Cassia’s POVI counted with my fingers: three, two, one—ignoring her head shake that discouraged me from my audacious plan. I pulled her with me, bumping into the weak door and immediately running like our behinds were on fire.I had checked this door earlier and seen that it led to a busy side of the market. People bumping into each other and the colorful noise was a perfect blend of chaos but not for long.“Cassia, what—” Diane tried to say something, but I pressed a finger to my mouth, signaling her to wait.He was probably right on our tail. Our voices and scents could make it easy for him to find us, so I whispered to her,“Do you remember the way to the cart?”This side of the market was completely different and confusing. She shook her head.Okay, think, Cassia.It wasn’t long, half walking and running through the crowd, before we spotted a little hill at the end of the market and took the turn. Thankfully, it led us to a small stream. I looked around quickly before speaking, “
Cassia’s Pov “Here you go,” Sienna dropped my dinner in front of me. “Thanks, Enna.” I stretched out my shaky hands to gulp down the water. I had practically flown from the meeting room to find my friends for emotional support. “Stop shaking, girl. You’re fine.” “Then where have you ever heard the head matron threaten someone because of the King?” I cried out. To which Diane simply shrugged. “First of all, we’ve never encountered this situation with the King. I think the head matron was just worried you’re doing something to drag out the usual one-night stand?” Sienna’s point came out unsure. “Or she wanted to warn you not to feel too important and brag about it.” She finished with a shrug. I shook my head. “I won’t brag about anything, I don’t even want anyone to find out… This potato mash is bland.” Sienna ignored my complaint. “Thought you said ‘nothing’ was going on? So what don’t you want anyone to find out?” “Nothing. Just my favors with the King.” “And it was ‘favor
Cassia’s POV We were barely inside the cottage before he pulled me by the waist, turning me around and crashing his soft lips onto mine. I responded with equal fervor. My body had been humming with sensual vibrations since our horse ride, and I could barely realize that he was leading us into the room while his fingers found the zipper of my uniform dress and expertly stripped it off me, leaving me in my underwear. It was when he dropped me unceremoniously on the bed that I realized how serious this was going to be. Am I ready for that step? Sensing my hesitation, he assured me, ‘Relax, Issa. I’m not going there yet. I just want to make you feel good… you want that?” I couldn’t find my voice as his large body hovered over mine, supported by his elbows. I nodded. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered looking into my eyes, before resuming the kiss. I moaned into his mouth as he gripped my jaw, sliding to my neck, before holding my mound and freeing it from my bralette confinement
Cassia’s Pov “Isn’t the weather beautiful today?” The clouds shielded the sun, creating a pleasant atmosphere. “You’ve been way too interested in the weather lately, girl. It’s weird. You’re always talking about it,” Diane pointed out. “Really?” I hadn’t realized how often I’d been bringing it up. We were carrying lunch to the stables for the servants, and I was helping them. We’d packed our own meals to eat together, as my girlfriends had the rest of the day off. I’d woken up this morning unprepared to encounter the king, so I’d lied about my wrist still hurting. “Yeah, from ‘the weather’s lovely today’ to ‘it’s so cloudy and perfect’ and ‘a picnic would be great under this weather.’ You’re like a broken record, Cassie.” I pouted at Sienna’s spot-on remark. “Whatever,” I mumbled, just as I spotted Groth walking toward us, looking tired. “You girls could walk faster, you know, Cassia?” He sighed. “Haven’t seen you in ages. You look… chubby.” I frowned, “Nice to see you too.
Cassia’s Pov Entering this garden felt surreal, and the sight of soldiers guarding it—who didn’t even spare me a glance—was exhilarating. The highlight had to be Larmy the turd, watching me as I walked in, but I couldn’t bring myself to feel proud of my connection with the king. Pride wasn’t really my thing. I was lucky to receive this favour and knew it could be taken away at any moment.The colours of the water flowing from the grand fountain were mesmerizing. I made a mental note to ask the king why they were different colors.When my legs began to ache from walking around too much, I decided to return to the king and encountered Cindy at the entrance of the garden. She stood at the threshold, anger etched on her face, glaring at me.“What’s the problem, Cindy? Why are you glaring at me?” I approached her.“The king sent me to inform you that your meal is here,” she spat out with disgust.“Then why didn’t you come get me?” I asked confused. Why had she just stood there until I ca
Cassia’s POV Sienna’s words annoyingly replayed in my mind. Playing with my life? I scoffed internally. I wasn’t the one actively pursuing the king, now was I? “Aren’t you supposed to resume tomorrow?” a familiar voice spoke beside me. I jerked out of my thoughts. Looking around, I realized I had absentmindedly walked into the King’s quarters. I replied to Sir Reckon, “I didn’t realize I was coming here.” I wanted to turn back but stopped myself and faced him. “Actually, I’d like to see the King. Is he here?” He gave a single nod. “In his study. Go in.” I wasn’t sure that’s how it worked. “Won’t you ask him if he wants to see me?” I whispered. Reckon rolled his eyes. “As if he doesn’t know you’re here already and would have ordered them,” he glanced at the stiff guards at the study door, “to get you out of here if he didn’t want to see you.” He can smell me all the way from outside the door? I entered gingerly and bowed when I approached him. He was seated, looking every b