Henry went through the gates as he thought of ways to enter his room without being disturbed by his parents. But the first person he came upon was his father, King Edward.
"I won't ask where you coming from Henry, but I do need to talk to you", the King said. Henry sighed as he walked towards his father.
"Dad, can't we make it tomorrow. I am very tired right now. I need to rest", Henry said as he turned towards the direction of his room.
"When I say I need to talk to you, you stand there and listen to me talk young man. NEVER WALK OUT ON ME", the King shouted.
Henry stopped in his tracks as he made his way back to his father. He was surprised his father was this angry.
"No need to sit. You need to get married. And it's either you find someone or I will have to find one for you", the King ordered as Henry stood there shocked. They already had this conversation, but it was kind of 'Henry get yourself a wife, you need your queen when you become King'.
"What? Bu.."
"No buts young man. You get yourself a wife in the next 30 days or your brother James will have the throne", the King shouted as he left the room.
Henry stood there as he pondered over everything that happened. Give the throne to James? What nonsense is that one too. That stupid boy is not even fit to be king.
"That was fierce brother.", someone said sarcastically.
Henry sighed "What is it James"
James smiled as he stood in front of Henry, he clapped his hands in front of him.
"Dear brother, I couldn't help but kind of overheard, the plans of the wedding bells ringing soon in your life. I must say, that's good news"
"None of your business James, keep your mouth shut about that. Just because we play some female games together doesn't mean we are on that level",James furiously.
James smiled "Well I do pray you find a wife Henry. A nice one as such. When you fail to do so, I will have mine hot and ready. And I'm telling you, you won't like what you will see when I become a king"
Henry stood there looking at his brother, "Don't worry brother, no matter what. A bastard like you can never become a King", Henry sneered as he walked away.
James was left standing there fuming with anger. Thinking how dare Henry call him a bastard. And it's not like it is the first time that has ever happened. But every time Henry says it, it hurts more.'That stupid boy', he thought.
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As soon as Melda entered the house, she heard two female voices talking. She recognized her mother's voice but not the other. She spotted her Mom sitting at the dining table with someone she recognized by face, Madam Firmi. A close friend of her Mom. Both women turned to look at her as soon as they noticed her.
"Melda, won't you greet Madame Firmi. She was asking of you", Her mom said.
Melda smiles as she made her way towards them.
"Evening Madame Firmi, it's nice to see you again", Melda greeted.
Madame Firmi pulled Melda closer and hugged her "Evening child. You seems to grow more and more beautiful each time I see you"
They pulled away as Melda smiled shyly. Madame Firmi smiled as she turned to Melda Mom.
"I have to be on my way now. And please don't forget what we talked about. She's waiting for your response.", Madame Firmi said.
Melda's Mom nodded in understanding. Due to her mother's condition, Melda escorted Madame Firmi outside. She came back and took a seat beside her mom.
"What's wrong Mom, you look disturbed ", Melda asked.
Her mom weakly smiled at her "Am not disturbed Melda. You were always bad at reading people. I am just hopeful child. That everything will be alright. Madame Firmi came here to send me a message from the Queen"
Melda sat there waiting for her mom to continue with what she started.
Her mom sighed "The Queen wants to help me out Melda. She acknowledges the fact that I had been serving her for 15 years before my sickness."
"Mom I know that. But how is she willing to help us", Melda asked as she was stuck between being hopeful and disappointment.
"She wants to offer my daughter a job at the Palace. You Melda, she wants to offer you a job"
"Are you serious Mom?"
"yes child, there is least work to be done. And you will be paid more than 3times that money you make from your 3 part-time jobs combined weekly. I was excited to hear that but I can't make that decision for you whether you want to or not"
Melda smiled with excitement "Not interested? Mom, I'm more that interested. I can make 3times the amount that I make weekly. That's good."
"Really? You will work there? Am so happy for you Melda. I promise you will love it there."
After the conversation with her Mom, Melda laid on her bed thinking about working at the Palace. It is a good apportunity. Make enough money for her Mom and sister.
That was until she realized..
Working at the Palace
And am dating one of the Princes.
'I have to talk to Henry', she thought as she drifted off to sleep.