The king's smile broadened as he repeated the name, "Kai." His eyes sparkled with amusement, and his voice was laced with warmth. "Your Highness, does your path lead to Westfield?" Kai inquired, his tone neutral.
"Oh, yes, it does," the young king replied, his smirk growing wider as he gazed at Kai.
Emily, who had been on her knees, suddenly rose to her feet, her eyes shining with excitement. "Could you give us a ride to Westfield, Your Highness? I'd be eternally grateful," she asked, her head bowed in respect.
The king's smirk never wavered. "That wouldn't be a problem at all," he said, his eyes still fixed on Kai.
Emily's face lit up with joy, and she thanked the king profusely, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Thank you, thank you very much, Your Highness. I would be forever grateful."
Kai commented on Emily's improved condition, "Your waist seems better now." Emily's eyes widened as she realized that the pain had indeed subsided significantly. "It really works like magic," she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.
The king introduced himself, extending his hand towards Emily. "By the way, I'm Timothy, the King of Northfield." Kai was quick to shake the king's hand, his movements swift and economical. "Nice to meet you, King Timothy."
The king inquired about Kai's travel plans, "Are you also headed to Westfield?" Kai's response was laced with a hint of dryness,
"It's a rare occurrence to find a carriage in these woods."
The king chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's quite a coincidence that I find myself traveling the same route as you."
Here's a rephrased and expanded version with more descriptive language:
Kai's voice cut through the silence. "It's getting late, Your Highness. If we wish to reach Westfield before nightfall..." His tone was curt, but the hint of respect in his acknowledgement of the king's title softened the edge.
The king's smile never wavered as he responded, "That's quite right, Kai." His voice was smooth as silk, and his eyes seemed to linger on Kai's face as he repeated his name. The king's gaze was piercing, but Kai's expression remained impassive.
As the driver swung open the carriage door, the king gestured gallantly towards Emily. "Please, after you, Miss...E-Emily," he said, his voice dripping with courtesy. The king's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and his whole demeanor exuded warmth and kindness.
The king's words were a gentle prompt, and Emily's face lit up with a smile as she stepped into the carriage. The king followed closely behind, his movements fluid and confident. Kai watched the exchange with a keen eye, his gaze flicking between the king and Emily as they settled into the carriage.
The king's eyes met Kai's as he took his seat, and for a moment, the two men locked gazes. The air was charged with a subtle tension, but the king's smile never faltered. Instead, he seemed to be savoring the moment, his eyes gleaming with a quiet intensity.
Kai's gaze flicked to the driver, who bowed his head in respect, before he too entered the carriage.
The carriage began to move, heading towards Westfield. The three occupants sat in silence for a few minutes, until the king broke the stillness. "So, Kai, where are you from?" Kai's eyes locked onto the king's, his expression unreadable. "Very far away from here," he replied, his voice low.
The king's gaze never wavered, his eyes fixed intently on Kai's face. "It must be quite a distance," he stated, his tone measured. Kai's response was equally measured, "Yes, very far."
As the king turned his attention to Emily, he asked the same question he asked Kai.
She just smiled wryly and said, "It's a rather long story, I wouldn't want to bore you with it."
The king's gaze remained unwavering, his eyes piercing. "No worries, I'm well-acquainted with boredom, attending court meetings and all."
Kai intervened, trying to deflect the king's attention from Emily. "Thank you, King Timothy, for your kindness."
The king's smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's my pleasure. If I had left you both to rot in the woods, my reason for traveling to Westfield would be rendered pointless."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, but Kai quickly interjected, "What King Timothy meant to say is that he was kind enough to offer us a ride." The king's smile never faltered, but his eyes seemed to gleam with amusement at Kai's words. Emily couldn't help but notice the tension between the two men.
As she observed the king's glances and smiles towards Kai, Emily wondered if the king might have a particular interest in men. The king's handsome features and aura of authority made him a compelling figure, but his friendly demeanor and frequent smiles set him apart from Kai's more intimidating presence.
The king's voice broke into Emily's thoughts, "What are you thinking about, Miss Emily?" Emily's face flushed as she replied, "Nothing at all, King Timothy." The king's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "The case isn't what you're thinking," he said, his tone laced with humor.
Emily's eyes widened in surprise as the king continued, "I'm rather fond of women, and I have many around me every day." Emily's mouth dropped open, wondering how the king had divined her thoughts. Had she spoken her mind aloud?
The king's laughter echoed through the carriage, "Kai looks remarkably like someone I know. If he weren't wearing..." The king's words trailed off as Kai cleared his throat, adjusting his position in his seat.
"Anything wrong, Kai?" Emily inquired, concern etched on her face. "Nothing, just something in my throat"
"You actually look like someone I met ages ago," Timothy's gaze fell in Emily, his gaze lingering on Kai's face. "The difference is the hair and the eyes...and I must say, you have such beautiful eyes." Kai's expression remained impassive, but a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.
