The King's affection

Damaging deception

“COME ON! Surely you can do better than that,” Stella shrieked at Esmerelda early in the morning as she practiced walking in the high heels again.

“You’re aware Madam Lee won’t make you sit this one out just because you suck, right?” Stella asked, earning a scowl from Esmerelda in response. She raised her hands n surrender, “I was just saying.”

Madam Lee chose that moment to walk into the room with the two girls. “How’s practice going?” she asked Stella.

“She’s worse than she was two weeks ago,” Stella responded with an exaggerated sigh.

“Show me,” Madam Lee said, staring pointedly at Esmerelda this time.

She started from the far corner of the room, and walked towards where Madam Lee stood, waiting. The woman studied her movements with a stoic look on her face, not giving her thoughts away.

Once Esmerelda reached where Madam Lee stood, the older woman sneered, “Stella, is this the quality of the work I told you to teach to Rae? Would you rather I give your benefits to Daisy instead?”

Stella’s eyes widened in panic, “No, mistress!” she fell to her knees at her feet, “I will do better. Rae will be crowd-ready tonight. She’s just a little rusty because she’s been locked in that attic for weeks.”

Madam Lee reached down, cupping Stella’s chin as she spoke, “She better be. You know I’m not fond of giving second chances.” After she spoke, Madam Lee roughly shoved Stella’s face away, before walking out of the room herself.

“You heard her. My benefits are on the line here!” Stella said.

“What benefits?” Esmerelda asked, kneeling next to Stella on the floor.

“I don’t have time for your questions, Rae. Get walking!” Stella snapped before she stood abruptly and left the room too.

Esmerelda sighed to herself, before she stood, grabbed a tray and started strutting around her room in practice. Even if Stella wouldn’t tell her what was at stake, she would at least try her best to ensure that she helped her out, because judging by her reaction, whatever benefits she gets are not something she takes lightly.

---

Back at the palace, Killian rounded a corner – deep in thought. He crashed into a delicate body and quickly reacted to catch it before it fell. To his surprise, it was lady Lynne. Their eyes met briefly, before Lynne’s pair widened in recognition and panic.

“Your highness!” Lynne sprang apart from Killian. “Please pardon me, I was not looking where I was going,” she bowed. There was a moment of silence before Killian laughed heartily, causing Lynne to look up. She was mesmerized by what she saw.

Unlike Anderson, who’d inherited their mother’s features, Killian resembled Andreas with his lighter features – strawberry blonde hair, storm gray eyes and a medium complexion.

All that Lynne could do was stare at the boy, who was taller than she was, although he had a rather delicate body for a boy.

“Excuse me for laughing,” Killian said, as his fit of laughter simmered down to a light chuckle. “You do seem to be rather silly. How could you have known I was coming if we collided right at the corner?” he asked, wiping away a tear at the corner of his eye.

Lynne smiled, “Yes, I guess that was rather foolish of me,” she chuckled lightly. “Pardon my rudeness, I am Lady Lynne. Daughter of Marquis Reynolds of Alkaban,” she curtsied.

“Pleasure to meet you. Prince Killian Rhysand Pierce, second prince of Elyria,” Killian placed a hand over his heart and gave a slight bow.

“No need to introduce yourself your highness. I know who you are,” Lynne chuckled.

Killian smiled, “I was taught that was the polite thing to do when someone introduces themselves to you.” Lynne smiled back.

“Now, why were you in such a hurry?” Killian asked.

“I was only making my way to the garden for a stroll.”

“Without your maid?”

“Yes, well, I figured I’d let the poor thing rest. She hasn’t been feeling well.”

“I see,” Killian said, thoughtfully. “Would you mind if I joined you?”

“It would be an honour,” Lynne curtsied.

A breeze blew by, causing the shrubbery in the garden to rustle as it shook their leaves. A shiver went down Lynne’s spine at the air. “Are you cold?” Killian asked.

“Only a little. I forget that the breeze is a tad nippy this time of year,” she replied.

Killian shrugged off his cardigan and draped it over Lynne’s shoulders, “Better?” he asked with a warm smile.

“Yes, thank you, your highness.”

They continued walking in silence, Lynne admiring the garden and soaking up the warmth that Killian’s cardigan brought her. She subtly leaned her head to the side and took a whiff of the material, it smelled of a hint of citrus, which she assumed was from his body wash.

“So, tell me, Lady Lynne,” Killian broke the silence, “What brings you all the way here from Alkaban?”

“Oh, I thought you knew. I am to be engaged to your brother,” she smiled innocently.

“My brother?” Killian feigned ignorance. “He is not even here though.”

“He has been informed though. Her majesty and I are anxiously waiting for him to write us back.”

“I see. Well, good luck with him,” Killian said, causing Lynne to come to an abrupt stop. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing. Just that, my brother is not interested in women so I really don’t see how the match between the two of you will work,” he said, thoughtfully.

Lynne’s eyes widened once again, “Your highness, are you saying-,”

“Yes, I am. Our parents don’t know though so keep it to yourself, alright? He will tell them when he’s ready.” Killian continued to walk, leaving Lynne rooted in her spot in stunned silence. She couldn’t believe that the first prince liked men. Since he was first in line for the throne, that meant she would never become queen. So, she watched Killian’s back as he walked further away from her – a new plan forming in her head.