The king's obsession

THE KINGS DECREE

CHAPTER SEVEN

After returning, Emily saw anger and some thing like lava blazing in the king's eyes but said nothing as she sat down. JUST then jack sneaked beside Emily, wanting to ask her a question. The king was talking to Sophia, but his eyes were on Emily before she could answer a long bang happened......

The king slammed his fist on the table, his face darkening as he watched Finn whisper to Emily. "Enough! You dare to consort with a commoner in my presence?" The room fell silent, with all eyes on Emily and Finn.

The king's anger was palpable as he turned to Emily's parents. "Mr and Mrs Thomas, I'm afraid your daughter will be staying here in the castle from now on. As my ward, she will be under my protection... and my scrutiny."

Emily's parents exchanged terrified glances. Her mother's face went pale. "As you wish, Your Majesty," her father stammered, bowing his head.

The guests began to murmur among themselves, speculating about the sudden change in Emily's circumstances. Some of the king's Ministers looked on with interest, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern. They knew the king's patience is running out, fearing whose head would be rolling soon. The visitors suddenly run out, leaving only the family.

As the king departed, Sophia's eyes blazed with fury. "You manipulative little thing," Sophia spat. "You slept with him, didn't you? That's why he's keeping you here."

Before Emily could respond, Sophia's hand flew across her face, leaving a stinging slap. But Emily's mother rushed to her defense, wrapping her in a protective hug. STOP IT ..... Sophia, she's your sister, and she will never do that.No ... mother, she's not ... she's a

a backstabber .You knew I wanted this, but you pretended not to want it.A cunning wolf she spat with venom in her voice. No, no, Emily cried. I didn't please, sister...... You didn't know why

"Leave her alone, Sophia," her mother said firmly. "She's done nothing wrong."Tell us why you were missing from the ballroom for many . ENOUGH Mr. Thomas barked that if she was missing, it was to enjoy the view outside. You know your sister wants a simple life. This is what I feared would happen, put her in his voice warm Sophia hated her that moment.You stole everything from me .

The king re-entered, his expression darkening. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

Emily's mother stood tall. "Your Majesty, I believe it's time we clarified something. My daughter is already engaged to be married. She's promised to another man."

The king's face turned thunderous. "I don't care," he growled. "She's under my protection now. No one will take her from me."

As the king's guards moved to escort Emily away, her mother's desperate gaze met hers, filled with a promise to find a way to save her. Emily was led through the winding corridors of the castle, the sound of her mother's whispered reassurances fading into the distance.

The guards stopped in front of a grand door, adorned with intricate carvings and golden accents. "This will be your room, milady," one of the guards said, pushing open the door.

Emily stepped inside, her eyes widening in wonder. The room was lavishly decorated, with silken drapes and plush carpets. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the space.

But despite the room's beauty, Emily felt trapped. She knew she was at the king's mercy, and she had no idea what he planned to do with her. She paced back and forth, her mind racing with questions and fears.

As the night wore on, Emily's anxiety grew. She heard the sound of footsteps outside her door, and her heart skipped a beat. Who could it be? The king? Sophia?

The door creaked open, and a young maidservant slipped inside. "Milady, I've brought you some supper," she said, curtsying. "The king's orders."

Emily's stomach growled at the sight of the food, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "Thank you," she said, trying to smile.

The maidservant hesitated, glancing around the room nervously. "Milady, I have to warn you," she whispered. "The king's not what he seems. He's got a reputation, if you know what I mean."

Emily's eyes locked onto the maidservant's, a spark of curiosity igniting within her. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The maidservant glanced around the room again, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Let's just say the king's got a way of getting what he wants, no matter the cost. You're in a precarious position, milady. Be careful."

With that, the maidservant curtsied and slipped out of the room, leaving Emily to ponder her words. The king's true intentions remained a mystery, but one thing was certain: Emily's life would never be the same again.

As the night wore on, Emily's thoughts turned to her mother and her promise to find a way to save her. She knew she had to be brave, to find a way to outsmart the king and escape the castle. But for now, she was trapped, at the mercy of a man who seemed to care little for her well-being.

The darkness outside seemed to press in around her, and Emily felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew she had to hold on to hope, no matter how small it seemed. She would find a way out of this, she vowed to herself. She would survive the king's games and emerge stronger on the other side.

But as she lay in bed, the shadows cast by the flickering candles dancing across the walls, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that she was in over her head. The king's words echoed in her mind: "I don't care." What did he want from her? And what would he do to get it?