A King's Heart

4.

Chapter Four: An Unexpected Visit

Prince Thomas looked like death.

His cheeks look hollow, the bags under his eyes didn't help him look any better. The black veins had spread across his neck, reaching just below his jawline. The pain had become worse if that was possible.

It felt like he was being constantly stabbed.

"How are you feeling Prince Thomas?" Kai questioned as he walked into the prince's chambers.

The prince laid shirtless, exposing the poison that slowly ate him alive. Beads of sweat rested against his skin, making him seem paler than usual.

"I have been laying in bed for the past few days Kai and there is still no sign of Mara's whereabouts."

Kai's hatred for Mara had grown by day. He had never met a woman that brought royalty to their deathbed so quickly. He had sworn in silence to find this witch and make her pay for her crime.

He just wanted his prince to be well.

"We will find her your highness. We will get your heart back, I swear on my life."

Prince Thomas was interrupted by the entrance of a young woman who kept her face hidden from them. Kai glanced at the prince in confusion as he watched the young maiden begin to prepare them tea.

The prince and the guard shared a look as they watched the young maiden. Kai wasn't aware that the prince had summoned someone to bring him tea but as he realized Prince Thomas was just as confused as he was; he became alerted.

"Pardon but who are you?" Kai questioned as he instinctively placed his hand above his sword.

The young maiden kept her back towards them. Instead of answering their questions she kept her focus on the cups as she served them tea.

"I asked you a question." Kai now demanded as he placed himself to block the prince.

"Well I heard but I decided to not answer." The woman answered.

Prince Thomas felt the hair on his arms stand at the sound of the voice. With the little strength he had, he pushed himself upward to stare at her back.

"Mara?"

A smile spread across Mara's lips at the sound of the prince's voice. She slowly turned to give him a small wave, "Hello Tom, you seem unwell".

"That is Prince Thomas to you. You have no right to direct him so personally", Kai removed his sword and pointed it towards her, "So you are Mara, the one that has my prince this way".

Mara turned her gaze towards him and gave him a small smirk, "So you know who I am?".

Kai's anger made him take a threatening step towards her but stopped at the motion of Prince Thomas' hand. He was hesitant at first before he placed his sword away and helped Prince Thomas rise from his bed.

He stood by his side as Prince Thomas slowly walked over to Mara.

"I need it back." Prince Thomas demanded.

Mara gave him an innocent look. "Need what back?"

Prince Thomas narrowed his eyes. "I need my heart back."

Mara kept her innocent expression as she stared at the prince. The smile that rested against her lips slowly morphed into a frown. She observed how fragile and dead the prince looked. Without her knowledge she brought up a hand to touch his chest but was stopped by Kai.

"Enough. You have no right."

Mara shook her head to gather her thoughts. Clearing her throat, she moved her gaze from the prince to the man standing next to him. A tall blonde man stood before her, his anger shown through his eyes as he glared at her.

She simply gave him a small smile before she glanced back to the prince, "I heard the prince was unwell. It seems like the rumors are true".

Prince Thomas leaned against Kai for support. "What are you doing here Mara?".

"As I mentioned, I heard you were unwell. As a friend I wanted to check up on you."

If it weren't for the circumstances, Prince Thomas would have smiled at Mara's mention of their friendship. But instead, he glared at her as another wave of pain hit him, making him wince.

"Why are you really here?"

Mara let out a sigh. "I need your help".

"Why would we help you?" Kai's glare intensed.

A frown spread on her lips as she stared at Prince Thomas, "Because if you don't, he'll die."

a/n: hey guys! here's another update! this one is kind of short but a good chapter! got some good news, my new updating schedule will be every Monday and Thursday! So keep an eye on those days!

how are you guys liking the story so far!? please leave your thoughts and a vote, please and thank you! love you all!