king said.

Here comes, his father with his usual speech, Williams thought.

It wasn't that bad after all.

... ... ... ... ... ..... .... ...

Natalie woke up, hale and hearty. The morning sun has risen and formed a hot ball of fire in the sky.

There was something about this day...

She left the room and hurried to the kitchen to make breakfast. The palace was unusually silent. She wondered why. Well this was not going to distract her from enjoying this beautiful day.

She whistled softly, humming a tune which her sister once taught her.

She was soon interrupted by the voice of one of the royal servant.

Why are you singing, he Queries her.

What! She said staring at him, her eyes growing wide with anger.

Is there some kind of law prohibiting, singing in the palace.

Come to think of it, she had never heard anyone singing there.

You didn't hear the news, did you? He asked ignoring her persisting stares.

Umm, what news? She asked him.

The king is....

Dead, is he dead. She said aloud then on second thought lowering her voice.

Is he dead. Natalie said.

Dead? No? That is funny, you think the king will ever die. That man is immortal , he said.

He us just sick. The boy said.

Hmm, Natalie sighed, she thought her problems were finally over.

But it is not a bad news, the feeling that her oppressor was going through pain was blissful.

The young boy noticing Natalie was not going to talk to him, walked away.

Whew, they must think I am a creep. Natalie thought.

Today was going to be a good day, she just received the first good news of the day.

Sebastian walked into the kitchen, as expected, he saw Natalie.

you are up, early as usual. He said.

You too, I didn't expect you will be up early. Since you we're still awake last night. She replied.

A man got to do, what he has to do, he said waving his hands. His biceps colliding.

You mean a slave, Natalie said.

Not today, Natalie.

You heard the news, she asked him.

What news.

The king is sick.

The King sick? That is strange, Sebastian face turn sour.

Wait, don't tell me, you are sad, Natalie said gritting her teeth. What she did nit need now was anyone showing the slightest sympathy for that man.

Sad, No, shocked, yes. The man is never sick, he said.

Shocking or not, that is good news. Natalie said in triumph.

Glad to see you having a good time but be careful I don't think your friend will feel the same way when he sees you celebrating his father derailment health.

Sebastian said.

My friend, I assume you are talking about the prince. When did I and the prince become friends? She asked.

I should be asking you that, I know you have been talking to him. He said .

What do you care? She asked him.

What do I care, I shouldn't care, that you are being friends with the enemy himself.

Sebastian said his anger rising gradually.

Williams is not the enemy, she said. fainting her eyes from his graze.

i know, he wasn't the one that killed your family and mine but guess what, he is family with the enemy., Natalie.

His family has been doing this for ages what makes you think he is not going to do same. Sebastian said with pain in each words.

He is right, Natalie thought, what did she think she was doing anyways. Being friends with Williams was inviting trouble. This would make her to be in close watch under the king.

Sebastian was the only one she could trust for now.

And to emphasize on this, Sebastian continued.

Do you know the king asked me to watch over you? He said watching her reaction.

What?.

Yes Natalie, I think you have underestimated your importance.