The Sword and Heir of Shadows

Chapter 21: Mansion's in Mess!

In the bustling village as the king arrived, everyone was beaming happily, Hector was notably absent, having decided it best to stay out of sight to avoid drawing the attention of any royal soldiers. His heart would have swelled with pride at the thought of his sons, Kael and William, who were eagerly preparing to put up a stall to make their father proud. Hector had taught them the value of hard work and the importance of contributing to their community. But alas! He was missing to witness their hard work.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the village, King Louis's interest in the festivities had waned considerably. He couldn't shake the image of the girl he had seen in the previous village from his mind. His desire to find her and learn more about her had clouded his ability to enjoy the present moment. Marlow, always vigilant and cautious, walked alongside the King as they moved toward the next stall, attempting to maintain a fa?ade of interest in the village's offerings.

But the King's restlessness became apparent as he continued to gaze around, searching for any sign of the captivating girl he had noticed earlier. It was evident to Marlow that their current engagement was failing to capture the King's attention. Though the villagers had put great effort into their stalls and exhibitions, the King's wandering mind was a distraction he could ill afford.

As they approached a particularly colorful stall with handcrafted wooden toys, their path was interrupted by the arrival of a soldier, breathless and anxious. Marlow turned to listen to the soldier's hurried report. The news was troubling there had been a theft at the Minister's mansion.

Marlow's expression darkened with concern, for he was well aware of the potential repercussions of such a disturbance. Theft in his mansion could create a major scandal. He was faced with a dilemma – he couldn't simply let the King roam the village unattended, and yet the urgency of the situation demanded his immediate attention.

The King lost in his thoughts, hadn't fully grasped the severity of the situation until Marlow turned to him, worry etched across his features. "Your Majesty," Marlow began, his voice laced with unease, "I regret to inform you that there has been a theft at my mansion. It requires my immediate attention."

The King's eyes finally focused on Marlow, the spell momentarily broken by the dire news. "A theft in your mansion?" He seemed perplexed, as if unable to process the information.

Marlow nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I must address this matter promptly."

The King hesitated, torn between his desire to remain in the village and his responsibility to manage the situation. But the memory of the mysterious girl still held him captive. "Very well," he conceded, "attend to the matter. I shall continue my exploration of the village. Do ensure that I am well-guarded in your absence."

Marlow knew that the King's insistence on remaining in the village was impractical at this moment, and he reluctantly nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I shall make all necessary arrangements for your safety."

Marlow turned to the soldiers and issued swift instructions to safeguard the King while he set off to address the theft, his mind fraught with worry and the burden of a troubled situation that threatened to overshadow what should have been a joyous royal visit.

As Marlow reluctantly left King Louis in the village to attend to the matter of the theft, the King couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. He was delighted at the prospect of being unchaperoned for a while, free to indulge his desires without Marlow's watchful eye. With renewed enthusiasm, he turned his attention to exploring the village, albeit for his pleasure rather than the purpose of his visit.

His wandering gaze fell upon a familiar face – Neena. The alluring aroma of freshly baked buns wafted from her stall, enticing his senses. With an air of entitlement that came with his station, King Louis strolled over to her stall, his eyes filled with a lecherous glint.

Neena couldn't hide her apprehension as the King approached, her demeanor reserved and respectful, as one might expect from a vendor addressing the monarch. The King's questions, however, were laced with innuendo and desires he made little effort to conceal. Neena answered his inquiries dutifully, her responses void of protest, even though she found herself caught in the uncomfortable grip of his lewd remarks.

The King couldn't help but notice the power he held over the people. After all, who would dare to question or challenge a king's advances? He winked at Neena suggestively, leaving her flustered yet unable to respond as his presence demanded submission.

Moving on from Neena's stall, King Louis approached another, filled with enthusiasm and a glint of curiosity in his eyes. This stall was run by two young boys, Kael and William, who had been eagerly awaiting his attention. The brothers were quick to engage the King, boasting about their father's collection and presenting it as an offering fit for a king.

King Louis, who was notorious for his insatiable appetite for treasure, found the boys' stall and their grand tales amusing. The pendant they presented appeared to resemble a compass, and while he may have been a monarch with a multitude of negative qualities, the King had always possessed a sharp eye for valuable items. He couldn't resist the allure of the pendant, as it seemed to hold a unique charm that appealed to his desires. With a nod of approval, he purchased the pendant from the young boys, making them feel like they had achieved something substantial.

The brothers watched as the King continued his stroll through the village, filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. The attention of the King was indeed a coveted prize, and they couldn't have imagined a more thrilling encounter on this extraordinary day.

As King Louis ventured further into the village, his desires and temptations led him down a path where anything he coveted could become his for the taking. The villagers could only watch in silence as their extravagant guest roamed their stalls, hoping to avoid his unwanted advances, while the two brothers, Kael and William, reveled in the satisfaction of making the King a customer of their modest but cherished collection.