Eleven

The king was seated on a wooden bench, close to one of the overhead lights. His physique was illuminated and Arya could see the outline clearly. 

“You can go now,” he said to no one in particular, in his baritone voice. 

In a few seconds, Pittas had vanished leaving Arya to face the young monarch. She walked a few steps closer.

“My king,” she said, taking a respectable bow. He did not even honor it with a glance. 

“Come and sit,” he patted the empty space on the bench. 

“Okay,” she said and did as told. The king was silent. What was he feeling? Disappointed? Angry? Those would be prime emotions if he had found out that the innocent damsel in distress had turned out to be a scheming evil witch with a strong desire to see his family in ruins. 

And then he turned. His beautiful face was so close. There were many evil thoughts swirling in her mind as she looked at his delicious face.  

“We haven’t really talked since you started working with us,” he began, giving her a searching stare.

Duh, of course. What would a king have to discuss with a mere maid? She was not even a maid-of-honor.

“That’s true. But, I do understand. I’m just a maid and you are the king. I don’t not expect to get a chance to converse with you.”

“Why not? I do not see you as just a maid. Remember I met you before you became one, I made you one by offering you that job and I can make you to something else. You are a very beautiful woman but because of life’s circumstances, you ended up being a maid. It’s who you are on the inside that truly matters.”

Arya forced a bashful smile. He knew what he was doing, the shy kind of girls are never told this so that’s what he was doing. To win a girl over, words are very important. Tell her what she doesn’t hear often. The uneducated beautiful girl he thought she was would always hear she was beautiful. It would always be about looks.  Apparently, as the master in the game, he’d know how to win her over. What a Don Juan. 

“Thank you.” 

“How are you doing?” He looked into her eyes. Normal Arya would have stared back, challengingly. Bashful Arya turned away, wanting to make him feel like he was in total control. He’d like that. He wouldn’t fall for her but he’d be inclined to use her, and then with time, she’d use him too. Play it slow and easy.

“I’m okay.”

“Do you like the palace?”

“Yes.”

This conversation was so boring it was killing her. So this was what some men had to deal with. A beautiful woman who couldn’t maintain a conversation without small talk. 

“It’s really beautiful,” she looked around. “Never been to a garden as beautiful as this one.” 

“Really?” 

“Yes, well you have missed out on a lot but I’ll show you all the wonders in this one.” 

He stood up. “Come I’ll show you around, lady Arya.”

She giggled, placing her hand on his. The jolt of electricity shot up her body as she looked up at him, not missing the slight mile, curving his lips. Of course, he thought he had the upper hand, having finally won over the shy maid with a few useless words. If he knew what awaited him, he’d chose the better option to stay away from her. He led her towards the dimmer part of the garden. Had she been a naïve young girl, she would be feeling like the luckiest girl in the world because the king had finally noticed her. But, she knew better. The king was a wolf, like a lot of men, looking for a prey. Instead of feeling lucky, girls ought to feel scared in such instances.  This was a man who could use a woman and not hesitate to kill if necessary.

They reached what appeared to be the most beautiful part of the garden. Flowers formed a circle around it. Small light bulbs on the plants, lighting the area around. There were tree stumps curved into stools and placed close together. 

“It’s beautiful.” She said. 

“Not more than you are,” he was smiling at her. He pulled her closer to his side. Side hug. Cool. She felt warm, her body getting hotter each passing second. She felt like she was almost enjoying herself.

“You’re very beautiful,” he continued. Flattery will a get person to many places but Arya knew it would get him very far with her.

Arya knew this was not what she wanted. If she had to get herself used by this man, it was too early for it to happen. He took two steps forward, took her hands in his and leaned closer to kiss her. She waited, and turned just in time for his lips to land on her cheek instead of lips. 

“Why?” He asked, feigning hurt. The nerve! His voice was breathy and his body was pressing against her. He truly wanted her. 

“I can’t. I have never done this and my mother said the first kiss should be special.”  Arya felt like laughing at her own excuse. What a joke. She waited for his equally silly response. 

“It’s okay. I understand your need to wait. I like to wait too but you’re so irresistible. Been thinking of you all these past weeks and I badly want you. It’s all I think about and I’m burning so bad for you. You can feel it, I know. But it is okay. I respect you.”

Nonsense. She managed a small smile when he wasn’t looking. It’s so easy for the man who knows what to say to get laid. That, she could see.

“I feel so flattered, my king. For a man like you to want me, it’s incredible. Now I’m torn. My mother’s voice keeps ringing in my ears. You understand, don’t you? She said that if a man loved me, he would be willing to wait.” 

“Okay, I will wait, Arya.”

“Are you saying the truth?” 

“Yes.”

“I really want you very much so the next time we meet up, you can kiss me all you want.”

“I love that idea,” he caressed her cheek with his thumb. It took all of Arya’s will power not to surrender to the wickedly handsome man.

“You might just say that then go for someone else. My sister says-“

“There’s no one who can take my eyes off you.”

“What about mercy or the others?”

“Who is mercy? I don’t know those other maids’ names. You’re the best. If they were better, I would be with them.  As you can see, I only want to be with you. I have to go now, though.”

“My king, what about miss Adley. She goes to your room.”

“I don’t want her at all but she loves me so she follows me. I don’t know what to do. I can’t hurt her feelings. What do you think I should tell her?”

Arya scrunched her face, pretending to be thinking. “I really don’t know.”

“But you need to help me, Arrie.”

What a jerk. Did some women actually fall for this nonsense?