24
941 Words
Pearl Gem
Today’s sales were slow or maybe I simply didn’t interact with the customers the way I should have. With a bright smile, chuckles, and light-hearted responses to their mockery. No. That’s not what I did. Instead, I stayed quiet, lost in thought and sadness.
By evening, I decided to close up early. A few minutes after Mrs. Marshall locked her shop, I began packing up my flowers and shoes. I was about to drop the keys into my bag after locking the front door when I heard the sound of a car stopping behind me.
Slowly, I turned to see the driver step out. Riven. His Majesty’s man. My eyes studied the vehicle. It was different. No Majesty golden initials, no royal insignia on the plate. In silence, I turned back around, heart racing as he approached.
“His Majesty has summoned you,” He said behind me.
I didn’t answer. Instead, I fumbled with my bag and pulled out my phone. I already knew Her Grace wouldn’t accept today’s humiliation quietly. She’d want revenge. Her pound of flesh.
Quickly, I dialed His Majesty’s number, praying he’d answer before Riven whisked me away.
“Hi?” Kade King’s voice came through, deep and steady, freezing me in place.
All day, I’d felt hollow sad, bitter, and numb. But hearing his voice now was like balm on a fresh wound.
“Your Majesty…” I murmured, eyes fluttering closed at the strange flutter in my chest. “A car came. Was it your order?”
There was a moment of silence, making my pulse race.
“From Riven?” He asked.
“Yes.”
“Follow him. He wil be gentle with you,” He said softly.
I swallowed.
“Alright.”
He ended the call. I sighed quietly and returned the phone to my bag before slowly turning to face Riven again. He hadn’t moved. He stood still, watching me, waiting. When I approached, he opened the backseat door, just like he had earlier that morning.
I settled in, and he got behind the wheel, driving away from the Valley Flower Shop and into the unknown.
The drive lasted about half an hour, and eventually, we turned into a quiet, secluded road. The deeper we went, the more the tall trees gave way to a lone house, standing in the middle of nowhere.
The soft sound of crickets and the cool night breeze soothed my nerves. There was light coming from the house, but no signs of life around. Why had His Majesty brought me here?
As if answering my thoughts, the gate opened on its own, and the car came to a stop. Riven stepped out, opened the door for me, and I climbed out carefully. He led me to the entrance and opened the door before stepping aside. I hesitated, searching his eyes for something, anything, but found nothing I could read.
I stepped into the cozy hallway, lit warmly by a line of lamps. I glanced back and saw Riven return to stand beside the car. Guarding. Waiting. Loyal.
Turning away, I followed the hallway until it opened into a beautiful living room. Glass doors. Crystal chandeliers. Plush couches. Art-lined walls. From where I stood, I could see the outside. Riven still there, still watching. But no sign of Kade.
Was this some kind of test?
“Good evening.”
The voice behind me sent a jolt through my chest. I froze, breath hitching.
I would know that voice anywhere. Deep. Smooth. Commanding. The voice of Kade King.
Slowly, I turned, and the sight of him stole my breath.
He wasn’t in his usual fur coat or gold chains. No heavy royal jewels or flashy rings. Instead, he wore a simple long-sleeve sweatshirt and plain trousers. His earrings weren’t gold, just small studs. Even the chain around his neck was modest. Yet, even stripped down, he still radiated the power of a man who ruled, who conquered.
Kade King Majesty. The man who could kill without blinking. The man who always got what he wanted, no matter the cost. A dangerous man to fall for.
He stood silently, watching me. I let my eyes scan him and then I noticed his fingers. Paint. There was paint on them. Confusing. He was the cleanest man I’d ever seen. What was he doing with paint?
My question remained unanswered as he stepped forward, snapping me back to reality. My breath caught when he stopped in front of me. His eyes moved toward the window.
“He’s my trusted man. Riven is,” Kade said quietly. “If he ever comes for you, trust him. Only him. No one else.”
I nodded slowly, then lifted my gaze to his golden eyes.
“Your Majesty… You told me you’d be busy all day.”
He held my gaze, his voice softer now.
“I bailed out at the last moment. I wanted to see you.”
His confession cracked something open in me. His hand came up gently, caressing the side of my neck, pulling me toward him.
“I wanted to hold you so badly… to kiss your lips. I couldn’t think straight at work today. I know I have to see you tonight or.. or I’d go crazy.”
His voice was raw with desperation and I can tell he didn’t bother to hide his wants at all. His eyes says it all. His body moved on its own. I can fell he wanted me with so much force he simply just couldn’t control.
And with those words, he closed the space between us and kissed me.
- Writer
