King Asher stepped down from the carriage and looked around his castle. It was autumn, the leaves were brown and yellow on the few remaining trees. Sunlight reflected on them and created a beautiful kaleidoscope of browns, yellow, and gold's. He breathed in the crisp air and stood for a few moments.
Damon, the King's right hand man and adviser approached him. He was a goodlooking fellow, his chestnut hair was short and curly, a good complement to his amber eyes. He was an inch shorter than the king and was lean and muscular. He wore a leather over a brown tunic that carried a gold pin that showcased his status in court.
"My King," he continued remaining bowed. The coachmen and servants remained bowed as well. No one dared to get up without the King's permission.
Asher waved at the servants to continue their work. "Speak Damon. What urgent matters require my attention."
Damon swallowed thickly. "Lady Margaret and her family are in the receiving room Milord."
Asher stopped walking. The castle servants bowed in place, including the maids. No one dared move for fear that the King would lash out in anger. He narrowed his grey eyes. "Why are they in my castle when it was made clear that no family visits without my permission?" The servant's shivered.
"I apologize your highness but Lady Catherina commanded the guards to let her through. She said that they would be hanged for their disobedience when she becomes Queen." Damon said, his eyes downcast. The corridor went dead quiet and all the servants held their breath.
Asher studied the royal seal ring on his right finger for a few moments. He laughed loudly and everyone visibly shivered. The sound could only be described as the stuff of one's nightmares. He smiled darkly. "Well then, let's go greet my dear aunt and her family shall we." He walked towards the receiving room.
As he walked by, servants bowed and scurried away once he was out of sight. No one wanted to be on the receiving end of the King's anger.
The receiving room was a large circular room. Murals and animal trophies were hung on the polished marble walls, couches and cushions were arranged around the room. A great glass table sat in the middle decorated with various flowers and small gold balls. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room.
Two guards stood on either side in front of the door and straightened as the king approached. "Milord." They said in unison. They bowed and opened the mahogany double doors.
Inside, there were four people seated on the couches enjoying tea. Lady Margaret, a middle aged woman with sharp features fanned herself surreptitiously. Her thick black hair was pinned up tightly in a slightly ridiculous hairdo pilled on top of her head, complementing her black eyes. Her lips were twisted in a grimace as if she was irritated with everyone around her. Her pointed nose lifted in the air as she has an air of superiority about her. Her pale milky skin made her look like a ghost. She wore a high collered dress with a fitted bodice and lavish decorations. One would think that she was dressed for a ball.
Lady Catherina, her first daughter was a young lady. She casually sipped her tea as delicately as a lady could, occasionally snapping at the maid behind her to work the hand fan faster. At first glance, she looked innocent but one could tell from her equally black eyes that she was cunning, cruel and mischievous. She wore her black hair in a crown shaped fashion around her head, adorned with tiny pearls. One would think she was a princess with that hairdo. She wore an equally expensive dress decorated with flowers that seemed to give her a delicate and innocent look. She was pale skinned but in a way that showed she had never seen a day if work or sunlight in her life.
Marcel, a handsome young man was obviously the son. He had the same black hair and eyes as his family although he was slightly tanned. His clothes boasted of rich and vibrant blues as he said leg crossed fiddling with a gold coin in his right hand, his expression one of boredom.
The last person was a timid young lady, Willa. She sat a distance away from her family, her eyes downcast. She had an air of sadness about heras she sat by herself. She was beautiful with blonde hair let down with two simple braids at the sides of her head and hazel eyes. She wore a simple sky blue dress compared to the others with very little embroidery and embellishments.
As Asher walked into the room, all four stood up and bowed deeply. Lady Catherina sank into a deep curtsy, her bust on full display. She looked at Asher seductively beneath her thick lashes.
"Your highness," she said breathlessly, battling her eyelashes. Asher paid her no mind as he kept a straight face.
Marcel bowed low, his hand on his chest. Lady Margaret had a false smile as she also curtsied, her eyes on the king's face. Only close family members dared to look the king in the eyes. Willa on the other hand curtsied, her eyes remained on the floor.
With a wave of his hand, Asher dismissed the maid. "Rise," He said to all of them.
"What brings you to my castle, are your mansions no longer lively and entertaining?" He smirked.
Lady Margaret laughed haughtily. "Oh, brother, we have missed you so much and was quite sometime since we visited the castle so we decided to surprise you as we were in the area."
"Is that so? My dear older sister misses me!" Asher laughed loudly. "Why, only a few months ago, you threw a childish tantrum when I gave the Fetaë dukedom control of half of all the ports in the west!"
Lady Margaret gave a tight smile. "I would never question your leadership Milord, I was only concerned as the Duke's family are new to the task and may no be efficient."
"Oh come now, they are more than efficient as I appointed them," Asher grinned. He loved to torture people. "You need not concern yourself about that 'sister'."
"If your highness approves of them, who am I to judge?" Lady Margaret curtsied again.
"Good." The king straightened. "Seeing as you all decided to barge in to my castle, I'm sure you can all go back to your manor, yes?"
Everyone in the room straightened. The king possessed a sharp tongue and lacked a brain to mouth filter. Lady Margaret open and closed her mouth in shock as she tried to figure out what to say.
She narrowed her eyes. This brother of his had begun to display his power where it was not needed. If he had been killed in the invasion, he would not have stolen her crown to order her around like a lowly servant.
Catherina laughed loudly to clear the atmosphere. "Oh, Milord your jokes are simply divine!" She batted her eyelashes.
Everyone smiled tightly. Just as Asher was going to taunt them more a maid came and announced that the dinner table had been set and it was time to eat.
"Come, you must join me for dinner." Asher smirked. He saw the nerve pop on Margaret's forehead. He acted like he was the generous hostel when he had not so subtly told them to get out moments ago. Sometimes, they had their uses and he was determined to fully exploit it.
Margaret squeezed her knuckles until her nails pierced her palm. How dare he act like the generous hostel when he had told her to get out of her castle? She would make sure to teach him a lesson, soon...
They left for dinner.