The Kings Love

Sophia's Smile |17|

King Laurent
( Day 29 )

My twin and I sat in my den, he once again with his feet on my desk. I glared at him.

King Laurent: "Why are you in here mon frere? Shouldn't you be frolicking around with the chocolate one?" Larry finally looked up from the gaming system in his hand.

King Larry: "I would be but Melissa has my attention right now. You should've seen what she wore last night. But to answer your first question, I'm in here cause you keep sulking away in here. We were suppose to go and speak with the Lord and Lady of Maliaja two days ago but you haven't left this damn den since you and the rude one returned from the forest. You really shouldn't let a woman affect you so. After all, isn't it a good thing you didn't find Jessica? I mean her not being at the crash and in the forest could mean she's alive, right?"
A sneer rose my lips, seeming like a permanent thing lately.

King Laurent: " I would rather not see your whore in whatever sluttish attire I'm sure she was in. I already sent a apology to Lord and Lady Malook and told them we will be there in the morning. I'm not upset about not finding Jessica Larry. I'm upset about the fact that I had to inform Jasmine that her very first friend she made here was dead." Larry looked to the side with a slight shame on his face.

King Larry: "I'm sorry bro, I didn't mean to be insensitive. I don't like the rude one but I don't wish pain on her. Look, if your just going to ignore her because you don't want to see her sad, you might as well stop. Because I'm sure that the fact you're ignoring her is hurting her even more. In any case, I will go get everything ready for our trip tomorrow."
I nodded my head to let my twin know I acknowledge what he said. When he left out the room, I thought I could have some time to think. The door creaking back open said no. I knew who it was just from the curls. Sophia walked in, now dressed in a simple pretty red sundress. I smiled at her but she just frowned. She sat in the chair opposite of mines and just glared at me.

King Laurent: "Okay, what have I done now petite?" She grabbed the paper and pen on my desk and simply wrote Jasmine. I sighed

King Laurent: "Now now Sophia, I get that you have formed a bond with the woman, but I don't need to hear another chastising today." Sophia gave a soft huff and wrote more.

Sophia: "She is hurting cause you no see her" I sighed,

King Laurent: "No, she is hurting cause she lost her friend." Sophia's glare intensified.

Sophia: "Yes but you no seeing her hurts too. I thought you were friend? I see how you look at her Lauy. Why you no say something? You choose the candy lady?"

It took me a second to realize she was speaking about Candice. Hm, I haven't really gave her any time or thought lately. That was not how the Court Game was to work. I would have to spend some time with her.

King Laurent: "It's not like that Sophie. I have other things on my mind. Your friends happiness is not top priority." I watched as Sophia's face fell, sadness etched into every pore. She wrote something down and then left. I rubbed my temples before I read it, a headache forming.

"Fine! She no important to you but she's important to me! She looks like mommy and I will not let her be sad. Your nothing but a mean King!"

My eyes opened wide at the note. That's why she was so attracted to Jasmine and it even explained why her bracelet was on Jasmine. I frowned a little, remembering how I had brought Sophia here. I felt like an ass. I would speak with Jasmine after I get back. To ease Sophie's sadness.

Jasmine

I just laid there. In the same position as I had been for two days. I didn't sleep and I didn't eat. I knew that I needed a shower but I was just so tired. This overwhelming exhaustion started ever since King Laurent told me Ms.Betty was gone. The doctor said she died of a heart attack. She was old but she didn't look sick. I didn't believe it but I couldn't fight a doctors word. As soon as we got back to the castle, King Laurent gave me a soft pat on my shoulder and disappeared.

I haven't seen him since then. It hurt that he didn't at least check on me. Wasn't I his Princess? Shouldn't my health mean something to him? I guess not. What obligation did he have to me? I wasn't any help anyway on the forest search. I closed my eyes, praying for some rest to come my way. The doors opened and I just kept my eyes closed. When I didn't hear anything though I decided to look. When my eyes opened, Sophia was just getting ready to leave back out the doors.

Jasmine: "Wait Sophia. I didn't know it was you. Please come back." She stopped and turned, a frown marring her pretty features. She walked slowly over to the bed and sat on a chair next to it. She wrote something on the little notepad she always kept with her.

"Are you okays?"

Jasmine: "Yes I'm fine Sophia, just a little sad."

"I am sorry about your friend. And bout stupid Lauy."

Jasmine: "Lauy? Do you mean King Laurent?" She gave me a nod of her head. I laughed for the first time in days. So she had a nickname for him. Jasmine: "Are you and King Laurent friends Sophia?"

"Yes but I'm mad at him for being mean to your feelings. But Lauy is a good man. He saved me when I was younger."

I saw the adoration in Sophia's eyes. At least I could confirmed he was good to her.

"Jasmine, I don't like to see you so sad. It hurts Sophia's heart. What can I do to help?"

Jasmine: "I'm sorry that I've upset you. Do not worry, you being here makes me much happier. Also, looking at your bracelet helps me too. So you've already helped."
She smiled and I felt the waves of depression smooth over. She fiddled with something in her hand that I hadn't noticed before. It was the book Chasing Redbird. It was my favorite book since I was a child.

"Jasmine.... Can you read to me? Usually Lauy does but he's been so lost in his head, he doesn't have time for me."

I gave her a gentle smile and patted the bed, gesturing for her to lay with me. She did and I started reading to her, my heart healing slowly. We didn't noticed the bathroom door softly closing or King Laurent's smiling face.

( End Chapter )

Ever heard the expression " The calm before the storm" ?