King Theon went into the palace and has been immediately greeted by his mother-figure, Polly. Polly is a middle-aged woman who lost her husband and son to a war. King Theon saw her and took her into kingdom Imperion. After she healed from trauma and grief, she wanted to serve the king until her last breath.
Polly had a gleam in her eyes and her smile couldn't be any bigger when she knew that he came back. "Your highness, you're looking as sharp and charming as ever."
King Theon bowed in greeting and laughed a little. "I'm far from charming, Polly." He looked down at his clothing. Wearing all black was a choice and he was happy with it.
Polly tilted her head. "But don't you want to get the ladies?" She shook her head. "Who am I kidding? They fall for you anyway no matter what you wear." She sighed.
King Theon reacted with a laugh. "I don't really have the need to impress the women, Polly...but...I feel like I want to fall in love."
Polly's eyes widened in shock but also with excitement. Her young king Theon is growing up! Her old spirit sprung back to life and reversed in age for twenty years after hearing his statement.
Polly being experienced with love smiled gently at the prince. "King Theon, you'll know it when you see her. It actually doesn't matter what her status is and what she looks like but only what she is to you."
King Theon nodded. "I'll take it to heart, Polly. I'll be headed down to the dungeons before going to bed."
Polly nodded. "I'll leave your dinner in your room as usual."
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Meanwhile in the head assassin's chambers...
Sir Norix places the young princess Clara on his bed, smelling a faint scent of blood. She passed out on the way to kingdom Imperion. She slept for two whole days, making sir Norix worry.
He took some alcohol and an old cloth since he sensed that he'll be cleaning wounds. First, he spotted open cuts on her neck. He lifted her sleeves and saw cuts on her arms. Sir Norix tilted her face and saw bruises.
He turned her around, making her face down, and saw blood seeping through the clothe of her back. 'Why didn't I notice this on the way here?' Sir Norix thought to himself in regret. The king ordered him to take care of the princess as a wife and he's already failing to do that one job.
Sir Norix watched in horror and his jaw clenched at the sight of her back. It was full of new open wounds. They were whip slashes.
Sir Norix took the bottle of alcohol in one hand and the cloth in the other. He whispered to himself "She looks like an angel...who had her wings ripped off." He felt sorry for her. He felt so much sadness. To much sadness, that he didn't understand it.
"Why is my heart beating so fast?"