The King's Prey (Unedited Edition)

Chapter 2 : Nightfall

Tacenda • [ta-sen-da]
Things better left unsaid; matters to be passed over in silence.

🖤

~+~

Mylithia is naturally a very populated kingdom, but that only accounts for the middle and lower classes. Every building in the higher sector is neatly spaced, providing room for lush greenery within our enriched walls.

Most of my life has been spent within these large barriers—the stone that separates us from what most call the forest of unrest. God only knows what happens in those woods.

The only time I ever saw what lays beyond our walls was when I got the opportunity to visit a neighboring kingdom, and even then did it petrify me to set foot outside the very thing that's guarded me my entire life. Aside from the mysterious forest, Mylithia—as far as I've known—has been a very safe territory.

I take in a long breath, relaxing whatever uneasiness is left in my body. The ironic thing though is that there's always turmoil in my life so I never find myself not on edge.

I've always been raised by either caregivers or maids seeing as my parents failed to understand the true definition of being a parent. Their excuses have layered on over the years, continuously claiming to be too busy to stick around. My relationship with them has never been the strongest, and if I ever shed a sentence to them it will only ever revolve around my studies or my future plans.

Max somehow notices the strain in my face as I reflect on my upbringing and my pathetic excuse of a family. "Hey." His voice instantly calms me as he interrupts the eerie silence and hum of the limo. I immediately look into his deep brown eyes that capture my green ones as he catches me from my thoughts. "Everything ok?"

I smile shyly back at him and take in another deep breath, hoping this time it'll work. "Just overwhelmed. You know how much I hate these kinds of things," I partially lie.

Max reads me for a moment before responding, "If tonight ever becomes too much, just let me know. We can always leave after they announce the charity total."

I nod with an understanding of his words. "Thanks," I say quietly. He gives me a small smile before we return our attention to the silent drive. Hopefully, tonight will be manageable. These kinds of events never turn out well; either it turns into utter chaos due to the number of drunks that ruin the night or someone ends up breaking a priceless artifact.

Since the ceremony has always taken place in the ballroom venue which sits near the heart of Mylithia, most of our history is stored in the large building. In my opinion, it was idiotic for the regime to decide on that location for these kinds of events. They know putting priceless artifacts on the line for a charity ball will end in arrests. But the decision is not mine to make, so whatever happens tonight will only fall in the hands of the regime. Let's just hope that everything will go smoothly so I can go home and sleep off the exhaustion of this week.

With my days being filled with meetings, I have several upcoming ones with our government officials to discuss my plans as queen. While my crowning won't happen without finding a husband, I'm still required to prepare myself for the possibility of claiming the title.

I would much rather take my parent's title without having to marry some lifeless crook, but of course, living in a kingdom means you must be engaged to rule. It's a disgusting concept if you ask me, but I know one day it'll have to happen eventually.

If I don't find someone tolerable for the time being, I'll be forced to marry someone even worse. The day that happens, I'll surely be running far away from here.