Onward to the King's Domain (2)

''WHAT KIND OF TROUBLE ARE YOU GETTING YOURSELF THIS TIME!?''

My mother was simply annoyed as she gave my father a death glare, while my father, the country king who should have appeared elegant in front of his people, now appeared stunned by her beloved wife's unhappy outburst.

The two maids wore expressions of utter shock as they heard the queen's voice rise against the king, their eyes darting toward each other in shared concern.

However, my mother, with a subtle and regal hand signal, conveyed the message for them to remain outside the door.

It was as though her gesture was a silent decree, indicating that this particular matter was to be dealt with by the royal couple alone, leaving the maids to stand watch in the corridor, their faces reflecting their curiosity and uncertainty about the unfolding situation.

The guard too seemed to know his role in this situation. He stood firm in his watchful eyes fixed on the door.

While I am in my mother's embrace, I cannot help but listen to them, as this is my first experience with such tension.

I understood that the adults were handling things, even though I couldn't fully comprehend the specifics of the situation. But my curiosity always yearned for more.

My mother's face was calm, but as someone who had always seen a different side whenever we were together, I could see the concern in her soft pink eyes.

When I lived in Korea, I read a ton of books and watched many movies that portrayed queens as strong women who didn't give in when faced with difficult situations because they had to act that way in front of their people.

But, I also knew that behind all that strength they were human too with all these feelings and emotions. That's why, as one of her daughters, I've decided to do everything I can for my mother from now on.

"Forgive me, my dear, will you?" he implored.

My father's voice, once filled with anger, had softened into a plea. He looked at my mother with a sorrowful expression, regret etched across his face.

''If you tell me what is going on right now, I could possibly forgive you''.

My mother, though clearly angry moments ago, seemed to be calming down. She regarded my father with a measured gaze, and I sensed that forgiveness might not be far away.

Even as a baby, I could feel the depth of their connection, the unspoken love that bound them together.

In that moment, I learned that even kings and queens had their moments of strife and reconciliation, and it was in these moments that the strength of their bond truly shone.

Then a young man in the peculiar dark blue-green hood and unusual clothing spoke, "Your Highness, it was our fault that made the king angry. Please forgive us."

My mother asked calmly, "What's going on here, my dear?"

My father let out a heavy sigh and gestured for us to enter, saying, "Let me explain, but first, come inside."

The maids who had accompanied us retreated, and the guards closed the door. As we stepped into the room, the palpable tension was still lingering. It was my mother who finally broke the silence, addressing a man standing beside my father.

This man had remarkably long hair, striking dark features, and a rather handsome face, despite his age. His towering height would've made him an ideal model in Korea.

I watched my mother for a moment, her gaze fixed on that man.

"It appears that Mathias has already accomplished his mission," she spoke in a hushed voice that was filled with anticipation.

The King giggled enthusiastically as his deep voice filled the space.

"Ah, you've got it right, that's your answer without my answer, my dear. Now, can I ask why my little princess is here?" With that, he reached out with both his large, warm hands and gently pinched my chubby cheek.

"Is this your new daughter?" inquired the man named Mathias, turning his gaze towards both my parents.

His expression appeared quite ordinary, but I couldn't help but sense the intensity in his eyes as they rested on me.

My father beamed with pride and presented me, "Yes, indeed, this is my Princess Melissa Richmond."

He smiled broadly, a sense of joy radiating from him. Then, he introduced me to Mathias, knowing I wouldn't fully comprehend, as I was just a baby.

I couldn't help but to think about how funny my father must seem, showing off his cute baby princess to his important friends.

But wait, Did he do this often?

"Melissa, this is Mathias Augustus Aldridge, my trusted assistant, and a dear friend.

And this," he continued, gesturing to the man with the distinctive clothing, "Is Arcus, our current Tower Magician."

The Queen interrupted the introductions, her expression turning more serious as she gazed at the men.

"So," she then asked, "where is the last topic you were discussing before we arrived?"