Evelyn

❈ Chapter Eight ❈

- Kenley -

  It was that rare occasion when the King was more than happy to organise something a simple maid could've organised themselves. He watched over the plans for the too perfect dress, the perfect decorations and the elegant desserts. Kenley honestly couldn't wait, to see Evelyn walk down the aisle and be crowned Queen. That was, the day after he gave up the crown. Something he had not formally discussed with his advisors. But, they knew this time was coming. 

  Kenley stood in the middle of the hall, watching the maids polish the tiles and hang the banners. Because tomorrow night, would be a festival. Hopefully he would find someone suitable to offer as a suitor to Evelyn tomorrow night as well. For he knew that the advisors would not completely agree with letting Evelyn take over the country herself. Not until she became a little more 'sane'. But the King knew, Evelyn would come to her senses. Probably when she was Queen. 

  "Your majesty. The seamstress is here." One maid bowed respectfully, her dark hair falling out of it's bun just a little. 

  Kenley nodded, turning to a young woman who looked as if she had only just turned twenty. She had blue eyes and blonde hair that pooled over her shoulders. She bowed, turning her eyes to the floor before handing out a note pad. 

  "These are your daughter's measurements as well as the final designs and fittings for the dress. My apprentice is collecting the dress now, we will begin finishing it as soon as she arrives. But I must as, have you seen the young Princess?" The seamstress asked. 

  Kenley raised an eyebrow. "She is not upstairs?"

  The seamstress shook her head. "She raced away as soon as her final measurements had been taken."

  The King sighed, stretching his eyes closed before breathing. "She should've returned to her room by now. If she hasn't, please send the guards to find her."

  The seamstress nodded, turning her back before rushing out of the hall. He blue dress swayed against the stone as she turned a corner and called for the nearby guards. Kenley could hear the shout of his daughter, followed by the muttered apologises before she followed the seamstress away. It was a Queen like this that would get the country killed. And he hoped, for the kingdoms sake, that she would mature. Within twelve hours hopefully. But even then, he knew that was impossible. Especially for a girl like Evelyn. 

  "Your majesty! The guard you called for is here. Shall I allow him in?" Another maid called from the door way, holding the brown door with both hands. 

  Kenley nodded, watching as a boy with dark raven hair and light skin walked through the doors. His dark eyes carried responsibility in them, something he desperately needed right now. The boy held his hand on the hilt of a shining sword, his guards armour shining in the sunlight from the windows. The guard bowed, his hair falling slightly in front of his eyes as he did.

  "Your highness. It is an honour to meet you sir." The boy said, his voice even. "My commander said you had a job for me."

  Kenley smiled, the boy looked about Evelyns age. Perfect for a personal guard. Maybe the guard could convince her to accept one of the suitors he would present tomorrow. Hopefully. 

  "The honour is all mine Sir...? What is your name boy?"

  "Kai Sir." The boy replied quickly. 

  Kenley grinned. "Sir Kai. The job I propose for you is being the personal guard to our future Queen. She is young in years and unmarried, therefore unable to protect herself as much as I can. If you accept the job, you shall be stationed here in the castle within the hour. Your possessions shall be moved to the room beside the Princess's and you shall follow her strict timetable. You shall receive breaks on Sundays of course. But it is otherwise a full time job. The position will of course pay you more than your old job, if you choose to accept." The King proposed.

  The boy stood with his eyes wide, looking as though his mouth would drop open at any moment. "Of course... your majesty. I would be honoured sir. When do I begin?" 

  Kenley could tell the boy was hesitant, the reason he probably agreed was most likely because it was the King asking. Otherwise, the boy looked more humble than a fly. 

  "Then it is settled. I shall send the maids to retrieve your belongings and I shall escort you to the seamstresses room. You shall wait outside until the Princess leaves, and follow her to dinner. Your shift shall finish at around the hour of ten. Is that understood?"

  Kai nodded, his hair flying in the wind. The King smiled, turning and beginning to walk out of the hall. The guard followed quite awkwardly behind, making sure not to exceed more than a few meters behind the King. Kenley felt as though the guard would completely change Evelyn's attitude. He knew that Evelyn would try and make friends with the guard; but it seemed as though the boy knew his position in the kingdom well. Hopefully now, Evelyn would change.