Fallen Royals

Chapter 6

Ema wore a dirty pink dress for the morning stroll with the king. They were walking through the castle, visiting different rooms. Ema tuned in for a second in the king's talk. They were in the observatory room and he was talking about stars. She looked at the people passing the room. I wish Vedran would pass. Suddenly the king laughed, it was a sign for Ema to laugh. She was pretty sure he hadn't caught on to her being distracted. The king laughed again. It wasn't a pretty sight, some of his teeth were missing and she tried to avoid looking at him as much as possible. She didn't want to have nightmares. The king held out his hand expecting her to move to the next room. I might go crazy from boredom.

Ema cleared her throat, her gaze on the floor. - "I hear that you have an amazing garden. Especially at this time of year."

"We can go there if you wish."

"I'd love to, Your Majesty."

There were 2 gardens near the castle. Natan took her to the bigger one as that was the one which was praised by the experts on horticulture and was a tourist attraction in the Old World. The smaller one next to the castle was more secluded than the big garden. It was also a private garden of the royals and as such Natan's favorite garden, not many people visited it.

The mood of the princess improved as they walked through the labyrinth in the middle of the garden. She was also now looking more around taking interest in passengers.

Is she looking for Vedran?

A familiar brown-red head popped out around the corner. Vedran smiled at Ema as he noticed her. She let go of Natan's upper arm and in a few strides met Vedran.

At least this farce of sightseeing is over. My leg is killing me. I need a break.

Natan left them to chit-chat, limping to his office, his shoulders bent down, gazing at the cobblestone in front of him.

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It's been two weeks since Princess Ema came to visit the king. His right hand would slightly tremble when he was too excited or nervous. Today he was both. He was going through last month's expenses and it seemed Ema had taken him on his offer. Her bill was impressive. He didn't really care that she spent a lot but she spent money and then went to show her dresses, shoes and bags to Vedran. They seemed equally mesmerized by each other.

What would her father say, though? Not my business. Natan chuckled at his own thoughts.

His thoughts wandered to the Ice Bitch. He still hadn't caught her. She's smart but to evade me for so long? Nino should have asked her for advice or two.

Marko came into his office after knocking.

"We might have her."

Natan raised an eyebrow. "Why are you sure it's truly her? All the girls until now were a false alarm"

"She fits the description and she confirmed her identity."

"Princess Petra confirmed that it's her?"

"Yes."

"She better not be lying. When will she arrive?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"Excellent. Things are finally moving in the right direction. Tena is coming back in 5 days. She's wrapped up things with her family."

"What? Have you indulged in celibacy while she's away?"

"Humph."

"Because of the princess?"

Natan chuckled. - "Of course not. Ema's visit hasn't helped with nightmares, I'm just afraid I'll lose my compass as on Pag. Tena is a werewolf and can handle some roughness."