"I was told my presence was requested by Your Grace." Samira said while bowing as the guard held the double door to the throne room open. King James and Queen Helena sat at their thrones, looking at her with grins on their faces. She ignored everyone at court staring at her in absolute silence as she walked closer to the monarchs.
"The entire village is speaking about you, Samira," the king spoke with a content expression.
"Why so, Your Highness? I have only been here for one day. What could I possibly have done to anger your people so quickly?"
"You have done nothing to make my people mad, the contrary, my dear. You brought them hope. Your kindness did not go unnoticed."
"I fear I don't understand, Your Grace."
"Everyone is talking about the tenderhearted and compassionate princess that arrived at the kingdom, who one day will become their queen. A widow told everyone how you came to her on the side of the road and offered gold coins to feed her starving family."
"Your Highness, I was not trying to get any attention with this."
"I know, Samira, and I just wanted to share with you how delighted my court and I are to have you here. You are just what we need."
"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm humbled by your words." Samira said, giving a bow to the king.
"We won't steal more of your time, my dear. You may now go," King James said, smiling.
"Thank you." And with that, she walked away.
Samira entered her room and allowed her tense body to rest against the closed doors. She took a deep sigh, relieved that no more eyes were on her for the first time in a while. Esma was organizing her vanity from the mess she left in the morning after getting the princess ready, but something caught Samira's eye. The red color stood out from everything else in the room. Samira walked toward the beautiful rose and took it in her hands, bringing it closer to her nose to feel the pleasant, velvety aroma.
"How beautiful. Where did you find it?" she asked.
"No, milady, it was here in your vanity when I came into the room."
"That's strange. Anyways, I'm so tired; it's been a crazy day."
"Sure it was, milady. Now, are you going to tell me what happened with the prince?" Esma asked.
"N...nothing happened." Samira's voice was shaking after remembering what happened with the prince less than two hours ago.
It was the first time someone's lips encountered hers. He did not even catch a glimpse of her face, so instantaneous and urgent was that kiss. She felt how it slowly turned her upside down, overpowering her senses. She remembered how the sweetness and softness of his lips made her feel like she was levitating off the ground, floating in the air like nothing in the world existed but the two of them.
"Just by looking at your face, I know something happened between you two," Esma said in an unconvinced tone.
"He kissed me."
"He what? I mean, I shouldn't be surprised; he's your husband, but I never thought—"
"I know. He wants to behead me, but then he kisses me. I'm so confused," Samira interrupted.
"No more than the prince himself, my lady. I think he has feelings for you, and he's fighting them."
"You think so?" Samira asked, hardly hiding the smile that started to form on her face.
YOU ARE READING
The Queen
RomantikCOMPLETE She was never meant to be queen. She was never meant to fall in love with the king. And she was never meant to survive the price of both. In a kingdom where loyalty is dangerous and love is a liability, Queen Samira finds herself tangled in...
