Nervous, "Hey! it's only been few years!
Besides...it's true that my current job pays me a lot, but how Did you think I afforded all of my customized outfits, vehicles and expensive life style before coming here?...my book got translated and republished so many time, it doesn't even need a movie adaptation."
After thinking, "It's not like I was going to let you die before, I mean maybe... but now I do have a reason to keep you alive.
To keep me going." Socorro stated.
A little confused, "What are you talking about now?" Matilda asked, " I want to read again from you." Socorro replied slightly biting her Lips to stop herself from smiling like an idiot.
Turning to face Matilda, Socorro's eyes met The messenger's, the king's assistant then removed her left pair of dark gloves, revealing a mark on the back of her hand.
"Coco your mark...is a pen?"
"It appeared Weeks ago.
At the very beginning, I was confused though I knew that I've been mated, I didn't know who the Mark symbolized, and it was my plan from the start to hide it for as long as I can."
"How did it came to your mind that it was me then, Coco?"
"I suspected it was you when there was this one time, you passed by me as I was putting on my gloves, I thought I saw my mark glow briefly around you.
But I confirmed it today from his Majesty's words, when he mentioned how sick you've been for weeks...you really had me fooled, I couldn't tell you're unwell that easily, Miss 'Orange tree'." Socorro replied.
"What can I say, I'm multitalented." Matilda stated with a bow, it made Socorro chuckle a little at the joke.
"I suppose you earned this, Matilda Jeannette...I accept you as my mate."
"I accept you too, Socorro Belmonte."
Upon uttering those words, a feeling of warmth and satisfaction engulfed them both.
"What was that feeling!" Matilda asked, The sudden rush of emotions startled the women, "I suppose that's what happens when the bond is officially sealed." Socorro said.
"So that means we're officially mates now! can I tell people we're together now?"
"Yes you big Pumpkin."
Surprised, "Big Pumpkin ? did you just pet name me!" Matilda said.
"Maybe, if that's how you see it pumpkin." Socorro replied.
"Then I'll call you something cute too!"
"But you already call me coco?"
"but But! that's the nicknames his Majesty gave you, everyone uses that!
I want to call you something between us, something special like...oh I know! how about Sparkly Eyes?" Matilda replied with a big goofy smile.
"Absolutely not." Socorro said walking inside the secret chamber, it was a tiny room with a table and two chairs, and obviously a load more of bookshelves and books.
Following her, Matilda still tested out some more nickname for her new mate, not paying anymore attention to the fact she just entered a secret room with her, "How about...Heaven-Sent?"
"In hell Matilda."
"Wifey?"
"I should've rejected you."
"Hmmm, okay I got it!"
"What are you thinking?" Socorro replied whilw rummaging through magic books, She was secretly smiling as she waited for Matilda to come up with a nickname.
Smiling, "Coconut!" Matilda said proudly.
"Seriously Matilda? I'm starting to question that you are actually a writer." Socorro replied annoyed, hiding that she was blushing.
"Oh c'mon babe! I thought really hard about this! can I call you coconut? pretty please~"
"Okay as long as you don't call me babe again."
Joyful, Matilda did a little victory Dance behind Socorro's back, "Alright! for now I will only call you coconut.
However, I will 'babe' you in the near future!" she said.
Ignoring her, "Anyways pumpkin, if you're done celebrating and bothering me, I suggest you start helping me or I will punish you for breaking curfew!" Socorro said while piling up books on the table.
Checking the first book her hand reached to "Ok but what are all these books? I can't even read some of them! what is this ancient language?!
Also why do you have a secret room inside of the Library that has more books!" Matilda was already complaining.
Slightly glaring at her mate, "These are different books than the library's, they're magic books you pumpkin head!
and this room is made to preserve them for my personal use mostly, his Majesty is aware of it, since he supplied most of them.
I translate these books and write whatever I need into my notebook to use them.
Spells to potions, everything is in here and don't worry I do not use them to harm anyone, I am a good witch.
Anyways we're here to find a spell." Socorro explained to the curious messenger.
"So why are you looking for spells so late at night? what do you need?"
"Something like a calming spell, tomorrow king Thorn is visiting the palace, and I need to help his Majesty get on his good side...I can't do that if I'm going to be extremely anxious all the time."
"Wait? is that how you keep your cool usually?" Matilda asked.
"I'm an introvert with severe social anxiety, but my job requires me to socialize a lot especially with high profiles, it forces me out of my comfort zone, so I cast spells to calm myself
Also, I need another spell that will help me refresh, considering that I still haven't slept yet and I can feel my body giving up... maybe I should cast it on you as well." Socorro explained.
.....An hour or so later...
Pacing the floor of his bedroom, Muriel's mind refused to let him rest, he was fully awake despite having an important meeting in less than few hours.
