A Prince's Love

Chapter 63.

Maadwoa

Once again, I stood at the entrance of the blindingly bright palace. The golden doorknob of the white iron door was pulled by Kwaku, revealing the radiant interior of the abode. Robert led me in, with Kwaku trailing us once we entered. Being back here heightened my anxiety, each step I took amplifying the sound of my pounding heart.

We rounded a corner before arriving at a familiar entryway. From behind the wall, I could see the king and queen perched on their high thrones. I couldn't really make out the expressions on their faces yet, but their heads were hung low with no words between them. My heartbeat was drumming in my ears and I could feel my legs becoming jelly.

"Do they look frustrated to you?" I questioned the two guards behind me. They exchanged a look before Kwaku placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Nobody's angry here. You are fine today, I can promise you." he assured, sending me a grin. "Are you ready?"

He gestured towards the opulently-adorned parlour and watched me expectantly. I released a shaky breath and nodded, not wanting to prolong the time I have to be here.

Robert walked into the parlour first, followed by Kwaku. I straightened my dress, looking down to ensure that I didn't look disheveled. It was a good thing Gifty and I played dress-up earlier; one less thing I have to worry about is looking raggedy in front of the royals again.

I trailed the two guards, my shaky hands clasped in front of me. Once we stepped into the room, the king and queen looked up at us simultaneously. Their gazes immediately averted to me and I could finally see them. It was difficult to explain but their eyes didn't convey the same haughty attitude. Their wide eyes and unsmiling lips held an expression different from their usual prideful countenance.

"Your Majesties, we have brought her as you requested." they bowed, before stepping aside and fully revealing me to the monarchs.

"Thank you. You may leave now." the queen informed. I watched sadly as they exited the room, now terrified at the fact that I was alone with the king and queen.

"Maadwoa," the king's voice called, making me avert my nervous gaze back to him. "Please take a seat."

I curtsied and obliged, before carefully taking steps towards the same plush sofa they once told me I was unworthy of sitting on. Hesitantly, I took a seat and smoothened my dress, before folding my hands in my lap. I tried to control the shakiness of my body by regulating my breathing.

"You look like a doll, Maadwoa. Yellow compliments you wonderfully." the queen gushed, a warm smile taking over the previously indecipherable expression on her face.

I didn't even know whether to smile or not. Again, she was being kind, just like the last time I saw her. I was still unsure about the sincerity but I figured I would just accept the warmth.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I spoke quietly, not quite looking her in the eye.

The king cleared his throat in an attention-grabbing way, once again commanding my eye contact.

"How are you doing, Maadwoa?" he inquired, but his tone didn't carry its usual confidence and power.

"I...am doing well, Your Majesty." I faltered, not wanting to address the last couple months.

"I hope you are... readjusting well." he replied, and for the first time, a shade of embarrassment was painted over his words.

I nodded hesitantly, words failing to leave my mouth. I tried to control my facial reactions so as not to set them off again.

"You are probably wondering why we asked you here." the king continued, his tone suddenly stern. Of course, this caused a breath to lodge in my throat and l adjusted my position on the couch to straighten my shoulders.