LOVE IN THE SHADOWS OF TIME l LINGORM

CHAPTER 9

As Princess Kornnaphat stepped into the palace, a tumult of emotions surged within her.

The corridors bustled with courtiers and servants, each person moving with purpose, their whispers echoing off the ornate walls.

The sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden rays on the marbled floor, but all Princess Kornnaphat felt was a tightening knot in her stomach.

Today was different—charged with an electric anticipation that sent her heart racing.

“Princess Kornnaphat, His Majesty awaits you,” a steward announced, bowing low as he gestured toward the king’s study.

Orm squared her shoulders, swallowing the unease building in her throat.
With a curt nod, she stepped inside, the heavy wooden doors creaking shut behind her.

“Princess Kornnaphat, you’ve returned!” a voice called, breaking through her thoughts.

“Come forward,” her father commanded, his tone authoritative yet softened by an undercurrent of fatherly affection.

Princess Kornnaphat swallowed hard, stepping into the lavishly adorned study.
Scrolls and tomes cluttered the grand desk, and the rich scent of polished wood mixed with the faint aroma of parchment filled the air.

“Father, I—”

Princess Kornnaphat replied, bowing deeply.

The king gestured for her to sit.

“First, let us discuss the news that has reached me regarding your recent adventures,” he interrupted, leaning forward slightly, his expression intent.

“It seems a female traveler named LingLing has played a significant role in your affairs.”

At the mention of LingLing, a flutter of excitement mixed with dread quickened Princess Kornnaphat’s heartbeat.

She had hoped to keep her growing friendship a secret from her family, especially from her father, who would undoubtedly worry about her safety and the implications of her bond with a commoner.

“She—she was just helping the villagers, Father. It was nothing more.”

The king raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Nothing more?

I hear she bravely rescued women from bandits and even helped to protect the village.

Your actions and her own seem intertwined.”

Princess Kornnaphat hesitated, the weight of her father’s words pressing down on her.

She had been too consumed by her feelings for LingLing to consider the political ramifications of their friendship.

“Yes, but it was merely a series of unfortunate events.”

“Oh, really? Unexpected situations are what we prepare for,” he countered, his voice heavy with authority.

And what of her rescuing you and those children from those drunk men roaming the streets—was that just a coincidence as well, Princess?

” The king's gaze pierced through her, demanding honesty.

“That news has already reached me my dear daughter.

I wonder—how is it that you had guards with you, yet you were nearly harmed by those men?

What is it you’re trying to achieve from that incident?”

Princess Kornnaphat lowered her head... biting her lower lip..