King | j.b

II

The king paced back and forth on the castle's marble floor. Lined up in front of him was Ariana and the other servants. The king walked in such a way that almost scared the servants. His eyes were cold and serious.

Poor Ariana was still in a state of shock of what had happened about an hour ago. She held back her tears because if the king saw her crying, she would most certainly be punished.

The servants were also afraid. But not as much as Ariana because they were used to the king's intimidating looks.

Everyone stood still anxious as to what the king would say. And suddenly he froze.

He craned his head towards the servants and a smile grew across his face.

"Good morning everyone," he started. His voice echoed through the massive building. The servants shuddered at his powerful voice.

"We have a new servant with us here today," he said, his eyes staring right at Ariana. He motioned for her to come to him.

Ariana's heart pounded in her chest. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. She tried to move her feet but they couldn't move. They felt like Jell-O. Her breaths hitched as the king raised his eyebrows.

"Come on now," he said. "I don't bite. Well- not usually," he cackled.

Hesitantly, Ariana slowly walked towards the king, each step echoing through the castle. When she stood beside the king there was a moment of silence.

Then she saw the king move behind her and felt two large hands on her bare shoulders. She flinched at the sudden touch. The king laughed.

He cleared his throat and looked towards his servants, keeping his hands on Ariana's shoulders.

"May I introduce you all to Ariana," the king smiled greatly as his servants stared at Ariana. "She will be working with all of you from now on," he continued.

"Poor girl," a woman servant mumbled.  Everyone stared at the woman, amazed that she said such a thing in front of the king. But it was unwise of her and the other servants knew that.

The king must've heard this woman because he stiffened and tightened his grip on Ariana's shoulders until he let go.

"What was that?" He hissed, slowly walking towards the woman. The woman shook with fear and immediately regretted what she had done.

"Nothing, I said nothing," the woman trembled.

"Nonsense," the king growled. "Guards take her away!" The woman immediately burst into tears.

"No!" She cried. "I didn't do anything!"

Ariana's mouth dropped in shock as she watched two guards grab each of the woman's arms. Ariana opened her mouth to protest but nothing came out, for she feared what would happen to her if she did.

The woman kicked and screamed but she was no match for the king's guards.

Just before the guards dragged the woman out of the grand hall, the king mumbled something to them. "You know what to do," he said in a low voice. The guards nodded and dragged the woman out the tall steel doors, her cries echoing behind her.

Ariana and the others stood still, their hearts beating quickly. The king dusted off his robe and strode back to where Ariana stood.

"Now where were we?" The king stated looking angry and serious. "Oh yes," he continued. "Ariana will now work as a servant with the rest of you," the king's voice was more strong. He was still clearly very angry at what took place a couple minutes ago which changed his mood.