The King's Court

XVI

Arleigh gave a sheepish grin the moment we were out of the chambers. True to what I told her earlier, Roy was indeed standing guard outside the door. Whether he heard the conversation or not, he did not show it. He just bowed in my direction and completely disregarded my other two companions. Like he always does.

"Please follow me," he said and started walking. 

Siniko ako ni Arleigh at pinandilatan ko siya ng mata. 

"He didn't even glance in my direction," she whispered. To my other side, I heard Mark groan. 

"Maybe because he heard you earlier and now he's offended."

Arleigh went silent and remained quiet until we reached the massive double doors that lead to the throne room. The two guards standing guard on the door pulled it open and it looked like the action took all of their strength. 

Napalunok naman ako ng laway. I don't know what Nikolas is up to but I completely trust him. 

The moment the doors opened, the chatter inside quieted down. An aisle was set in the center and on either side are people--courtiers of the King. Guards flank the side, hands resting casually on their side but convenient enough to grab their weapon should there be a need. Roy stood next to me, his tall stature blocked my view of the right side of the room. Arleigh and Mark followed closely behind us.

Nakatingin lang ako sa unahan--at the dais where the King's throne is. Where Nikolas was seated. I can't see his face clearly but I knew he was looking straight at me. Suddenly, the deafening silence of the parted crowd, the judgmental eyes, the walls that seem to be closing in with every step I take--all of it became a blur. Like a wisp of wind that just passed as all my senses were wholly focused on the King seated on his throne.

If Roy hadn't stopped walking, I would have continued to the dais. Mabuti na lang at napigilan ako ni Roy. I realized we stopped just a few inches from the foot of the dais. Roylan bowed to his knees and I held my skirt as I did the curtsy. I don't know if Mark and Arleigh followed but I'd bet everything Arleigh was savoring this moment. She liked the attention. 

"Arise," Nikolas said and Roylan and I stood straighter. Suddenly, my arms were awkwardly hanging on my sides kaya naman inilagay ko ito sa harapan. Holding it too tightly that one would notice instantly I am damn nervous. 

Napansin nga iyon ni Nikolas. Napansin ko kung paano napunta ang mga mata niya sa kamay ko at sa mukha ko. His mouth twitched into a smile but he stopped himself before it could fully turn into a grin. Napunta ang tingin ko kay Leon na nakatayo sa likuran ni Nikolas. He already schooled his expression into neutral. Being the Hand of the King, he has to act like it. 

"Thank you, Roylan," Nikolas muttered and Roy offered a quick nod before he walked to the side of the dais, now facing me and the whole crowd. Roylan gave me a subtle nod of encouragement before he stood straight, like how a Palace Guard should. 

"I welcome you, Evelyn Diaze," Nikolas started and as soon as he did, the whole throne room erupted into a collective gasp and whispers. Hindi na ako nasurpresa. I already expected this to happen. 

"Seven months ago, you served me as my personal servant," Nikolas added. 

Narinig ko naman ang pagsinghap nina Mark at Arleigh sa likuran ko. I could feel their gazes penetrating my back. 

Right. 

Hindi ko nga pala nasabi sa kanila ang tungkol doon.

"Regretful news shocked the whole kingdom and me, however, I am a man who doesn't live in the past. Our history was rough but I do believe in second chances."