Betrothed To The King

Chapter20

Throughout the day, I did not set my eyes on Sage, and that made me worried. Is there anything wrong with her? Is she sick or something? She is supposed to be the one serving me.

“Why is Sage not here?” I asked the maid who was brushing my hair.

“She is no longer your handmaid, my queen. The king made her a kitchen maid because she challenged Queen Zinnia,” the maid said, leaving me shocked.

How could he do such a thing? Sage cannot challenge Zinnia. She does not have that kind of character, so what is this maid saying?

Sage is the only maid who knows what I want and treats me well, and now the king has taken her away from me.

“So, who is my handmaid?” I asked, hoping it was not her because I did not like her.

“My queen, you do not have a handmaid for now,” she replied as I bit my lips in anger.

And he kept me without a maid. Now I know the reason he threw me into the dungeon.

“Just leave at once,” I said as the maid bowed and left. I stared at my already red eyes in the mirror.

Why is King Archer so harsh on me? Why does it seem like I am the only one he punishes at any given time? He hurts me at the slightest mistake and does not handle me with care as a pregnant woman.

I am sure my days in his room will be worse than hell.

As if he read my mind, he walked in, gazing coldly at me as Sage walked in behind him. I was happy to see her, but my mood changed when I noticed that she was frowning.

King Archer sat on the bed, still staring blankly at me, making me hiccup out of anxiety. His stare was dangerous, and I could tell that there was something behind it.

Sage stood by the door, staring at the ground with a sad, nervous expression.

“Wife, I can see that you’re strong,” he said with a smirk on his lips. “You know, I am not done punishing you, and I still have to punish you so you can learn your lesson and respect the head queen, Zinnia.” He signaled at Sage, who stepped forward hesitantly. “You will sit there and watch me have s*x with this stubborn maid, and you will not make the mistake of looking away. If you do, your punishment will be doubled,” he said as he spanked and grabbed Sage roughly. She closed her eyes, trying not to cry.

“My king, please, you cannot do this. I beg you. She is just an innocent maid. Let her go and do to me whatever you wish. I am begging you,” I said as tears streamed down my eyes.

“I would prefer you do not beg. Begging doubles the punishment. I can tell my guards to come and assault you, and they will not hesitate. Trust me. So it is better you just do as I order.”

Now I could see how serious he was. How could he be so cruel, wanting to sleep with an innocent maid? I felt so bad that I did not have a voice to say no to his order.

“Strip,” he said coldly.

Sage pulled off her gown. She was not wearing any underclothes. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she used her hands to cover herself.

“Take those hands away!” he yelled, and Sage quickly obeyed in fear.

The king pulled off his robe and shorts. I was scared seeing how large he looked. I knew what I had suffered in his hands some days ago and would not wish anyone to feel the same. He is a monster at heart and worse in bed.

He has s*x with no emotions. He does not care what his partner feels. All he cares about is himself.

He bent Sage over the bed and forced himself into her violently. She bit her lips, trying not to cry out from the pain she must have been feeling.

I felt so bad for her as I could tell she was in pain. How does King Archer enjoy s*x that feels like punishment? Why can he not make love for once and enjoy the moment?

I hate him now. I think I truly hate him. He really needs to change.

My mind drifted back to what Prince Ray told me during our first meeting. He said it is my duty to change King Archer into the man I want as his wife. That sounds like a dream because it can never happen. King Archer has sold his heart to darkness.

Sage avoided looking at me. She was ashamed, but I could not blame her. I blamed myself.

Soon the king pulled away from her.

“I might have finished inside you, so take the root medicine I gave you the last time,” he said as Sage nodded, trying to stand upright. Her legs were shaking badly.

The last time medicine?

Who knows how many times he has slept with this girl.

“Leave my room,” he said coldly.

Sage picked up her clothes from the floor and slowly put them on. Her legs were shaking so badly that I thought she might fall.

She left the room, leaving the king and me alone.

•

Sage walked slowly back into the maid’s quarters as they all stared at her in pity while some smirked.

“Sage, I made a little root medicine for you,” the head maid said and handed it to her. She took it, knowing it would help with the pain she felt.

She felt like she had betrayed her mistress. She felt disgusted and ashamed. Being forced like that in front of her mistress was the worst feeling ever, and she did not know if she would ever be able to face her again.

“You know, Sage, I wish I were you. You got the best queen as your mistress, and you get close to the king. Do you know what it means for the king to find you attractive enough to sleep with you?” one of the maids said.

Sage did not have the strength to respond. She just lay on her bunk bed, staring at the ceiling.

“Have you girls heard of the mask party coming up at Prussiate? The king and his wives will be leaving the castle tomorrow,” Melanie, Queen Zinnia’s handmaid, said with a smile. “At least I get to rest from serving my mistress for a few days.”

“I know, right? Queen Zinnia is the worst queen ever. I hate serving her,” another maid said quietly.

“Do not speak badly about the queen,” the head maid warned, and they all went quiet.

“But I thought our king and the king of Prussiate are enemies, and the two kingdoms do not move on the same path,” Maria asked.

“Yes, but the law requires all kings to attend the mask party or face serious consequences,” Melanie replied as she gently rubbed Sage’s hair.

“That is bad. I feel like something terrible might happen, though I do not know why,” Maria said.

“Alright, you girls should listen to your names and the queens you will be serving tomorrow before they leave,” the head maid announced as she turned to Sage. “Do not worry, Sage, you will not be assigned to any queen.”