Chapter 3: The Unwanted Deal

Elma’s POV

“Take this beauty to her room. Prepare her well and show her around until the sport ends. Later bring her to the study; I would like to introduce her to others, personally.” The King instructed and turned to me smiling widely.

“Young lady, I know it’s rude to leave your special guest just to be but I was in middle of something important before I visited your father.” The King looked extremely sorry and I smiled encouragingly.

“That’s alright, His Majesty. You shouldn’t be bothered for someone like me.” I said and saw him shake his head.

His considerate smile dropped from his face hearing my words.

“Actually you are very special to me, so don’t say that. As for now please follow the maids. One of my guards would be bringing your things from your house. Let someone know if there is any special thing that you require them to pick up. Okay?” He asked and I nodded.

Yes there is… my medicine!

Soon he marched off with a line of guards following him. Another line of maids and guard waited for me to follow them. I wasted no time in letting the guard know of my necessities as he left to get them.

The palace was huge—a whole district could fit here.

I have never seen such a thing in my life. Though my father used to show me the pictures and videos of the other places but seeing it with own eyes was hard to believe. Everything was dazzling. It was amazing how things were shiny, spotless white and gold along with red color.

We went around the stairs and I was astonished to spot a camouflaged elevator. It was the weird giggle from the maid that made me compose myself.

“Her Royal Highness, Princess of Albertville, this is to ensure the ancient look of the palace remains intact without giving up the modernism.” The maid explained and I nodded.

We stepped on to the third level and a different maid waited for us there. She was middle-aged yet looked so young; if you ignore her grey hairs, that is. She looked friendly and warm with a smile on her lips.

“It’s an honor to introduce myself to you, Her Royal Highness. I am Caitlyn Benevon, the lady-in-waiting. I’ll be looking after you.” She greeted with a curtsy and I nodded politely.

Caitlyn guided me to the right side. There were remarkable hand-painted portraits of several figures all through the corridors at large intervals. Its golden frame complimented with the dark maroon walls of the corridor.

“They are Goldsman’s ancestors. You must have heard of them, for sure.” She expectantly said while in truth, I barely know them.

I watched as Caitlyn finally stopped at a door; walking past many. She turned and bowed slightly before gesturing me to walk in. I did and gasped in surprise. The room was twice the size of my own room. Despite my own room being so huge, this was beyond that.

The walls were a lighter shade of that in the corridor; soothing yet marveling. A thick finely intricate pattern in gold divided the middle wall from the lower half in 3:1 ratio. The door opened in the middle. There was a mini drawing area with a huge LED on the slight left, a sitting area to the right. As we walked further, a mini kitchenette with cabinets was set beside the sitting area that looked more like a bar. It was well hidden but furnished with latest accessories. Going on further, there was a queen sized bed with drawers, leisure chairs, sofa, desk, a huge glass round table that was decorated with a single vase set in the middle and binge cushioned sofa chairs around it on one side. I spotted another door to the corner which was bathroom that was half the size of my room at home.

Everything here was white with creame colored walls. There were small pots and large under the huge round mirror, well stocked with towels, bathrobes and scented candles.

It was lavish! I loved the bathtub that was centered in the middle; huge!

Outside, the room that was portioned from the mini drawing area (if you could call it that) there was a walk-in room. Actually it was more like an exclusive store in a mall.

My favorite part was the balcony; lounge area as the others call. We can’t call it that, it’s a no-no in our noble families. To my surprise, it faced greenery with far-of mountainous view. I was stunned at its beauty. The chairs were white and stuffed with maroon cushions and throw pillows. It was best for relaxing, studying or whatever heck you wanted to do.

I sighed inwardly.

This room was beyond my expectations—but not the Goldsman’s though.

“I hope you’ll enjoy the stay, Princess Elma.” Caitlyn said and I smiled at her.

“Can you guide me to my room?” I asked that took her aback.

“Er… Is there a problem?” I asked and she shook her head.

“This is your room, Princess Elma.” She said and I frowned inwardly.

