To Kiss a King

Chapter 16

Fiora spent most of the day wandering the huge castle, Eric was no where to be found but she didn’t mind. She encountered many people during her explorations, most of them shot her curious glances and whispered to each other. Most of the time she caught her name being whispered furiously as she strutted past. 

On one particular occasion she was fed up and made her way over to the whispering maids. “Hello” The girls just raised an eyebrow at her “Yes, I am Fiora, but you apparently already know that.” She half curtseyed. 

“Of course we know who you are.” The brown haired maid voiced bravely. “King Rafael ordered all of us to treat you kindly.” She turned her nose up, apparently disobeying the order. 

Fiora blanched, Rafael said that? 

“Not that you deserve our kindness.” 

“Sarah!” The blonde haired maid hissed and tugged on her arm. 

“She attacked Rafael you know! That mark on his cheek was inflicted by her!” She spat. 

Fiora stood there feeling ridiculed and her cheeks burned. They had no idea what kind of situation she was in! How dare she! 

“You strut in here thinking you’re someone, you’re special. Well news flash, you are just another of Rafael whores, we all know it!” Sarah’s face became flushed with anger. 

“Sarah stop!” The blonde hair maid hissed again eyes flashing behind Sarah. 

“You are nothing to him!” The maid’s jealousy and anger hit Fiora square in the chest. 

“You would do well to keep your mouth shut about things you do not understand.” A silky voice traveled from behind Sarah and she whipped around. 

“Rafael!” She squeaked and the blonde haired maid curtseyed deeply. 

“I am the King and I would prefer you to refer to me as such and not so informally.” He said simply as his eyes bore into Fiora’s face. 

Sarah looked back and forth from Fiora to Rafael and turned fleeing with tears in her eyes. Rafael took a step forwards and grasped Fiora’s hand in his. 

“I am sorry you had to endure such treatment. It will not go unpunished.” He began to raise her hand to his lips but she quickly yanked it away. 

“No punishment is needed, she was merely speaking her mind.” Fiora’s eyes were trained to the floor. She had never had such words hurled at her and all she kept hearing is the girls strained voice saying “whore” over and over. 

“But she has upset you...” Rafael placed a finger under her chin and tilted it upwards so that her eyes met his. 

“I suppose I am not as thick skinned as I used to be.” Fiora moved away from Rafael’s touch and gave him a half hearted smile.

Rafael’s brow furrowed in worry and he retracted his outstretched hand. 

“I thought you were to remain invisible from my sight?” Fiora teased.

“I was passing by and couldn’t help but hear the ruckus. I couldn’t just stand by and watch.” His eyes were smoldering. 

“Well I am glad you came to my rescue.” Fiora chewed on her bottom lip, feeling ruffled. 

“Anytime.” He said shortly then bowed deeply. “If you’ll excuse me I must make myself invisible.” Rafael winked and strutted away.