Princess in Hiding

Chapter 10

The King dismissed me for a while to rest. My formal training would start tomorrow and I will meet the designers to give me new wardrobe. I was still dazed on why I was chosen for that job. It should require expertise and professionalism for it and the King chose me from all the best picks in town.

        While I was on my way back, I saw Cronus approaching me bouquet from the market in hand. I automatically stopped when he was in front of me because I already know that he will just follow me around if I didn't. He's one stubborn prince.

        "I heard you have a new appointment," he started.

        "Yes. I don't know if it is trouble worthy of my head being shaved by the queen monster."

        "Queen Monster?" He smirked. "I guess I can't blame you on that term you used. With so much you endured with the Queen." He held the bouquet in front of my face. "Soft beautiful flowers for a soft and beautiful lady like you."

        I pushed the bouquet downwards. "I can't accept that."

        "Why?" He frowned. He looked very cute with his frown.

        "Because it is too much."

        "A ring is too much, a bouquet isn't."

        I rolled my eyes and just received the bouquet from him because I know he will just insist on it for the day. I stood there, awkward and out of words what to say.

        "I need to head back my quarters before the Queen Monster sees us. This is unacceptable."

        "Alright. I'll be seeing you whenever possible."

        I nodded and went to my quarters. I lay on my bed and still unsure of what my next job will be. I ought to have a simple job since I don't even know what's the use of my major. I guess studying it proved worth every penny I will pay. I drifted away from exhaustion and dreamed of a family I only wished since I've been conscious of my surroundings.

The following day I woke up early and went straight to the King's office. Before I even knocked, I heard an argument in order in the office. I think the King and Queen were arguing. I overheard their conversation and I know it was because of me.

        "You will let that wretched maid as an adviser-in-training? You always speak highly of her. She just bears the name of our daughter not our daughter herself." He icy venomous tone caught me off guard. What was wrong with her? What's her problem with me?

        "You always speak ill of her! That is not acceptable, Aglaia. She is just a child. A hardworking girl. She may not be our daughter but I treat her as such. Why are you like this to that child?"

        There was a long pause in the office and later, I heard loud clicking towards the door. I hid behind the pillar next to the study room and gladly, the Queen walked the opposite direction from me. My heart ached when I heard the King say that he treats me like his daughter.

        That unfamiliar thug in my chest made my eyes teary. That I never heard since Zakant. There's still someone out there who is trying to protect me as a father and the King was alongside the person I can consider my father. I waited for five minutes to pass before knocking on the door. I immediately walked in the study and I see a burdened King staring, struggling with the papers he was studying.

        He held his head up and smiled when he saw me. I went near him and I saw him press something from his intercom.

        "Dear, I'm glad you're here. I will have a pool of persons who will guide you. Designers for your wardrobe, teachers who will guide you and I will personally see your progress as a future adviser for my daughter."