Seeking The Present

Chapter 6 - The Audience with the King.

We got back to our rooms and we all seemed to file into my room.

“That was ridiculous.” Lee said sitting on the bed. Arnold laid on the end of the bed and stared at the ceiling.

“I need out of this dress.” I said and they both looked at me. I grabbed some pajamas and walked into the bathroom. I came back out and tossed the dress onto a near by chair. I went and sat next to Lee on the bed.

“Well I think he liked you Hannah.” Lee said pulling me into him.

“Right. It was my great story telling, but we know he liked Arnold.” I said and Arnold closed his eyes.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous to talk to anyone in my entire life.” Arnold uttered and I laughed. “Seriously the guy looked like he could kill us with one punch.” Arnold propped himself up and turn to us.

“That’s true, I was nervous as well.” Lee said to Arnold.

“There’s something I can’t put my finger on about him. Something off.” I bit my finger thinking about how he talked and how pompous he acted.

“Well, he acted like I always thought a king would act.” Lee said brushing my hair behind my ear. I looked at him and he went to kiss me.

“Ahem.” We looked at Arnold who glared at us. “I’m still here you know?” He jumped up and stormed out.

“I should call James anyways, but first.” Lee said and turned back kissing me.

“Do you have to?” I whined.

“I have to, I promised.” Lee said to me as he leaned in and kissed me again.

“Ok, I’m quite tired. I might go to sleep.” I said to him as I rubbed his chest.

“You’re making this hard to go aren’t you?” Lee laughed.

“I’m trying to!” I said with a giggle.

“Separate rooms, kings orders!” Lee joked.

“So because he isn’t getting any, none of us can?” I said and Lee burst out laughing. “What!?” I said pushing him away.

“He doesn’t look like a dude who’s lacking in the s*x department. The guy is chiseled by Zeus himself!” Lee smirked.

“Gross.” I said and covered up.

“Aww come on Hannah!” Lee grabbed me and hugged me.

“No no by all means! Go make your phone call! It’s soooooo important.” I was irritated with him now. Lee sighed.

“Ok, I love you, I’ll see you in the morning.” He got out of the bed and got to the door and stopped.

“I love you too bonehead.” I laughed to myself and he shook his head and left. I was pretty exhausted after everything and I closed my eyes drifting slowly off to sleep.

Thunder.

Thunder.

The sound cracked in my dream.

“Hannah… Hannah… HANNAH!” I jolted forward and looked around the room and my eyes landed on DeAnna.

“Good morning Hannah! Sorry to wake you but it’s already 10:30 in the morning and you have a meeting at noon sharp!” I looked at DeAnna.

“Ok…” I got out of bed and dragged myself to my clothes. I stopped and turned to see DeAnna still there smiling. “Was there something else?” I asked her.

“Yes! You missed breakfast, so King Barion would like to take you to lunch after. Just you.” This woke me up.

“Just me? I don’t think so.” I said waving my hand and going back to looking for clothes.

“Oh King Barion instructed me to give you this response if you reacted this way! He was not asking. He’s telling you.” She smiled and I stared at her in shock.

“So I have to go? I can’t say no?” I asked her.

“Precisely Ms. Langoria! Now hurry, we have a meeting!” She walked out and I stood there still in shock. I grabbed something and threw it on. Both the guys came in at 11:45 ready to go and stopped looking at me in plain white T shirt and jeans. My hair was in a messy bun. I grabbed my cardigan and looked at them.

“Hannah you’re under dressed.” Arnold looked at me.

“Yeah, we can’t go with you like that. You’re going to offend King Barion!” Lee said unhappy.

“Fine!” I grabbed the dress from yesterday and stripped down in front of them.

“What’s wrong with you!?” Lee got mad grabbing me and taking me into the bathroom.

“Barion upset me ok!” Lee stared at me waiting for a response. “Fine fine! I’ll throw on a sun dress I don’t care.” I walked out still in my bra and panties. Arnold turned around.

“Hannah! Come on!” Lee looked upset.

“It’s nothing Arnold hasn’t seen before.” I slipped the dress on and looked at a mad Lee.

“Let’s go.” He said walking out and Arnold turned back grabbing the shoes I was trying to put on and helped me into them letting me use his shoulder to steady myself.

“It’s ok Hannah.” Arnold took my hand and I smiled at him. We went off to follow Lee. Jensen greeted us at the bottom of the stairs. He tapped his watch.

“You’re going to be late.” He said as we walked to the other end of the villa. “I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t be on time for his majesty!” Jensen was obviously upset. He stopped outside the doors. “Hannah, front and present! Oh dear twelve o’ one! Oh dear.” Jensen positioned me and looked at me. “Smile!” He opened the doors. It almost reminded me of a church the way it was set up. We walked down a long red carpet with rows of empty seats. Only the front had a few people but only DeAnna did I recognize. Barion sat in a large majestic chair. His head resting on his hand looking bored beyond belief.

“Jensen! You’re late!” He slammed his hand down.

“My apologies!” He bowed.

“I apologize Barion, I couldn’t find anything I liked to wear. Please don’t take it out on him.” People looked in disbelief that I was so informal.

“Understandable. Jensen, you’re excused for the day.” Jensen looked hurt and turned walking away.

“Hannah Lagoria!” He called out. He lifted his hand and gestured with his finger for me to come here. I stepped forward. “I called you here to find if there was truth behind the rumors. Thanks to you and your suitors, the rumors were confirmed to be fact.” Whispers erupted through the small collection of people. “SILENCE!” He slammed his hand down again. Even I jumped and I wasn’t talking. “Ahem,” he glared at DeAnna. “Because of this, I ask you extend your stay indefinitely.”