BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 5

I knew I had to find a way to bring Ben into the palace, and what better way than to go directly to the king himself? After spending a few moments wallowing in my own frustration and sadness, I gathered my resolve. I wiped away the last traces of tears and stood up from where I had been sitting in the dark corner of the palace. If Aleron thought he could keep me cornered, he was wrong.

Returning to my chambers, I changed into more formal attire, fixing my appearance to look presentable. Every movement was deliberate, an armor of poise I wrapped myself in to face the king. I couldn't afford to show any signs of weakness now. Once satisfied with how I looked, I rang the small bell on the table to summon one of the maids.

"You called, Your Highness?" The maid entered swiftly, bowing as she spoke.

"Yes. As I'm still new to the palace, could you show me the way to His Majesty's office?" I asked with a polite smile.

The maid nodded and led the way through the winding halls of the palace. It was easy to get lost in this labyrinth of wealth and power, and though I tried to memorize the route, my mind was already racing ahead to what I would say to the king.

When we arrived, two large guards stood at either side of the office door, their armor gleaming under the light, and their spears held upright like sentinels. Their presence was intimidating, but I refused to let it unsettle me.

"I would like to see His Majesty," I said boldly, my voice steady despite the slight tremor of nerves beneath it.

The guards immediately bowed their heads, offering their greetings in unison. "Your Highness, the Prince Consort," they said before opening the large ornate doors.

The king's office was vast, as one would expect for a man of his stature. Shelves lined with books stretched across the walls, and more were stacked neatly on the floor, a testament to the knowledge and responsibility that weighed on the king daily. It was an office that exuded authority, yet the atmosphere was somehow comfortable, lived-in. A place where decisions of great importance were made, no doubt, but also one where the king himself could find solace in his work.

The king, seated at his desk, looked up from the papers before him, a smile crossing his face when he saw me. "Lucian," he greeted warmly, rising from his seat. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Father," I responded, dipping my head in respect as I crossed the room. He gestured for me to sit by the elegant sofa not far from his desk, and I obeyed, sitting down and trying to calm the nervous energy fluttering in my chest.

His Majesty called for a maid, requesting snacks and tea to be brought so we could converse in a more relaxed manner. As much as I wanted to skip the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter, I knew it would be rude to rush him. This was, after all, the king.

"So," he began, settling into the chair opposite me. "What brings you here today?"

I hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing my words. I had to be delicate in my approach. The king was kind and approachable, but he was still the ruler of the empire, and I couldn't afford to make any missteps.

"Father, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." I clasped my hands together, willing myself to stay composed. "It's about my personal butler, Ben."

His eyebrows lifted slightly, his interest piqued. "Go on."

"Ben has been by my side for years," I continued, my voice soft but firm. "He's been a source of comfort and loyalty throughout my life. I... I trust him deeply, and I would feel more at ease if he could join me here, in the palace."

The king nodded slowly, listening intently. "And Aleron? What does he think of this?"

I felt a tightness in my chest, the memory of Aleron's refusal still fresh and raw. "Aleron... doesn't approve," I admitted, my voice barely concealing the frustration that boiled beneath the surface. "He believes Ben's presence isn't necessary here. But I feel that it's not just about necessity. It's about having someone I trust by my side, someone who understands me. This transition, this marriage..it's been overwhelming, and Ben would be a great source of support."