"If my sister was here, she would have known what to do best...Nevertheless I must trust Socorro's words as well.
I have to contain myself and behave, regardless of how much I crave to bury that man alive!" He said encouraging himself.
"I would suggest you breathe first...My king."
Muriel turned around to see who's voice was that just spoke to him, he was surprised to see Socorro at his door, actually she went through it, closed.
"Coco! I thought I have sent you to sleep! you have been working yourself all day!" Muriel said gesturing for her to head inside.
"Your Majesty, how can this peasant sleep when her King can't even sit on his bed." Socorro spoke in a concerned manner.
"How come it occurred to you, that I was still awake at such hour?"
Smiling at his Majesty, " I have been here long enough to know how you act before important events likes this, Muriel."
Sighting in relief,"Thank you Coco, if you said one more 'Your Majesty' I would have had you removed from the room." Muriel replied, his eyes quickly darted towards the paper in Socorro's possession.
"Wondering about this? I went to the library, and that's why I was still awake till now, I was looking for a stronger energy spell to use on myself."
"Coco, you should not push yourself beyond your capacities, It is just a simple welcoming ceremony, no need to stress yourself."
"Well, the same can be said to you Muriel, why are you pacing the floor now? I suppose you know the measurements of the room by foot by now." Socorro joked.
Muriel's grim face went softer at her joke, "Coco darling, something is not right...."
"What do you intend to say Muriel?"
"Has the board specified the reason why they decided that king Thorn should visit our kingdom? why is it important for him to be here?"
"According to the board, king Thorn himself Request the board to allow him this visit, since within normal circumstances, you wouldn't approve of his arrival."
"What could be so urgent for, that he had to force his way into my palace?"
"Well, I am not aware of the reasons, it may be personal after all."
Muriel raised an eyebrow, "Personal you say? Have you heard something?"
"There has been rumors that started few years ago, that have found their way back today.
According to what I was told, king Thorn used to have a lover here in our kingdom, it was during the period your sister was the queen... however..."
"However what coco?"
"Well my king, the rumors differ from saying that king Thorn abandoned his lover for the sake of his position as a king since the alleged lover was a common man, and there's the other side that said it was the lover who abandoned him after knowing he was a king because he was being threatened.
King Thorn is known for having a turbulent love life, and it is mostly due to his position."
With thinking eyes, Muriel questioned Whether what Socorro said could be the reason why King Thorn is still unmarried, same as himself.
As if reading his mind, "Muriel, you're aware that he's bachelor like yourself? it seems like king Thorn is as unlucky as you when it comes to love." Socorro said.
"I am aware of that, the rumors about his lover however was something of new to me... yet again, I am to blame since I hardly ever tried to know him out of the line of work."
"If we were to compare both of you, I'd say the similarities are many.
Two single kings that are both into men, both Can use magic, both are formidable fighters and leaders... have similar progressive mindsets, especially when it comes to their royal subjects." Socorro stated, then she took a deep breath, "Can I say something Muriel?" she asked with hopeful eyes.
"Go ahead coco, I am all ears." Muriel replied, "Very well, As I said king Thorn is as unlucky as you in terms of romance and I don't mean to make fun of the matter." she said.
"Worry not, I understand what you mean."
"You see Muriel, king Thorn never had a permanent partner before, as a king in his 28 years of life...that is an issue some people will address.
See how everyone had you as a breakfast conversation, when you broke your engagement?
it is the same for him, his Majesty Thorn is plagued with Judging whispers from inside and outside the Junglaya kingdom, he's not even fully immune of the criticism from the royal board as an Alpha." Socorro said.
"What are suggesting my dear?" Muriel asked feeling skeptical.
"An alliance, a union...maybe...In a romantic way?"
Muriel paused for a second, staring at his assistant "Was I being disrespectful your majesty?" she asked.
" No, the only disrespect I get from you is when you call me ' your Majesty ' coco."
Socorro chuckled at his answer, but she could tell he hated her ideas so, " I am joking my adorable Muriel, I know you would not like the idea of an arranged marriage at all, despite how of a common tactic it is...That's why i suggested earlier when we first spoke of his Majesty Thorn, that you make him your friend.
Besides, it's funny just thinking how you would propose to him, let alone actually marry the man." she said.
"If anything, he should be the one proposing to me not the other way around! and you are right...it is far fetched for me to resort to such outdated tactic.
king or not, I would prefer marrying out of love... besides, it is not like I am seeking love at the moment." Muriel spoke unamused of how Socorro teased him.
"I understand, You're to traumatized to try love again... Yet an Arrange marriage is also a bad solution." Socorro said.
"In this day and age, if I allow myself to succumb to those royal traditions simply because I want rumors about me to subside, I would be handing victory on a silver plate to my enemies, Coco." Muriel replied.