Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 14

When I wake, he's dressed, letting the Prime Minister into my room as if he were just arriving. My head has a dull sting, and I pour myself a glass from the water jug, wondering how late I was up and what time it currently is. I'm not surprised that this holy man is unimpressed with my lack of prayer the night before, and we partake in what feels like an eternity of blessings. 

While I'm rejuvenated in my attitude, I can not shake the nerves that rack my body at the unending truth that I will be the father of this nation. 

The attending servants rush into the room, and I note that Tomas takes the place of my warlord. The gray-haired man saw it fit to distance himself from me in times like these. He could do a better job of keeping me safe if he were patrolling, checking for every possible outcome, and while his absence brings on an ache, I feel a sense of ease knowing he would protect me. 

 A woman feeds me small bites of food as each part of my clothes undergoes a particular ritual of being attached. 

Haryek and Loan seem at odds, bickering back and forth about how I should be dressed, what I should wear, and whether traditional or modern is more appropriate for my position and age. 

I was leaving behind the old ways, stepping into a new era of prosperity and equality. I should fit the part and leave tradition behind.

However, I notice the design change is much darker, complementing my hair with offsetting green undertones that accentuate my complexion. When I gaze at the mirror, I watch as they button my vest and cinch down the pleated back to fashion a corset. 

They yank, push, and squeeze me into this outfit that feels like it belongs to someone else. With each passing moment, I look older, more mature, like someone this country might follow behind. Each pass of the razor against my flesh removes the facial hair I had started on. While I wasn't particularly hairy, I must be clean-shaven for today. 

I was back in the realm of royalty, sweeping the room with a heavy exhale. I counted the staff. Over eight people were in here, tending to me. 

Perhaps this was why he left. 

Perhaps he couldn't bear to see me this way, did he wonder if this was how it looked before he killed my family? 

If this was who I was before he fell in love with me?

 Haryek approaches, running his hand playfully through my hair after it was so carefully put into place. 

"There."

The Prime Minister frowns. "That is not proper for a King. He should be groomed, demonstrating the epitome of class and grace."

"It's Nicolas, and the people love him for it. He saved our country dressed like a soldier and fought alongside our men. We should allow him to look as the people come to know him. They don't know him as a King, they know him as their savior."

"I'd like it to look as it typically does; I do not want it styled before I dawn my crown," I tell them both firmly. "I am for the people before I am for the crown, I want them to recognize me. I do not want to appear to them as if I've forgotten my promises."

 I casually roll the ring on my finger, and the Prime Minister holds out his hand. Flinching, I retract only to glance down at the gifted piece of jewelry. 

"Your hands must be clean, Your Grace." 

Reluctantly, I slowly pull the ring off, and Haryek rolls his eyes. "Hand it over, I'll keep it safe." 

"I'd rather keep it on my person." I insist, sliding the piece into my pocket. "Good luck charm.. it was a gift."

The Prime Minister frowns once more, deepening the lines beside his mouth. "It is not done to carry trinkets that hold more merit than the word you are about to sworn to-"