The King’s Prisoner

Chapter 6

~Tori~

I stared out of the window, enjoying looking at the beautiful sunlight. Fall was beginning to arrive as the leaves had a hint of red, yellow, and orange in them. I watched how so many people arrived. They were definitely dressed for the occasion. They didn’t even know that it was a prisoner held in the very same place where the coronation is being held. I huffed out a breath and walked back to the bed. I was stuck here still imprisoned with no clue how this will end. Oh yes I do, I “die”. I sat on the edge of the bed with my hands in my lap when two maids entered the room. “Hi lady Victoria. I’m Emily and this is Sophia.” Their cheerful smile was genuine and I smiled back.

“Hi ladies. What can I do for you?”

“Actually, it’s what we can do for you.”

I squinted my eyes at them wondering what game they were playing. “I’m sorry?”

“You’re going to the Coronation,” Emily said excitedly.

“We see how the King looks at you. Despite everything that’s happening, you’re special to him. And honestly, we don’t think you killed his father. The former King was an- an,”

“Oh just say it, Sophia,” Emily scolded.

“An asshole. Rumor has it that he would beat on his wife. We didn’t believe it at first. But one night she came into the kitchen with glasses on.” I didn’t say anything. Just stared at these two bubbly women. “It was dark. Why have sunglasses on in the dark? She also went into the freezer for some ice.”

“So you’re telling me that the King wasn’t a good man?” I was a little more relaxed. They were easy to talk to.

“He was good for the country as long as his secrets were safe,” Emily revealed.

“What secrets?” I asked, hoping they would talk some more. My heart sank when they changed the subject. I was hoping to use this against Adrian.

“We have to quickly get you dressed,” Sophia exclaimed.

“And do your hair and makeup.” Emily chimed in. God I was curious to know the secrets the former King carried.

“You guys do know that I’m a prisoner. You’ll be in trouble if he finds out I’m out of the room. Why risk that for me?” They were sweet but I would feel guilty if they got caught. I wasn’t worth that.

“We were prisoners once too,” Sophia confessed. “Not here. For Prince David. Adrian actually saved us and managed to get us jobs as a royal maids to the queen and now you.” They made it sound like he wasn’t so bad, but I knew the truth.

“This is still a bad idea. He’s going to know that it’s me. I don’t want you to go through all of that trouble.”

“Oh please, Miss Victoria. He’s not going to make a scene,” Sophia said. I still wasn’t unsure, but this will be the first time I wasn’t locked away. At least for a few hours, I can enjoy my freedom.

I caved and agreed to going to the coronation and the girls quickly helped me get ready. I’ve never had this type of pampering, not even for prom. When they were finished, they turned me towards the mirror. I didn’t look like a prisoner, no I looked like I belonged in their world. The beautiful black dress clung to my body.

They snuck me through the kitchen and had me walk in when all of the wait staff entered. I looked around and watched as everyone mingled and realized that I knew no one here. Outside this kingdom was a whole different world. The announcer introduced Adrian and shortly after he emerged. I was stuck as I watched him slowly walked down the stairs with so much power. He dominated the entire room and everyone had their undivided attention on him. He swore in vowing to his duty as the new King of Adenville. After the coronation ceremony, people began to dance.

“Excuse me, miss?” I turned to a good looking guy. He was at least 5’11 compared to my 5’4. He had light brown eyes with sandy brown hair. He raises his eyebrow at me. It was something so familiar about him. His features remind me of the king. I bowed to him and he bowed back.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. What is your name?” I couldn’t tell him my real name as I’m sure everyone in this kingdom knows about me and would probably have my head on a platter. So I lied.

“Lady Olivia.” From the way that he’s dressed, I knew he was royalty.

“My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He kissed my hand.

“It is my pleasure as well, my prince,” I said as I frowned with confusion. He flashed his perfect teeth.

“Oh just Jasper is fine,” he said.

“Jasper,” I smiled. He returned my smile before awkwardly clearing his throat. “May I have this dance?”

I’ve never danced in events like this before. Everything about this kingdom was different. From its music, to the people, to the way that they dance was completely different from the rest of the world.

“I’m not sure I’ll be a good dancer,” I said shyly.

He chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Follow my lead.” He extended his hand waiting for my hand. Please don’t let me regret this. I nodded and placed my covered hand in his. Once we were on the dance floor, he twirled me around and pulled me close to him. His hand landed on my lower back, causing me to shiver.

“You’re not so bad,” he says. We moved in sync perfectly, but I couldn’t help but feel like I was being watched. As Jasper twirled me around, I can see exactly who was watching me and boy did he look pissed. Our eyes connected and his murderous glare made me shiver, but just as quick, Jasper had me back facing him. He shot an eyebrow up.

“Are you okay? You look like you’re about to throw up.”

I gave him a fake smile and before I could answer, Adrian approached us. “I can take it from here, little brother.” Jasper didn’t argue with him, instead, he nodded and moved out of the way. “My lady, it was a pleasure.”

“Thank you, my prince,” I said awkwardly. He smiled and walked away. Adrian bowed before me before taking my hand and pulling me into his arms. He looked at me coldly, causing my spine to stiffened. Or maybe it was his hand around my lower back, gripping my waist really hard. He was pinching me, applying pressure. He wasn’t hurting me.

“What the hell are you playing at, Victoria?” His voice held so much venom. It made me angry at how bad he wanted me to fear him.

“My King, you’re hurting my waist.” He ignored my protest, waiting for an answer. I rolled my eyes at him.

“I’m not playing at anything. I’m an innocent woman who you’re going to murder without having all of the facts. At least if I’m going to die, let me enjoy my last days alive. Now release my damn waist.”

He laughed as if I said the funniest thing ever.

“You are my prisoner, mine to do with what I please. I see being nice to you has gotten me nowhere. So, now we’re going to play my game.” He practically dragged me from the dance floor up to the stairs. Once we were at the top, he turned us around towards everyone. I tried to pull my hand away but he just squeezed it.

“Excuse me everyone! I have an announcement to make.” Everyone stopped and looked at us. The room was instantly silent. I didn’t know what he was about to say and had no choice but to wait.

“As your King, it is my duty to serve the people of Adenville with the utmost respect. Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.” He turned to me, glaring at me with a masked expression. “In this case, I have admired this beautiful woman since I first saw her. She’s courageous, outspoken, and believes in the innocence of people.” He was speaking so highly of me that he almost made me believe every word he spoke, but I knew better. “She would make a great queen and that is why I would like to announce my engagement. Meet my lovely fiancée, Lady Victoria.”