Chapter 3 - Chapter 3

"your majesty. I brought news for you" the knight kneeled, his fists firm over his heart.

The royal room was painted gold and red. The red carpet at the center of the room, it went up the stairs where the throne was sitting.

The king on his royal attire. In a whole, his hair stood out the most. The royal blue hair. It ran throughout the royal family. His piercing blue eyes.

"What is it?" He asked as he pulled his leg over another.

"the evil daughter of the captain requested an audience with you" The knight trembled under the gaze of the king.

"An audience?" he raised an eyebrow.

"yes, your majesty. She says, she has an offer" the knight reported.

The king laughed. He laughed and tears brimmed at his eyes. "what a show. A witch asking an audience That too an offer... Hahaha.... What are we lacking for her to fill in!! William, your daughter is more stupider than I thought"

Captain William looked down in shame. His insides boiled in rage. Why would she give birth to a daughter like her??

"I am sorry, your majesty."

"No. It isn't your fault." The king waved.

"Starve her more. Cut her meals to once in two weeks. The kid seriously got the nerve when we starved her for a week. Might as well increase it. " the king ordered.

"yes you majesty" the knight left. The king not threatened by her presence is an understatement. Before he thought he would control her since she was just a child but today his perspective changed. A mere child asked an audience with the king!!

The king rubbed his temples. Ever since she was born ,he believed she is the one in prophecy . One that could save the crown prince from the curse. One that could save the lumus kingdom.

"your majesty. What seems to be the trouble?" the captain asked him.

"William. You are my friend. Please address me by my name when we are alone" the king said.

"Henry! We still have people here" William whispered eyeing the people who were stationed at the royal room.

"Don't worry. They won't hear a thing up here" Henry chuckled.

"Whats wrong Henry?? Don't tell me its because of my daughter." William folded his arms.

"Well it is. I am just concerned. I feel I need to protect the kingdom" Henry rubbed his knuckles.

"henry, you do know you are the best king. Ever since you were young, you strived for the best for the people. What seems to be the trouble? No immortal can bring it down. As long as I am with you, I won't let anyone touch you" Henry nodded.How was he supposed to tell his friend that his daughter might hold the key to saving the kingdom.

"I am touched. Didn't know you had a soft spot for me" Henry smiled teasingly at William.


William rolled his eyes. " don't feel threatened, I don't think she is a tyrant. She seems calm just like her mother"

"Well we know that. But the scholars aren't convinced."

"What kind of offer was she gonna make?" William asked.

"you say. Isn't she your daughter?"

William nodded.

_________

Layla's consciousness went on and off. She couldn't bear no more. Her body seemed to give up. The strength was at its tricky end.

The door creaked open, "his majesty rejected your offer and decided to strave your for 2 weeks"

Layla widened at the new order. How could they be so cruel? Starving her for one week is in and itself hard for her. 2 weeks??? That's too much. "Please. I can't bear the pain anymore." Layla pleaded. It was the same like her past years. She pleading them that it was painful and she can't bear no more. The more reason she wanted to end her previous life.

However, the guard just closed his door and Layla was left alone. Layla wailed. She weeped. Her insides burned. She had a tiny hope that this would end after her audience with the king. But the king was too prideful that he rejected her offer. Now she has to suffer two weeks.

Layla dared not to give up she felt bad including him but she had no choice.

Liam peeked into her room and took slow step towards her. Layla was lying down, her head hanged helplessly.

"Layla... Are you alright ?"

No answer. Layla was too weak to speak.

"Layla. Are you alive?"

"Brother. I have a favor to ask" She mumbled loud enough for him to hear.

"Sure. I heard you wanted an audience with his majesty. What is it?"

"Please convey this message to his majesty. I have an offer. An offer that would make them more powerful than before. An empire. Isn't it better for me to be a shield ? Please I would do anything to stop suffering this pain." Layla weeped.

"More powerful? Are you sure?"Liam hugged her.

"Brother, I can't survive no more. Please hasten my audience with his majesty. Tell him I am ready to do anything for him. " Layla pleaded.

________

"Your majesty. Sir Liam Williams wants an audience with you!"

"Let him come in" The king ordered. The massive gates opened.

Liam walked in. The guards were in awe of the young knight who excelled in sword fighting. His demeanor was strong and he was handsome too. Just like a main lead.

"My my! You are becoming more handsome everytime I see you! To what matter, am I honoured to have an audience with this young man!" The king squealed. He always loves his friend's son. He was perfect in every way.

"Your majesty! I am quite pleased. However, I am here to audience for my beloved sister!" His chirpy tone with his sister was replaced with a cold, stern tone.

"Excuse me?"

"Your majesty. My sister has an offer. She is ready to do anything you command her to do. I am relaying her message to you!"

"Is it? Such a loving brother you are! What kind of gain will I get from doing so?"

"An empire. Powerful enough to rule over a empire is what my sister promises. And...." Liam looked up to meet the king's eyes. Henry stilled in his seat, he haven't seen those sapphire green eyes except when he was born.

"I TRUST HER!"