Emily, however, smiled warmly at the king's compliment. "Thank you so much, King Timothy," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Kai's voice cut through the conversation, his face cold and expressionless. "How long will it take to get to Westfield?" he asked, his tone devoid of emotion.
Timothy's smile never wavered as he replied, "It shouldn't take long. We're making good time." The king's eyes turned to Emily, his expression kind. "Would you like something to eat, Miss Emily? We could make a stop to eat something."
Emily's stomach growled at the mention of food, but she shook her head with a smile. "No, thanks. It would just slow down the journey." She was famished, having gone without food for a day, but her desire to reach Westfield and see her family overrode her hunger.
As she looked out the window, Emily's eyes widened in relief. They had left the woods behind and were now passing through a small village, with houses and people dotting the landscape. The sight filled her with hope and excitement, and she couldn't wait to reach her destination.
The carriage drew to a majestic halt before the grand West Palace, its wheels crunching on the gravel driveway. The driver hastened to open the carriage door with a deep bow, his eyes cast downward in respect to the prince.
Prince Edward alighted with an air of quiet confidence, his footsteps echoing as he entered the palace.
The head of the servants, a man of dignified demeanor, stepped forward to relieve Edward of his coat, while the other servants bowed their heads in respectful greeting as he passed.
Edward's intention was to seek out his father, the king, in the living room, but upon finding it empty, he proceeded upstairs to his father's study. However, the room was vacant, the silence punctuated only by the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle.
Undeterred, Edward continued his search, his path leading him to the corridor where he encountered Silas Ashbrook, the king's trusted advisor.
"Good evening, Prince Edward," Silas greeted, his voice smooth as silk.
Edward returned the greeting with a courteous smile. "Good evening, Mr. Ashbrook. Do you happen to know where my father is?"
Silas's expression was amiable, but his eyes betrayed a hint of reserve. "The king and queen departed the palace about an hour ago, Your Highness."
Edward's curiosity was piqued. "It's almost dinner time. Did they mention any particular reason for their departure?"
Silas's smile never wavered. "I'm afraid the king didn't confide in me, Prince Edward."
Edward's need to speak with his father was pressing, but it seemed Silas was not forthcoming with information. As a man renowned for his cunning and loyalty, Silas Ashbrook was an intelligent figure in the palace, and Edward had always approached him with a mixture of wariness and distrust.
"Excuse me, Mr. Ashbrook. I'm feeling rather fatigued and wish to retire," Edward said, attempting to bring the conversation to a close.
However, Silas was not quite done with him yet. "I heard you paid a visit to Southfield to discuss matters with the Lord?" he inquired, his tone laced with subtle curiosity.
Edward turned to face Silas, a measured smile on his lips. "I didn't meet with the Lord,The king himself was present."
Silas's eyebrow arched slightly. "I thought you intended to confer with the Lord first?"
Edward's smile grew wry. "The Lord of Southfield proved... difficult. But I managed to navigate the situation."
Silas nodded thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving Edward's face. "If you'll permit me, Prince Edward, I'd like to offer a piece of advice. If you aspire to become king, you should spurn the back door and instead walk through the front door, where all can see you."
Edward's gaze locked onto Silas, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean, Mr. Ashbrook?"
Silas's smile was enigmatic. "Merely a suggestion, Your Highness. And I'll be certain to inform you when your father returns."
With that, Silas bowed his head and took his leave, leaving Edward to ponder the advisor's cryptic words.
As Edward made his way to his chambers, he encountered Sebastian who closed the door after him, who bowed his head in greeting. Sebastian's eyes flicked up, his expression tense.
"Prince Edward, I have some news regarding Emily, "Sebastian said, his voice low.
Edward's interest was immediately piqued. "What is it?"
"She's no longer in the west dungeon," Sebastian replied, his words tumbling out in haste. "I heard someone requested her release this morning."
Edward's anger, already simmering after his encounter with Silas, flared up at this news. Before Sebastian could react, a vase hurtled through the air, narrowly missing him. A shard of glass grazed his forehead, leaving a small cut that began to bleed.
"I'll find out who was responsible for her release and ensure she's brought back to you," Sebastian said, trying to soothe his master.
But Edward was beyond consolation. He strode towards Sebastian, his eyes blazing with fury, and grasped him by the shirt. "Find her, Sebastian. Bring her back to me."
Sebastian nodded hastily, and Edward released him. Without another word, Sebastian departed, leaving Edward alone in his chambers.
Edward's laughter was low and mirthless as he ran his hand through his hair. "My dear Emily, where could you be?" he wondered, his voice barely above a whisper.