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The King decided to take another walk around the palace. Since discovering the laundry facilities, he realized that there were many aspects of the palace that he knew nothing about. As he was walking, he spotted the same curly-haired maid running toward the laundry room. The King raised an eyebrow as he watched her run. Intrigued, he walked into the laundry room and saw one of the other maids berate her for being late.
“She was running an errand for me,” the King said calmly, as he stood in the doorway. The maids turned to see the King standing there. They quickly bowed their heads. The curly-haired maid’s eyes widened when she saw the King. She quickly bowed.
“My apologies, your Majesty, I did not know,” said the other maid.
“No worries,” the King replied and gestured for the curly-haired maid to follow him. They walked outside to where the bed sheets were hung. “Your supervisor?” the King asked her.
“Yes, thank you for getting me out of trouble,” she replied as she exhaled in relief. She had been late again. This would have been the last straw if it weren't for the King and she really needed the job.
“What's your name?” the King asked her. She was standing a few paces away from him looking at the ground.
“Zara, your Majesty,” she replied and bowed her head. The King grunted and slid his hands in his pockets as he regarded her. There was something fascinating about this girl and he wanted to know more.
“How did the re-washing go last time?” he asked her. She gave him half a smile.
“I got in trouble for that.”
“I am sensing that this is an ongoing occurrence.”
“It's not like that, your Majesty, honestly. I don't do it on purpose.” Zara was already in panic mode and she didn’t want him thinking that she screwed up all the time. The King laughed softly.
“Relax, I am teasing.”
Zara sighed deeply. She did not know how to react to him teasing her. The whole situation was strange for her. She was a lowly palace maid but here she was standing with the King. It all felt unreal to her.
The King smiled and turned to leave. “Thank you once again, your Majesty!” Zara called out behind him. The King gave her a nod and carried on walking as he headed back to his office. Zara watched him walk away. This was far too odd. She was an ordinary laundry girl and yet the King had spoken to her for the second time. No doubt, there was going to be talk.
Oo00oO
The King dressed in a black tuxedo and a crisp white shirt. They were expecting a larger crowd at the Ball this season once word that his younger brother, Basil and his wife, Saja would attend. These events had grown tiresome for him because he had to spend most of it with the queen on his arm and pretend that everything was perfect. Perhaps this time, some of the novelty of the Prince and his wife would take the pressure off him.
The queen walked into the King’s quarters. She was dressed in a long, silver evening gown that complemented her shape and colouring. She kissed the King on both cheeks. “You look handsome,” Amira said as she adjusted his bowtie. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her. He couldn’t remember the last time she complimented his appearance. He detested that he was constantly scanning for ulterior motives anytime his women sought him out or said anything out of the ordinary.
As they entered the ballroom together, the queen linked her arm around his. Everyone turned to watch them walk in as they smiled in greeting. Tiana rolled her eyes as she sipped her champagne. It should have been her on his arm. Being the unofficial wife had its downs. She always had to be present at public events but in the shadows.
Saja stood next to Basil with her arm linked around his. She had to smile constantly as the guests greeted them. This kind of event was new to her, but Basil was a pro as he greeted each person with a smile. They all bowed to him with so much respect. Saja was impressed at how easily Basil found something to say to each person. He was so at ease while all Saja could think about was how soon they could leave.
The King went to his younger brother the first moment he saw an opportunity. He had been occupied with many of the sheiks hoping to bend his ear, as everyone wanted his attention. He smiled as he approached his brother and sister-in-law.
“How are you finding the Ball?” he asked Saja.
“Quite alright,” she responded with a smile.
He raised his eyebrows at her. He did not believe her answer. “Lies,” the King said. Even Basil knew she was not being honest. She had not spoken the words but she was bored to death with the whole thing.
Saja laughed, “I am
trying to get used to it all.”
The King held out his hand to Saja and the other tucked behind his back. Saja placed her hand in his and accepted his offer to dance as the two of them walked to the dance floor. The King gently placed his hand on her lower back and held her hand in his other hand keeping a friendly distance as they danced.
“She is marvellous,” a familiar voice sounded from behind Basil. He turned to find the beautiful and tempting Tiana standing there with a champagne glass in her hand.
“The most beautiful woman in this room,” Basil added.
“Not I?” Tiana laughed playfully. She was used to being the best-looking woman wherever she went. Basil laughed also. “Not long ago, you were set against marriage.”
“Why does everyone feel the need to remind me of that?”