“Oh! This is too lavish to be a guest room.” I chuckled embarrassed and she looked like she wanted to say something.

“You are right, Princess Elma. This is not a guest room. Though, it isn’t less than your room still. His Majesty asked us to prepare a room for you. He said you’d be living here from now on.” She dropped a bomb guiltily and I froze.

Obviously, I doubted it; although, I wasn’t expecting it to be true.

“If there is any issue in the liking of this place do tell me. It’s my duty to ensure you get whatever you want.” She offered but I shook my head gingerly.

“Can I talk to the Sir?” I asked as she doubtfully nodded.

“I’ll take you to him.”

We were headed to the ground floor and to the left of the palace. It was huge honestly that I can feel my legs tiring. However, Caitlyn being my guide was really helpful. She kept giving me the tour as we walked. Truth be told, the artifacts, paintings, potteries, tapestries and even the décor items were so out of world that I hardly listened to what she said.

“His Majesty is in the study and wanted to see you here. So, please go ahead, Princess Elma.” She stopped abruptly outside the dark maroon hardwood door. I glanced at her anxiously but to my dismay she was called by someone else.

I stood there worried. As I stepped closer, my feet halted. There were voices; argument and something told me not to get involved.

Thus, I stayed. Their conversation was heard easily by my sensitive ears. It got awkward.

“What about your theory? You said it might be Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.” It sounded like King was upset about something.

“Sir, it was a guess. Since there are no signs of excessive hair growth or muscle weakness; we can rule that out. Though it seems to be genetic and somehow, I have a hunch that this issue is genetic too.” Another man sounded terrified.

I frowned as to what they were discussing. Slowly, the voices were hushed and I lost the link but soon, another warning tone was heard.

“That’s nonsense! There should be someone.” I jolted in my place.

What was going on? What could cause him to be so worked up? I thought he looked angry with my dad but hearing the king snap was something else. I heaved trying to calm down and wondered if I should just leave. It was impossible again if the King wanted me here.

Soon enough a man dashed outside in hurry. He seemed professional and I guess he was their physician. Since, there was another pause, I decided to walk in.

Just when I was ready to go inside, I heard footsteps and impulsively ducked to my side to avoid whoever it was. From the side, my eyes widened when the King and I guess, the Queen stepped outside. The King was in deep thoughts so he didn’t see me while the Queen was surrounded by another group of Privy members.

When they were out of sight, I absentmindedly walked and was startled when another person popped out of nowhere.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. While he was busy frowning, I stared silently at his physiques. He was about my age; no doubt and extremely handsome. He looked modern Adonis. His dusty copper hair appeared to be too soft. They were slightly longer and partitioned with half hair combed back while other small-half falling on forehead. His steps faltered and he stared hard with his head cocked to one side.

I forgot breathing at how dashing he looked. His eyes turned to me and slowly he walked dangerously up-to me; touching my arm. Electricity sparked between us and I couldn’t handle it. He was displeased about something. Nonetheless, I was drowned in his beautiful hazel eyes.

“Who are you?” He asked and I helplessly introduced myself.

My ears turned red at how weird I sounded. He threatened me and I was taken aback. I wanted to assure him that I had not heard of a thing but he was gone. It hurt me to be honest. He warned me for no reason and I didn’t like it a bit. Tears were ready to spill out of my eyes. To be treated like this was a new experience and I pray it was the last. My dad and our staff was the only people who were acquainted to me. They loved me dearly and treated me respectfully but I know I can’t cry.

‘A royalty should never let their emotions flow.’ My dad has taught me so, I wouldn’t cry.

Sucking in a deep breath I made my way towards the direction the King went earlier. As soon as I reached the huge wide drawing area in the middle I was stopped by few guards.

“Her Royal Highness!” they briefly nodded and I stayed put in my place.

“Princess Elma, I hope you like this place.” My eyes snapped in the King’s direction and I saw him giving me a hard look.

Immediately, the guards unblocked my path and I took it a sign to go ahead. There was the Queen and another person alongside him. Suddenly, I felt anxious under their skeptical gaze.

