Chapter 2 -- PEACEFUL NIGHT

Written by Evelyn Mba

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I won't say it again Lara. He said piercing his eyes with hers.

  The atmosphere changed, the silence stretched longer than usual.

Princess Lara stood, her hands akimbo to know what he was going to do.

  She wouldn't come here and get intimidated.

He mumbled some words and looked up.

You're still clothed Lara.

Yes, and I don't get why I should strip. Lara almost yelled but keep calm.

    

Richard. He called.

A guard came in, he looked rough but gentle too.

  Take the Princess to my garden and make sure she trims my flowers there very well.

What??

What a game you're playing Nicklaus. She said and he looked up.

You talk a lot Lara. He whispered and sighed...

She walked out of his room, strolling behind Richard the guard.

She wasn't going there to trim flowers but to see the garden he talked about.

Few minutes later, the were there.

Wow, escaped her lips. She was surprised. 

He has a place this beautiful. She muttered.

Hey, come here. She said to a guard.

You know how to trim flowers. Right? She said in a flat tone.

 Yes, your Highness. The guard said.

Good, trim this garden very well. I'll be back by 2:00pm. She said and walked away.

She doesn't lift a thing in her Kingdom but he asked her to trim flowers.

💮💮💮💮💮

King Nicklaus was exhausted and sleepy. But he decided to take a night walk.

He doesn't sleep at night, he doesn't want to go back to that night.

That night he witnessed his parents death.

He closed his eyes and let the breeze do their thing.

The evening was cool and peaceful.

King Nicklaus wanted to sleep as much as everyone but he couldn't. That night keep taunting him.

He was strolling back to his room to do more scroll reading and writing, then he heard a voice.

  The coolest voice ever, so angelic.

He stopped walking and turned around, he had to see this person. His head going up and down looking for the person singing.

He stood dead at his track, she can't be the one singing.

A crazy person like Lara can't sing this.

Such Angelic voice, he stood dumbfounded staring at her sing.

*****

Princess Lara sang with every bit of her, she loves singing , seated on the green lawn she sang her heart out, pouring out her emotions in the dark silence- filled night.

The palace was beautiful unlike hers in Tules. She stood up waking to her room. She had sang enough.

She walked to a point, her blue eyes met a deep sea - green. 

She gulped, he had heard her sing.

That was nice. King Nicklaus said his face masked with that unreadable expression.

Uhmm.. Thank you. Princess Lara found herself saying.

No one knows she sang, she hated the feeling of being talked about.

She was already walking past him, but he got her arm.

Follow me to my Chambers. He groaned staring at her.

She nodded and silently followed him.

He was surprised but did not show it. She had followed him without talking.

*****

They got to the Chamber, that was when it dawn to Lara that they had been holding hands.

She quickly withdrew her hands.

Why am I here Nicklaus? Lara asked staring at him, searching for answers.

I want you to sing me to sleep. I haven't gotten a good sleep for years. He said after a brief silence.

Silence came and filled the air. She wanted to decline but then ' years ', she definitely heard ' years '.

She sighed and sang, pouring out her emotions. Not withhelding one.

She looked up and saw a sleepy Nicklaus..

Maybe, this was what he needed, Peace....

•••••

The chirping of birds was heard by King Nicklaus as he opened his eyes.

  He looked around the room, looking for nothing in particular.

Then he remembered... She was here and she made him sleep in ease. He shook his head in disbelief.

He woke up and took his bath. And continued his daily activity.

Still reminiscing on last night events. He  recalled that voice. It was angelic and pure.

Call me Princess Lara. He said.

Yes, your majesty. Richard said and bowed.

He went in search of the Princess.

Princess Lara walked around the palace, admiring everything she saw.

The palace was huge and beautiful too...

She decided to visit the garden.. the most beautiful place ever.

She had left her room without her guards and maid. She wanted to take a better view.

She walked into the garden admiring and touching each flower.

She loved flower, it was a part of her.

She sat on the grass, running her hands on the flowers.. she loves it here.

What are you doing here? A cold voice came out.

Uhh... It's definitely him. She muttered.

Ohh, Nicklaus what's the Problem? She said and looked away.

What are you doing here? His voice came again.

What does it look like am doing. She snapped at him and continued moving.

If he had known, that she detest yellers.

Get out. He grinned with rage.

She saw it, rage, a killer's rage.

Okay, if you say so. She said heading to the passage.

Don't ever step your feet here again or else... He went dumb, he doesn't wanna say it.

For the first time, she saw the rage filled in his eyes.

What could have happen?

Does he hate her that much or is it her hate for him that's causing this. She wondered.

****

Princess Lara went to her room. She needed  answers.

Like, why would the garden be that sacred?

Why did he change that much? Cause from the stories she heard he was a playful and cheerful person.

Just one night changed everything.

She was lost in thoughts when Kali came in, her personal maid.

My Princess, how are you holding up. Kali said sitting on the bed.

Am good Kali, can you tell me more about the King? Lara said.

Uhmm, actually it's not my place to say anything Princess. Am truly sorry. Kali said bowing down.

She was scared , Lara saw it. They fear in her to say a thing about the King.

It's okay, maybe next time.

A knock came in and guard yelled from outside.

Your Highness, the King demands your presence. He said and left.

He yelled at her and now he wants to talk. 

Hmph.

She's going to deal with him today.

Princess Lara walked into the Kitchen with a glass of wine, the maids bowed as she walked in.

Your Highness, do you need something? A maid asked staring at the glass of wine .

Yes, give me Chilli Pepper. She said and looked around.

Huh, chilli pepper. The maid repeated.

Yes, and do it faster please...

Lara was given a grinded pepper, she smirked and poured a little quantity into the wine.

  He shouldn't dare her, she's crazy.

She shook the wine and headed for his room.

He deserves a wine .

T. B. C