Chapter 4: Reporting to The King

Noah

“Alex, keep an eye on her…make sure you find out everything about her,” I say, obviously intrigued by her.

I walked down the long, quiet hall toward the King's chambers. My boots were loud on the stone floor.

That woman. She cornered me. She knows a secret—something she shouldn’t. Now she’s forcing my hand.

A part of me is furious. “How dare she threaten me?”But another part is… curious. “It was a clever, bold move. I didn’t see it coming”.

But the King already knows the truth. Our plans are too important to be broken by her games. I have to tell him. It is the only way.

I feel frustrated that I was caught. Intrigued by her boldness. But mostly, I feel a cold dread. Telling the King I was weak enough to be cornered is a bitter feeling.

I must warn him. This disruption must be handled before it ruins everything. I just hope my honesty will prove my loyalty, not my failure.

I reached the heavy doors of the King's chambers and the guards let me pass.

The King was sitting at his large desk, looking over some papers. He glanced up as I entered. His face showed pure surprise. His eyebrows rose.

He put his quill down. "You never visit at this hour," he said. His tone was calm, but his look was one of complete curiosity. "What is it that brings you here so unexpectedly?”

The king, Nolen, my elder brother, and I have our agenda set in place. We were not going to let the aristocratic madness that our predecessors created ruin the great potential of our kingdom.

“I ran into a stray bird at the ball last night,” I say with a smirk on my face in a playful tone, as I was still intrigued.

The King laughs.

“There's a matter, I came to discuss with you,” I sound a little more serious now.

The king puts his paper down, “Is there a problem, Noah?” giving a curious look.

“Actually, there is, I'm afraid to say, but we are being blackmailed,” I say as I sit. The king shifts on his bed.

“I'm afraid we have been found out,” I look at my hands, “I have no idea how, but she knows”.

“You mean. You are being blackmailed by a woman?” He sounds amazed, “I find it hard to believe, I mean you are…you”.

“I'm afraid my charms have no effect on her,” I shake my head.

“What are her demands?” the king asks.

“She hasn't said anything… yet, but we have been put in quite the uncomfortable situation, “ I sigh, and the king raises his brow.

“I was put in a situation where I had to say we were engaged,” the king laughs, and I frown.

“This might be a good thing,” he said with a hint of amusement in his voice, “Just find out what her demands are, we need to tackle this matter, can't have outsiders getting in the way of our plans”.

“Our plans will not be disrupted…I'll make sure of it,” I bow and leave the king's Chamber.

The heavy door shut behind me with a soft thud. The quiet of the hall felt heavy after that talk.

I walked away, my steps quick on the stone floor. My mind was turning over and over. She has me trapped. The King knows, but her threat can still cause problems. I need a way out.

A tight feeling sat in my chest. I was both angry and impressed. She is clever. But I need to be smarter.

I need a plan. Something quiet. Something that fixes this without a messy fight. I clenched my jaw, thinking hard. There is always a solution. I just have to find it.

I stopped walking in the middle of the empty hall. There was no other way. Fighting her might just make things worse.

A deep feeling of irritation sat in my stomach. But under it, a flicker of curiosity. What does she actually want? Power? Money? Or just a game?

Fine. I will listen. I will let her say her terms. Knowing what she desires is the first step to controlling this. And maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to turn her game back on her.

My mind felt clearer now that the decision was made. I turned, my plan set. I would find her and hear her out.

I left the palace and rode in my carriage back to my own mansion. The tall iron gates swung open for me.

Inside, the quiet of my home was a relief. I walked straight to my study, the room dark except for the fire I asked a servant to light.

I sat behind my large oak desk. The first thing I did was write a short, clear note. I didn't beg. I simply asked her to meet me here, in my own house, on my terms. I sent a swift and quiet servant to deliver it.

Then I waited. I sat in my chair, staring at the fire. My house was my territory. Here, I had control. I was prepared to listen, but I was also prepared for anything else. Now, all I had to do was wait for her answer.