GAP 3: FOREVER STARTS NOW

CHAPTER 70: THE KING'S CONDITIONS

Sam's POV

I didn't know what to expect from this sudden summoned but I am just praying for the best for both mine and Mon's sake.

I felt my nails dig painfully through the palm of my skin, trying to gain any semblance of calm that I could muster as step by step, we came closer to my grandfather's throne

We kept our heads down, being careful to observe proper decorum
I glanced at my wife beside me and smiled full of pride and affection, seeing her not losing to me in terms of grace, demeanor, and elegance

Her manners practiced and careful
I silently reminded myself that my grandmother needs a big Christmas gift for all the lessons she gave Mon

It was brutal, and Mon hated every minute of it, but looking at my beautiful, perfect wife right now. No one would dare point fingers at her and tell her she isn't worthy of me.

Gone with her earlier episodes of panic and anxiety, and is now replaced by her acquired confidence.

Well, that is how it would look like to the rest of the world, but her shaking hands in mine gave her away.
I quickly squeezed them again before I mouthed. I love you
I could hear her release a deep breath before she mouthed. I love you back, and that was it. That was all I needed
Everything I needed was already with me, and that gave me the confidence to face whatever it is that lies ahead.
I'm sure Mon and Mon will get through it together.

Everything felt like it was in slow motion, and before we knew it, we were already at the right distance for an audience with the King.

I kept my head low and curtsied, which Mon quickly followed, as I waited for my grandfather to address us.

King: Leave us
(The king commanded to no one in particular
I could feel that Mon was startled and was now unsure of what to do
I held her hand firmly, trying to comfort her nerves, knowing it was addressed to the staff and the guards.

It didn't take long before all that was left was silence as the room was emptied)

King: What? You have now forgotten how to hug your grandfather, Sam?

(I chuckled hearing the warmth and subtle teasing in his voice.
Standing back up and looking straight at my great grandfather, whom I have both loved and respected.
I forgot how much comfort and reassurance his smile could give me

Growing up, he has always been someone I knew I could rely on)

S: Why did you suddenly summon us, Grandpa? ( I responded with a smile as I came forward to hug him )

K: And how else would I get to see you if I didn't summon you, Sam?

S: You could have just called!
You scared us!

K: ah-huh, are we pretending now that you are taking our calls?

S: hmph! It was your fault for being so stingy!

K: Sigh, you never change, young one! You are still as spoiled and willful as you were 5. I really don't know what to do with you.

(He then looked over to Mon, who was still stuck in a courtsy, and smiled warmly)

K: Young lady, be at ease. It's just us here

(Mon tentatively stood up but still refused to look up

I strode back to her and took her hand, squeezing it one more time before slowly leading her to grandpa)

S: Grandpa, this is Mon, my wife
Mon, meet my grandfather (I said with a smile, silently reassuring her)

M: My King! (Mon said with a slight bow)