To Kiss a King

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Rafael took a deep breath “Maybe we should talk about this another time, when you’re well rested and cleaned up...” 

Fiora felt angry “No. I don’t want to rest anymore. I’m fine. Now tell me.” She felt nervous for some reason but was dying to know what he meant. 

“First...please listen to what I have to say. What I tell you is all true and I hope you take it as such.” Worry creased his forehead and he closed his eyes as if gathering his thoughts. 

“I will listen to what you have to say.” Fiora made her voice level “but you have some explaining to do-”

Rafael cut her off “Yes, my father-I know. I’ll get to that.” He paused as if unsure how to continue. Fiora studied his face almost in awe that he could appear so frazzled, not by anger or frustration but nervousness. 

“First and foremost I would like to discuss your late mother.” Fiora’s heart twisted.

“While you were...detained I did not let your mother fend for herself, like you had believed.” Fiora opened her mouth to accuse him of lying but closed it wondering what motive he might have. 

“In fact I had her in one of my finest rooms and I had three of the best doctors in town tending to her. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.” Fiora closed her eyes feeling hot tears slowly creep down her cheeks. 

Rafael reached forwards and pulled Fiora into his embrace once more. She clung to his shirt burying her head into his shoulder. 

“Shhh shhhh”  Rafael chided into her hair. “I did everything I could, I’m sorry...I’m sorry I couldn’t save her.” Regret and woe stained his rugged voice. 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Rafael cradled Fiora against him as he remember her mothers last words. She had reached out with her fail hand and grasped his with surprising strength. 

“Take care of her. Make her happy.” She struggled to get the words out but they sounded firm. 

“Thank you.” Fiora’s voice brought him back to the present. 

“As for your father...that was Clarence’s doing.” Rafael continued as Fiora rested casually in his arms. 

“Clarence is my father and thus was King before I was. Once my mother passed away Clarence became twisted and evil. He was corrupt and started the war to feed his insatiable greed. It wasn’t until I was strong enough and old enough to beat the old man at his own game. I rightfully took the crown and he was banished from my kingdom for good. Unfortunately all of his guards and army fell into my control...turns out they were just as corrupt as he was. They are really not my men at least not anymore.” 

Fiora drew away from him and settled into a more comfortable position on the bed as he continued. “I believe that is why he kidnapped you, to cause me pain, to get back at me some how.” 

Fiora nodded “He said he wished to make up angry by... having me first.” her cheeks flushed for a moment as she looked down uncomfortable. 

Rafael’s blood boiled “He didn’t-” but she cut him off...

“No, no he didn’t touch me.” Fiora blurted out and they both sat awkwardly silent looking different ways.

“How were you able to steal the crown away from him?” Fiora finally inquired sending him a sideways glance. 

Rafael braced himself against the onslaught that was inevitable “Well...since my mother is no longer with us and I am of age, I rightfully am able to accept the crown...under the conditions that I am married.”