THE QUEEN'S SERVANT

3

Rocky's head was aching. She slowly put a finger against her temple, rubbing and feeling something beating under her skin. She was annoyed but had to keep a somewhat pleased face for the people watching her.

She knew she'd hate this day.

Rocky never expected a delightful wedding because from a very young age, she knew she wouldn't get married to someone she loved. As a royal, love was an unknown word. You'd get married solely for your kingdom's wellbeing, nothing more. She was happy because she was achieving just that, but also she couldn't help but hate the party. There were too many people in the palace's ballroom, mostly other royals and important people. They, on the other hand, were surely enjoying this day. They were laughing and conversing and dancing, and drinking to celebrate. Rocky eyed them with dreadfulness. She was sitting on the queen's throne, next to her husband. Remembering him , she slowly turned and glanced at his direction. Her heart skipped a beat when she realised he was already staring at her.

King Hassan was an attractive gentleman. He was in his thirties, tall and well built. And God, he had a beard. Rocky was weak for men with beard. When she saw him for the first time a week ago, she couldn't believe it. Was this the tyrant everybody feared ? How did he have such warm eyes, then?

Said warm eyes were of a deep brown color and they liked staring at Rocky. The king didn't falter even when he got caught. He simply kept looking, his head resting over his fist. He smiled and Rocky immediately looked away, wondering why she was feeling so tingly suddenly.

She didn't spend much time with him. When he arrived, he barely introduced himself to Rocky and her followers before having to deal with political issues and security. Apparently, a neighbouring state was being threatening and had to be dealt with quickly. The king had no time to know his wife more but he asked for his mother to prepare the wedding. After that first encounter in the palace's garden, this was their second time meeting, on their wedding day.

Yet Rocky couldn't forget the way he looked at her that first time. Even though they only had five minutes in the presence of one another, the king had taken the time to analyse everything he could see of his future wife. The spark in his eyes proved he was definitely impressed in a good way. Rocky also appreciated his great physique and seeing how he treated his subordinates, he seemed kind and caring. She couldn't imagine him killing thousands of innocents and yet, that's what they said about him.

"Are you bored, princess?" He suddenly asked.

Rocky offered him a small smile.

"We've been sitting here for hours...I can't say I am having fun."

"I admire your honesty. I am fucking bored as well."

Rocky scoffed at the King's choice of words but she wasn't offended. Not even a bit.

"What are we waiting for exactly?"

"Well...You see those guys there?"

The king pointed to a bunch of weirdly dressed individuals. Rocky had seen them a lot already, getting in every single room of the palace, singing in weird mantras.

"They are here to bless our home." The king explained. "This is a mandatory thing to do here, before a wedding. Even for royals. Since the palace is huge, it's taking them quite a time but this ballroom is actually the last. When they are done, the sheikh will bless us too and you will be crowned queen."

"Oh. So this is how your traditions are..."

"I am surprised you didn't know. My mother was supposed to tell you everything."