TWO RICH MEN FOR A MAID

CHAPTER 6: KASSANDRA'S NAME SPREAD

The story of Kassandra's kindness towards the children spread like wildfire, reaching even the royal palace.

Servants and nobility alike whispered her name, their voices hushed with reverence. "I heard she sings to them, every night before bedtime. Songs of love and peace and joy," one servant said. "And she comforts them when they have nightmares or cry for their mothers."

"I heard she makes toys for them, out of nothing but twigs and stones. Such beauty and craftsmanship, you wouldn't believe it," another chimed in.

The tales of Kassandra's kindness grew, like a weed taking root and spreading through the palace.

"Did you hear she takes them on adventures?" a noblewoman said, her eyes shining with wonder. "To the top of the hill, where the wildflowers grow, or down to the river to catch tadpoles. And she tells them stories, stories of knights and princesses and dragons."

The whispers grew louder, the excitement more palpable. They spoke of Kassandra's beauty, her gentle touch, her selflessness.

As the days passed, Elvis heard more and more about Kassandra. Word had traveled far and wide of her arrival at the palace, and the gossip and speculation were rife.

One night, as Elvis sat in the grand dining hall, his advisors came to him with news.

"Your Majesty," said one of them, bowing low. "We have received a report from the village where Kassandra resides."

Elvis leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "And what does this report say?" he asked, his voice low and measured.

"Indeed, sir," the advisor replied, sensing Elvis's admiration for Kassandra. "And her beauty is said to be unparalleled. The people of the village speak of her in whispers, saying that she has a radiance about her, a glow that comes not from her physical appearance but from her inner strength and kindness."

Elvis smiled, his heart quickening at the thought of Kassandra. "A beauty that comes from within, then," he said, his eyes shining with intrigue. "Such a woman must be seen to be believed."

"Sir, if I may make a suggestion," the advisor ventured, his voice respectful but eager. "Why not send a messenger to Kassandra, inviting her to the palace? You could meet with her yourself, speak with her, and see for yourself the truth of these rumors."

Elvis nodded, his decision made. "Yes, you are right. Send a messenger to the orphanage immediately, and tell Kassandra that I would be honored by her presence at the palace. I must meet this woman who has captured the hearts and minds of the kingdom."

As the sun rose over the palace walls, a messenger set off on his horse, carrying Elvis's summons to Kassandra.

In the days that followed, the palace was abuzz with anticipation. Servants scrubbed the floors until they gleamed, while others adorned the hallways with flowers and garlands.

Elvis sat in his private chamber, poring over maps and documents, when a knock sounded at the door.

"Enter," he called, not looking up from his work.

The messenger stepped into the room, his face weary and his clothes covered in dirt and dust.

"Sir," he said, his voice low and apologetic. "I regret to inform you that I was unable to locate the orphanage home. I questioned the locals, searched the forests, but it seems to have vanished from the face of the earth."

Elvis sighed heavily, frustration and concern evident in his eyes. "Thank you for your efforts," Elvis said, his voice strained. "Return to your quarters and rest. We will find another way to uncover the truth."

The messenger bowed and left the chamber, leaving Elvis alone with his thoughts. He stared down at the map, his finger tracing the route the messenger had taken, his mind whirring with possibilities.

"Kassandra," he murmured, his voice a whisper in the silence. "Where are you?"

He knew he must find her, for himself. Elvis paced back and forth in his chamber, deep in thought, as he tried to figure out how to find Kassandra. He considered all the possible scenarios, his mind racing with ideas.

"Perhaps I could disguise myself," he mused aloud. "Pretend to be a traveler, seeking shelter at the orphanage. Or maybe I could send an agent in my stead, one more time. One with skills of subterfuge and disguise."

He paused, his gaze landing on his suit of armor that stood in the corner of the room, while also staring at his golden suit." A thought struck Elvis, and he strode over to the suit of armor. "Yes, that's it," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I will don this armor and go to the woods, disguised as a knight on a quest. I won't be wearing a billionaire golden suit."

"I will search for the orphanage home and, if I find it, I will reveal myself to Kassandra. She will trust a knight, and I will learn the truth of the matter."

He began to don the armor, a sense of excitement building within him. His mood suddenly switched to Edmond.

"Ah, Edmond," Elvis murmured to himself, his fingers deftly fastening the straps of his armor. "How I wish you were here with me now. Your loyalty and guidance have always been a beacon in my darkest moments." He gave a smooth smile "I am missing you already my friend." He sighed, his eyes falling on the empty space beside him, where Edmond would have stood. "I pray that you're safe."

Elvis sat between his armor and his golden suit, each garment representing a different side of his character. He gazed from one to the other, as if weighing his options, his eyes reflecting the inner conflict he felt. On the one hand, he saw the armor as a symbol of his quest, a tool to help him find Kassandra and the orphanage. But on the other hand, he saw his golden suit as a reminder of his status and power, a symbol of the life he had always known.