The king mistress

chapter 2: stranger

Elara couldn't stop thinking about the stranger she had seen at the market.

There had been something unusual about him.

The way he looked at her had made her heart beat faster, even though she couldn't explain why.

"Stop staring into space," Sophia teased as they walked back toward the estate.

"I'm not."

"You've been quiet since we left the market."

Elara glanced at her.

"I was just thinking."

"About him?"

Elara immediately looked away.

"I don't even know who he is."

Sophia laughed.

"Exactly. So forget him."

Elara nodded, but she couldn't.

She didn't know that the man she had met at the market was King Adrian.

And she certainly didn't know that he had already ordered his guards to find out who she was.

---

That evening, Elara sat at the dinner table with her parents.

Her father was speaking about the kingdom's upcoming royal celebration when a servant entered the room.

"Sir, a royal messenger has arrived."

Her father frowned.

"A royal messenger?"

The servant nodded.

"He carries a message from the palace."

Elara's heart skipped.

The servant handed her father a sealed letter.

He opened it and read silently.

"What does it say?" Elara asked.

Her father looked at her.

"The king is inviting several noble families to the royal celebration next week."

Sophia, who was visiting, smiled.

"That sounds exciting."

Elara forced a smile.

She had no idea that the invitation had very little to do with her family.

It was because of her.

---

Across the kingdom, King Adrian stood beside his bedroom window.

"Did you find her?" he asked.

His guard bowed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Adrian turned.

"Her name?"

"Elara."

The king repeated the name quietly.

"Elara."

For some reason, it felt familiar already.

"Who is her family?"

"A respected noble family. Her father owns several estates and has served the crown faithfully for years."

Adrian nodded.

"Send them an invitation to the royal celebration."

The guard hesitated.

"Your Majesty, may I ask why?"

Adrian's expression hardened.

"No."

The guard immediately bowed.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After he left, Adrian looked out the window again.

He could still remember Elara's face.

He had met countless women who wanted his attention.

But she hadn't even known who he was.

That was what made her different.

And he wanted to see her again.

---

The next morning, Elara woke to unexpected news.

Her mother entered her room carrying a beautiful dress.

"We have received an invitation from the royal family."

Elara's eyes widened.

"The king?"

Her mother nodded.

"Yes."

Elara stared at the dress.

She didn't know why, but suddenly, she remembered the mysterious man from the market.

The stranger with the unforgettable eyes.

She had no idea that she was about to meet him again.

And this time, she would discover exactly who he was.