The King's affection

Hidden emotions

Back at the palace, a 14-year-old Killian sat across from Andreas as they played a game of chess. His brows furrowed in concentration as he studied the board, considering his next move very carefully. Andreas sat back, watching his son with amusement.

He made his move, making his father smile lazily, “You’re getting better at this game Kil,” Andreas stated as he lost a bishop to Killian’s pawn.

Killian beamed at the compliment, “I learned from the best.”

“Too bad you still have a long way to go,” Andreas stated with a smile as he moved his piece, “Checkmate.”

“What!? No fair! I want a rematch! You cheated dad,” he whined, causing Andreas to chuckle.

“I’ll indulge you next time,” he stood and ruffled the boy’s hair as he moved back to his desk.

Killian sat alone, pouting as Andreas started working at his desk. “You’ve never left Anderson to play chess by himself,” Killian continued sulking, his arms crossed over his chest like a toddler.

Andreas gave a light chuckle, “That’s because Anderson always knew my schedule. He came to play when I was free and could indulge him.”

“No. it’s because you would make time for him. I’ve seen you abandon your work to hang out with him. I ask for one game and I can’t get it?” Killian was growing agitated as he spoke.

“Kil-,” Andreas started to speak, but Killian abruptly stood up from his seat – making Andreas stop what he was about to say.

“I’m sorry, father. I will leave you to your work now,” without waiting for his father’s response, he left with a huff. His face felt warm from the combination of anger and jealousy that was swirling inside him. He wondered why their father seemed to favour Anderson over him.

He didn’t stew long, as he came across his mother, Allison, and a young lady looking to be about his age. He hid behind a corner, listening to their conversation as he snuck peeks at the young lady.

She had a graceful posture – no doubt, she was a noble. She had her hair in neat, tight bun at the base of her head and wore a floral dress.

“How is everyone at home?” Allison asked, a warm smile on her lips as she raised the glass of iced tea to her lips to take a sip.

The young lady smiled, “Everyone is well, your majesty. My father sends his regards. Although, he does wonder if the prince has been made aware of the arrangement.”

Killian’s interest was piqued at that, “Are they talking about me?” he whispered to himself as he continued to eavesdrop.

“Yes. I sent a letter to his barracks, he should be aware of the news by now – although he has not yet replied,” Allison chirped happily.

“That is wonderful news, your majesty. My father will be happy to hear that,” the young lady smiled as she took a sip from her own glass.

“Oh please, Lynne. No need for formalities,” Allison lightly patted the girl’s shoulder, “I may be the queen now, but you are the future queen.”

The young lady, Lynne, simply smiled at Allison’s words.

Meanwhile, Killian’s face darkened as he thought to himself, “Even in his absence, everything gets handed to him.” He slammed his fist on the wall he was hiding behind, “I won’t allow it!” he whisper-yelled before he stormed off.

---

The sound of a key being turned in the lock and the door opening jolted Esmerelda awake. She had no idea how many days she’d been in the attic for, because it was relatively dark in there as there were no windows.

“It’s chow time,” Boris said, as he slid a plate of food across the floor to where Esmerelda’s mattress lay.

She didn’t look at him, only sat up to pull the plate closer to herself before stuffing her face. They made sure to feed her. However, she was not sure how frequent the meals were, and they were never enough to sate her hunger.

After she finished eating, Boris took her plate and water cup back with him before locking the door behind again – leaving Esmerelda alone with the darkness again. She slumped back onto her mattress and fell asleep again.

She had no idea how much time had passed, but she was awoken by the door unlocking again only this time, it wasn’t Boris. “Come, come Rae,” a chirpy voiced that she recognized as Stella’s said.

She went into the dark room, grabbing Esmerelda and nudging her towards the door.

“Madam Lee says your punishment is over and that you get to come out again,” Stella said as she pulled Esmerelda down the stairs. It was nighttime, that much Esmerelda could tell.

“How long have I been in there for?” Esmerelda asked.

“Two weeks,” Stella replied.

Esmerelda’s eyes widened at that. Sure, she’d had no concept of time in that attic, but two weeks seemed to have been quite longer than she’d expected – or maybe because she spent most of that time sleeping.

“Madam Lee really was serious about me never setting foot outside, huh,” she said, more to herself than anything.

“I guess you could say so. She originally wanted to keep you in there longer, but she says she’s losing money, so she needs you to start working,” Stella said, as they stood outside Esmerelda’s room. “Well, this is you. Get some rest for tonight. Tomorrow, we have to practice during the day, then you’re on at night.”

Stella waved at her before leaving for the dressing room, to get ready for that evening’s show.

That night, Esmerelda couldn’t sleep. She kept tossing and turning as she imagined what it would be like to be one of the working girls. From her practice sessions with Stella, it seemed to be walking around in high heeled shoes.

With a deep sigh, she snuck out of her room and went to the dressing room. All the girls were already out entertaining guests, so she could snoop around easily. She stood by the door that led to the stage and happened to catch a dance.

The entertainment den had a heavy smell of alcohol and tobacco smoke. She could hear people laughing and some chatter over the soft music.

Some of the girls that she recognized as being courtesans of Midnight Muse house danced provocatively on the stage, while others played the musical instruments that were responsible for the soft music that could be heard in the den.

She stuck her head out a bit further and could make out the crowd – aristocratic men dressed in garments and suits made from the finest of material there was. They watched as the courtesans performed on the stage, some were enjoying drinks served by the serving girls, while others were engaged in conversations with other courtesans who were not performing.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Madam Lee’s voice came behind Esmerelda, startling her.

“Yes,” she responded.

“Yes, who?” Madam Lee asked.

“Yes, mistress,” Esmerelda responded.

“Then why are you here?”

“I was curious. Stella said that I start working tomorrow night and I wanted to see how the atmosphere is down here,” Esmerelda responded.

“And?”

“Did you mean it when you said I’d never set foot outside for as long as I’m a courtesan here?”

Madam Lee scowled, “Yes. I paid a lot of money for you, Rae, and frankly, I don’t run a charity here. I will be getting my money’s worth.”

Esmerelda’s face fell, “I understand, mistress.” She maneuvered herself around the woman as she headed back to her room for the night.