MY KINGDOM

CHAPTER ELEVEN (THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT)

“Wow Shoshana, that smells heavenly.” Prince Levi said with a bright smile as Shoshana approached with his breakfast.

“Thank you my Prince. But it's nothing, compared to the exquisite meals that you enjoy at the palace.” Shoshana said as she laid down the tray.

“What’s so special about that?? Wow, it looks really nice too.” The prince said as he salivated.

Shoshana chuckled lightly. “Thank you my Prince. I hope you enjoy it.”

“I sure will.” He said and tried to reach for the spoon so he could have a taste, but a sharp pain in his arm restrained him.

“Easy my prince, don't push yourself too much, your wounds are still healing. Don't worry I'll feed you, if that's okay with you. ” Shoshana said as she straightened the Prince’s hand.

On hearing this Joy erupted in the prince's heart. “Sure, you can feed me. I'm really starving, you know.”

So Shoshana picked up the spoon and began to feed him. As she fed him, she couldn't help it but notice how he stared at her.

“The pudding tastes amazing. Where did you learn to cook like this??” The Prince asked in astonishment.

“My mother taught me to cook, when I was just seven. This is her recipe.” She said.

She had barely uttered the last word, when a knock on the door interrupted. “Can I come in??” Tamar asked.

“Yes mother, please do.” Shoshana responded. After the door tilted open and Tamar walked in.

“Good morning mother.” Shoshana greeted her mother.

“Good morning Shoshana. My Prince.” Tamar responded and turned to the prince.

“Good morning Tamar.” The prince greeted.

“Good morning my Prince, I trust you're feeling much better today??” Tamar asked with a smile.

“Yes Tamar. You both did a great job. Thank you for saving me.” The prince said with a smile.

“But my Prince, don't you think that your parents would be worried about you??” Tamar asked with much concern.

“Not at all Tamar. You have nothing to worry about.” The prince replied with a partial smile.

“Alright then, I'll leave you two, to finish up your breakfast.” Tamar said.

“Mother, I'll come serve your breakfast in a moment.” Shoshana said.

“No, that won't be necessary. Moreover you're helping the prince with his.” Tamar said with a smile and exited the room.

“So, we agreed earlier that you were going to tell me about yourself.” The prince said.

Shoshana chuckled. “But you're having your breakfast, my prince.”

“Yes, but I'm eating with my mouth and not my ears you know.” The prince said.

Shoshana chuckled again. “My Prince there isn't much to say about me, besides I'm an open book.”

“Oh come on Shoshana, don't be like that.” The prince laughed gently.

“Fine my Prince, I'll tell you. I'm just a small town girl living with my mother in the outskirts of Orion. I lost my Dad before I was born. I love to cook and sing, and that's all you need to know about me.” Shoshana said with a warm smile.

“Oh come on Shoshana, you barely spoke for a minute_”

Just as Shoshana was about to respond she got interrupted by a loud knock from the main entrance. “We’ve come in the name of the King, open the door.” A masculine voice heralded.

“That's my cue to leave.” The prince said with a frown.

“I guess your father eventually found out that you were not in the castle last night. I’ll get the door.” Shoshana said.

By the time she got to the door, Tamar was already attending to the Soldiers. “Greetings gentlemen, what brings you to my humble abode??” She asked with a very warm smile.

“Greetings Tamar. The prince left the castle yesterday and hasn't returned ever since. So we have received direct orders from the King, to find and bring him back to the castle. A Kind fellow told us that he was seen riding towards the mountains, just before nightfall, and your house is the closest house to the mountain and the only building within a five mile radius. Moreover, I believe that it's no coincidence that the exact horse that the prince used yesterday is on your property.” The Soldier said.

“Yes. Mother, I'll take it from here.” Shoshana said and signaled her mother to keep mute. “Well you see gentlemen, I found the prince unconscious at the foot of the mountain. He was badly injured too, so I bought him back here to tend to his wounds. You can come in and see him if you’d like.” Shoshana said confidently.

“There will be no need for that, I'm here.” The Prince said as limped on one foot.

“My prince, I told you not to stress yourself, I could have easily brought them in to see you.” Shoshana said worried.

“She's right, my prince.” Tamar added.

“Thank you for taking good care of me. You’ve both been amazing, but I have to leave with them. You could both get in trouble with the King, If I continue to stay in your house. I'm grateful for your hospitality.” The prince said with a smile.

“It's alright my Prince. You can leave with them.” Tamar said.

“But are you sure that you can endure the journey back to the palace? It's a long ride from here and moreover it's still snowing out there.”

Shoshana chipped in, sounding very worried.

“Don’t worry about me Shoshana, I'll be fine. Thank you again. Goodbye.” The prince said with a smile and left with the soldiers.

“Shoshana, can I have a word please.” Tamar said, as Shoshana tried to return to her room.

“I saw how you and the prince were looking at each.” She paused to take a deep breath. “I know that I’ve told you to dream fearlessly, but I'm telling you now that certain dreams are dangerous. Please stay away from the Prince. It's for your own good.”

“Mother, there is nothing going on between myself and the prince. I just met him two days ago and if this is about earlier today; we were just having an honest conversation. He needed someone to talk to and I decided to be that someone.” Shoshana said in her defense.

Tamar released a sigh. “Just be careful Shoshana. The royal family is very powerful and dangerous, and I don't want you to get caught up in all that.”

“Yes mother. Can I go to my room now??” She asked with a forced smile.

“Sure.” Tamar said with a smile. She could see the sparks between Shoshana and the prince, and it scared her.