“Yes sir. Infact the palace is extremely beautiful along with every paintings and artifacts present here. Thank you for having me here, His Majesty.” I smiled and he looked pleased.

“Let me introduce you.” He announced and turned his back on me.

I stepped beside him keeping a foot distance.

“Queen Lara, Duke Charles, this is Princess of Albertville, Elma.” He announced and I fidgeted with my gown slightly; giving them my curtsy.

The Queen smiled softly and gave an acknowledging nod. As for the Duke of Camlittle, as introduced, had pensive face.

“I will try not to be a burden for the short time I am here.” I assured but heard a rustling by my side.

Alexander was now seated in front of me. To his left was the Duke of Camlittle and to his right was the Queen. The tension in the air was thick and I wondered if only I can feel it or others too.

“You aren’t going back, Princess Elma. From now on you are Goldsman’s responsibility.” The King said lazily and my eyes popped out.

I was dumbfounded. It wasn’t just me. Duke Charles was equally surprised and displeased, if I may add. As for the Queen, her smile disappeared but there was no other emotion on her face.

It was surprising how beautiful she looked. Somehow, she doesn’t resemble the Prince. Her eyes were blue, black hairs and long face with sharp nose, full red-lips and thick eyebrows. Her eyes were wide and there were no wrinkles to prove her age. She had glossy skin; envious worthy.

Her posture was delicate and screamed ages of experienced royalty.

“Forgive me, His Majesty. Wasn’t this just a meeting?” I asked afraid of offending him.

He did look like it. The king’s jaw clenched and he sighed inwardly.

“Your father committed a crime by going against the Royal orders. It wasn’t the first time and the damage was huge. So, this time his punishment was inevitable. Luckily, for him, I discovered you and unknowingly, you granted your father a chance to live by accepting my offer.” He explained and my grip on my other hand increased.

I don’t remember father telling me anything about it. It was frustrating but I am sure there must be a reason to that.

“Is there any problem with any of us here?” He asked and I stole glances at them.

“His Majesty, isn’t keeping her here against her will, inappropriate?” The Queen asked and the King shook his head.

“It’s a deal made by her father and me. I don’t think it is inappropriate on our part.” He brushed it off and I am not sure how I felt about it.

Dad was reluctant. He didn’t want me to be here in the first place due to some ‘curse’ that I am oblivious too.  

“But Sir, what kind of punishment would it be if he is off the hook? The Princess is young and I don’t see any benefit of her being here. Taking good care of her means favoring the Duke; all I know, he must be happy to see the Imperial king choosing his daughter.” The Duke spoke in a rush.

I felt he hated me for some reason.

“Charles, I don’t want to repeat myself. From now on, she will live here with us until deemed otherwise.” He announced a bit harshly and I bit my lips in concern.

His eyes roamed around before settling on me.

“Princess Elma, if there is any issue with the service you must let me know immediately. Even if you are here as per my wish, I would want you to think this place as your own home. Alright?” He asked and I just gulped the heaviness in my chest.

“I-I understand His Majesty.” I mumbled and heard him say ‘good’.

He dispersed the meeting and finally walked towards me. I wanted to shrink in one corner; feeling out of place.

“Make yourself comfortable. Later, you have to do a very important work for me.” He muttered and my head snapped up in daze.

“Work?” I asked and he nodded.

“There’s a reason why I brought you here. Don’t you think it would have been lame to grant your father his life in exchange of a girl?” He asked.

I was stupefied. Of course, there should be. That’s what I thought. It was absurd to bring someone’s daughter home for no reason and treat her well. Especially the daughter of a person he wanted to punish badly. Suddenly, I recalled my father’s fear. His cry clouded my memory and I felt uneasy.

Should I ask?

Before I could, the king patted my back and left me. I stared at his retreating back for what seemed like eternity.

What could it be? And what will happen if I am unable to do his work? Should I fear for my life?

There were numerous questions swarming in my head. I can only wait until he decides to discuss.

Or should I ask Caitlyn?