The Realm Of The Abyss

Chapter 11: His Majesty's Request

Quinn’s POV.

After talking with Prince Alvaro, we decided to go inside the palace again because it was getting late. He offered to walk me to my room so that we could talk more.

I told him a little bit about myself and the ones he should know. I was even forced to invent a story to make my role as a princess appear more realistic.

I must admit that I was nervous when he said earlier that he wanted to get to know me better. It had a different effect on me, as if he wanted to get to know me better so he could know my true identity, the real me.

My thoughts were interrupted when Alvaro came to a halt and turned to face me, only then did I realize we were in front of the room where I was staying. That was fast.

“I had a great time talking to you,” he said. “Please go inside and rest.”

His voice was warm, but his face said otherwise. His expression couldn’t be any colder.

I gave him a half-smile before turning away. But before I could open the door, I casted another glance at him. He didn’t even move from his position. He cocked his head, crossed his arms, and fixed his gaze on me. He was waiting for me to enter before leaving.

“May you sleep well…” he added.

***

I let out a frustrated sigh. I’ve been tossing and turning in bed since earlier. It was midnight, but my entire system was wide awake. I hadn’t yet succumbed to sleepiness. I’m pretty sure I'm the only one awake here. I tried and tried to sleep, but I couldn’t. I think I’m homesick.

I contemplated leaving the room to get some water. I, too, was thirsty, so it was a good decision. 

I took every step with caution because I was afraid of making a noise or breaking something. I could have been dead, and yet I couldn’t afford to replace the expensive and gold-plated items inside the palace.

I went straight to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I wasn’t going to stay long when I noticed the large painting hanging on the wall. I approached it and stood there staring.

Alvaro’s family was depicted in the painting. The King, Queen, Prince Alfaro, and himself. I’m not sure if they were happy there because I didn’t see Alvaro smile. Even the queen and his younger brother. Only His Majesty smiled in the portrait. 

I’d say the entire Royal Family was intimidating. But if I hadn’t known His Majesty was the King, I would have assumed he was an ordinary person. He was far too gentle for a king to be.

I even noticed the frame beneath the painting. It was a photograph of Alvaro and Alfaro together. It was taken a long time ago, when they were only kids.

I couldn’t tell where Alvaro was in the picture because his face had changed. He didn’t look anything like he did back then. But even so, they were both adorable when they were younger.

I was taken aback when I heard a deep voice and felt a presence behind me.

“That’s my favorite photo of my children,” His Majesty said. I bowed to greet him right away. “What is the reason you’re still awake, princess?”