Kingdom of Alba…
Ethera's pov :
I told Hygai to invite the king in the living room as I was preparing myself to look presentable for his majesty. I am nervous , for one because it will be the first time we have an actual long conversation alone and plus I am sure he is here to talk about what happened at the banquet and given the implication of Queen Thelma , he might be here to scold me for my clumsiness . Heavens have mercy.
After getting ready I am escorted by Hygai as I enter the living room where the King was awaiting.
Once I make my presence know I bow to him,
"It is an honor to have you here , your majesty"
"You May arise lady Ethera" I do so and look at him , he smiles and gestures for me to sit down opposite of him. He always makes the room tense because of his intimidating demeanor but then again his facial expression is always soft once you start a conversation with him. That's quite confusing sometimes. But also… warm.
"If I may ask your majesty, to what do I owe this visit?" I ask
"Well in all honesty I didn't want to make this a dramatic case by insisting on it but I must get at the bottom of this" he starts and I nod gesturing him to continue.
"Today at the Queen's banquet , you created a scene where the Queen felt disrespected. She says you did it on purpose to ruin her dress with the wine . I want to get your version of the story before confirming anything" he says and then I look at him in disbelief because I know it didn't happen that way. He must think I am so vile.
"Your grace , it is true that I poured the drink on her dress . But I can swear on my life that it wasn't on purpose. I don't have anything against the Queen , when they told me to serve her the drink, I went over to her but then someone's foot made me trip, I am not accusing anyone because I didn't see whose foot it was and I don't want to seem like someone who is switching the blame to someone else but your highness all this was an accident and I am so very and feel extremely bad for the scene it caused and for having ruined the Queen's banquet. If you could extend my apology to the Queen I would be very grateful" I then bow again in sign of my sincere apology.
He then sighs "Your apologies are accepted Ethera , I understand that accidents can happen but maybe try seeking an audience from the Queen to personally apologize so that she can see your genuineness as I per say see it" I look at him feeling relieved and thank him for understanding me and being impartial.
"I will your grace. Thank you again" I stand and bow to him as he also stands to stop me from non stop thanking.
"It is okay Ethera . I must return now , it was a pleasure as usual. Maybe next time we shall chat under normal circumstances rather than these formal ones , I seriously need to start giving you girls more of my time" he explains and I smile in acknowledgement . It would be nice to chat more with him about things not related to our duties and other formal discussions.
"It would be great , your majesty" I say simply and he nods , he then gets escorted by his guards as he leaves my quarters.
Heizel comes up to me and asks "How did it go? Was he hard on you?"
I shake my head no as I continue looking at the direction he left from.
"You know Heizel I always told you that the king was almost an idol to me , someone unattainable and cold but he is really a kind person. He listened to my version of the story and truly tried to make me not feel guilty . He said he would be coming more often to spend time with me along with his other concubines, maybe this way I can get to know the real him" I say dreamily and Heizel flicks my forehead.
"Ouch , Heizel . Why?" I frown and rub my forehead.
"You have been looking dreamily at that direction for a moment, you said he would come back , you don't want him to come and find you still here looking like a lost puppy waiting for him, do you?" I shake my head and she laughs.
"Come on let's go , there is a lot of wind here" I nod my head and we head back outside.
I have been staying at my quarters ever since I reached the palace because I don't really get along with the other girls , I never talked to them so I am not really close to any of them . Plus after the incident at the Queen's banquet , I have been hearing rumors that they all say I am a jealous vile person. They never even tried to ask for my version of the story , it's really mean of them.
Especially considering the fact that one of them is responsible for making me trip.
I will let Avery get at the bottom of this when she comes next time , she has been busy lately and said we would exchange once she is free, which I don't mind . I will try to get by in the meantime.
I have become quite dependent on her when it comes to fixing my life. She is like the better half of me as corny and sad as it sounds.
I have been receiving letters from my mother . She says she is good but always reminds me to tell the king that their expenses should be covered every month as it is said in the law and I always tell her that the king is quite occupied and that it would be viewed rather rude of me to ask that plus it would make us look desperate and I would be called materialistic and loose the king's favor before I even get it.
She understands half of that but continuously insists .
I don't answer her letters anymore , just because I am tired of repeating myself and I am tired of her telling me I am not doing enough to get closer to the king and going up in ranking, I mean I have just arrived here , does she expect me to magically become the king's favorite? No. And plus I don't want to force anything , the king is a good man and I am already lucky enough to be living under his name.