June Summerfield

Chapter 9

The group walked into the castle, their dusty feet hitting the shiny wood floors.

You could eat off these floors. June thought. Then she hoped that wasn’t going to be her fate, even though the floors were cleaner than anything she had seen in a long time.

Zoran led them through the castle and up a flight of perfectly carved stone stairs, down a few winding hallways that were decorated with various art pieces that hung on the tall walls and vases filled with the prettiest assortment of flowers June had ever seen. Anxiety raising and causing her heart to raise, she looked beside her for Montana who gave her a reassuring nod and gently took her hand, making sure to hold it firmly.

Finally, they stopped at a simple oak door with a golden handle. Zoran opened the door and led them inside. It was a bedroom, and it was stunning and nearly took June’s breath away. It had a large bed with the softest, matching pastel blue blankets and matching pillows. There was a fluffy light brown carpet under the bed and a nice big fireplace to her right. There was a bookshelf full of books and even a full bathroom connected to it all.

“You both will wait here for Hunter to come and talk to you. June, this is your room from this point forward. Montana…” his voice trailed off as he cut his eyes over at him. “I don’t know anything about you yet. We weren’t exactly anticipating your presence.” his voice was bland and traced with annoyance.

“Zoran.” a strong voice filled with authority snapped, causing Zoran to jump and stand up straight and fold his hands behind him, bowing down toward the door.

“Your Majesty, please forgive me. I did not expect you to arrive so soon.”

“You will treat both of our guests with the proper respect that you would give me. Do you understand?” His voice was crystal clear, his eyes piercing, causing Zoran to give a sturdy nod.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You may leave.” he stepped into the bedroom and waved his hand over his shoulder, stopping in front of June and Montana.

“I’m sure you both are very confused.” the man started. He was wearing a black silk button-up shirt that was tucked into blank pants. His short, light brown curls hung loosely on his head, and his ice-blue eyes were both welcoming and intimidating.

“What do you want with me?” June managed to get out.

“Nothing.” he simply stated.

“Then why are we here?” Montana respectfully demanded. He could feel his anger rising into his chest, but he also knew the man standing in front of him was extremely important and could have them both killed instantly with one wrong word.

The man smiled at them. Even his teeth were perfect. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to kill you. You both can relax.” he laughed to himself as if he had read Montana’s mind. “You are here because I want her here. And you insisted on coming along.”

The two of them stood in silence, waiting for a better explanation.

“Now, we will have to discuss you two’s relationship.” he tilted his head down and cut his eyes up at them.

“What about it?” Montana could barely handle his tone. Royalty or not, no one was going to tell him who he could and couldn’t be with.

“Well, you see Montana, or Monty, can I call you Monty? I’d like to think we’re friends.” he offered a warm smile. “June is mine.”

“Says who?”

“Says me, of course. That’s why I called her here. You are more than welcome to stay, I can have a room just like this prepared immediately if you wish.”

“I don’t want to,” June said, tears filling her eyes. Why had this king come and kidn*pped her and her boyfriend?

“I’m sure you’ll warm up to the idea in time. Until then, I’ll have a room prepared for you Monty, and I will send someone to get you two ready for dinner.” he raised his eyebrows and smiled as if they had all come to a conclusion they were happy with. Without another word, he turned and left the room, leaving the two standing there.

In a matter of minutes, servants came in and led Montana to his room, breaking the two apart.

June began sobbing as the servants gave her a warm bath and scrubbed her down head to toe in beautifully scented soaps. Once they were done, they placed her in a beautiful light yellow gown. They agreed to skip the makeup, as she was still crying heavily and it would only be ruined.

Once they were done, they led her down to the dining hall, opened the doors, and let her in.

“Ah, June. Just in time!” King Maslin announced as she walked in. She was led to the table that was stocked with everything she could ever want. Too bad she felt like she was going to be sick. Once she was seated, the servants began getting a plate prepared for her. “If there’s anything you want, just ask. You will have it immediately, I promise,” he said as tears fell, hitting her light and airy gown that flowed with every movement. “You look amazing.”

June stayed silent, her head hung low. She had no idea where Montana was, but all she wanted was to go back and be with her friends, and the man she loved.

“I want to go home.” she boldly snapped, blinking more tears away. She felt the air stiffen as silence fell upon the two of them.

“I’m sorry to hear you feel that way. Is there any way I can make it better?” His voice was soft and kind, but it didn’t help repair the pain she felt in her chest.

“You can send Montana and me back and let us live a happy life!” she found her voice raising as more tears fell. She could feel herself losing control with each word she spoke.

“June. Look at me.” His voice was loving but stern. She forced herself to look up and meet his eyes, unable to stop the waterfall that was pouring out of her eyes at the moment.

“You and I both know you wouldn’t live a happy life. Your world has collapsed. You were lucky to survive as long as you did. I saved you and was nice enough to save Montana. I know you want to go home, but your home is here now.” June could see the sadness in his eyes as he watched her break down even more. “Perhaps you would rather enjoy dinner in your room?” he asked. All she could do was nod in response.

King Maslin held his hand up to stop the servant who was rushing over to help June back to her room.

“Come on,” he said gently as he helped her stand and walked her back to her room, going at a nice slow pace so she wouldn’t feel rushed. “Do you need anything?” he asked once they had arrived and he had her sitting on the bed. She shook her head. “Are you sure? I can join you for the night, or have you join me in my room.” he offered. She desperately wiped at the tears, praying they would stop.

“Would you like Montana to share the room with you tonight?” he finally offered with a sigh and she eagerly nodded her head, gasping for air.

“Very well,” he said simply, standing tall. “I’ll have it arranged. We will discuss this more tomorrow after you two have rested, okay?” When he got no response, he quietly left the room.

It wasn’t long after he left that Montana was let in and they rushed together.

“June, I’ll get us out of here.” Montana’s words were empty and offered no comfort as June sobbed into his chest.

“There is no getting out. We can’t be together anymore.” she cried.

Montana just continued to hug her tight, unable to bring any comfort. He knew what she was saying was true.