MALAKAI (The 'Mala Series' book 1)

ct-6 The Castle

Sebastian left Kai alone in his new house. It was too big for him. He had never lived in such a place, it would take him time to adjust. The foyer had sculptures of a soldier on each end and captured the light that came in from the living room.

He entered the spacious living room that contained a desk and chair, several lamps against the walls, beautiful blinds for the windows, three sofas and several more that added to its decor. He walked into the bedroom that had a bed big enough for two.

A large wardrobe with a mirror as it's front stood against the left end of the wall and to his right was a door that would probably lead to the bathing chambers. A knock sounded from the foyer area which he left the room to check.

He opened the door to two ladies in what looked to be maid clothing. One was taller and looked older than the other. They both had in their hands a bundle of neatly folded clothing, two pairs of boots and some containers.

"Good evening guardian Kai." They both said together and took a bow.

"That title is pitiful." Kai said.

"That is the title the lady princess insists we address you by guardian." the older of the ladies said. Kai grunted in disbelief.

He knew the princess was taunting him because she found him amusing. Fine then, he thought, guardian it is.

"What do you want?" He asked them.

"The princess has ordered we run you a warm bath guardian, and give you these clothes before the tailors arrival in a few days." The older one said again.

He let them in knowing a warm bath was exactly what he needed right now. Winter was already approaching, plus he needed to scrub the dirt of two days off of him.

After they had set his bath and dropped his clothes on the bed, they just stood there watching him.

"Umm, what?" He asked

"We'll wash you now." said the younger of the both of them who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. She stepped forward reaching for his waist as if to pull down his wears.

"Woah woah woah woah...no" kai said jumping backwards.

"But, the princess insists we keep you company." The girl said, her auburn hair catching the light coming off his room window.

His cheeks heated up when he realized what they meant by company. Boy was he going to have a chat with the princess.

"I think I'll be fine." he said.

The two ladies looked at themselves then bowed and left the house. Kai sighed in relief. The bath was so heavenly he felt as though he should remain there the rest of the day.

He found that the containers the ladies carried were conditioners for hair. How thoughtful of the princess to notice the dirty state of his hair. He washed until his dread locks were pure black again.

He had only put on loose pants when he heard another knock on his door. This time it was Sebastian.

"Ah, guardian Kai. You look rather tidy." Sebastian said.

Kai almost moaned in disbelief at being addressed with such a sardonic title.

"I'm glad you noticed." he said. He motioned for Sebastian to come in.

"Not necessary guardian. I've come to inform you that the lady Queen has invited you to dinner at the formal dining hall. There you will meet the court. I recommend you prepare to answer questions concerning yourself, you will be interviewed."