4 How am I supposed to deal with her ? (2/2)
”Yeah right ” The food was delicious Alisha grabs a plate and serves herself .
”Hey we have been talking and I never asked your name . I'm so sorry ”
”Um.. uh... that's okay ... my name is .. Zz... Zorro what about you ?”
”I'm Alisha . ”She let's out a chuckle . They then ride to a nearby town in search of a room and on their way they meet Neliyel and Ashia .
”My lady ... glad I found you . I had been searching for you ” Ashia shouts walking up to her as they get down from the carriage.
”Ashia how did you ? ...”
”I jumped into the water and swam till the port .. I searched you everywhere but couldn't find you at all . I'm so glad you are safe .”
”I'm sorry . Well I'm ok thanks to this young man who helped me a lot . ” She turns to Zorro and introduces Ashia clearing his confusion .
”I see so you are her bodyguard well I'm not worried then . This place has a lot of hotels so you can spend the night here Alisha but tomorrow morning make sure you leave to the palace without any delay . ”
”Wait ... are you leaving ? ”
”Yes I have some errands to run ”
”Hmmm.. oh I need to pay you .Ashia you have my purse right ?”
”Yes ma'am ”
”Hey its alright no big deal you may need it so ...”
”No way I don't even know when I'll meet you so please take it ”
”We will meet again I assure you . ”
”Fine then if you insist . Thanks for everything today”
”You are very welcome . ” Alisha and Ashia move to check the rooms . A transport from the palace arrives just then to take Neliyel and Zorro who are actually Neil and Zen .
”Your Majesty ! Is it safe for her to stay alone you should have just taken her with you ”
”It's ok Neil Ashia is with her . That girl really is something . She is brave and I couldn't let her know my true identity. ”He sighs .
”I understand Sir ” Zen disguises himself that way once a month to inspect the kingdom . That way he comes to know how actually people behave and what's going on outside the palace . The needs of the poor and other such matters are dealt by him personally . The next day morning Alisha leaves to reach the palace . Zen is busy in his quarters .
”How can we help you ma'am ” One of the guards on duty at the palace gate question her .
”I'm here to see the king ”
”I'm sorry but we cannot allow anyone to enter the palace just like that . We need to see your Id do you have one ?”
”No I don't . I'm here to marry the king so I have no need of such things please let me in ”
”We don't know what you are talking about ? ” She tries to make her way inside but the guards hold her . Ashia tries to calm her down but she pays no attention and keeps screaming to let her in . Hearing all the chaos Neil comes to check .
”What's going on ? Huh.... you? ... Madam what are you doing ? ”
”Who are you ? Listen I'm gonna be the King's wife so let me in didn't he tell you ? ”
”Uh... Well you do have the letter I assume so please show it ”
”First let me go .. ”
”Leave her guards ” Neil commands as they let her loose who were holding her from barging in . She then takes the letter and the envelope she received from the king and hands over to Neil .
”If you had just shown it to them from the beginning you could have avoided a brawl with the guards ”
”They treated me like a suspicious person out of nowhere ! Anyone would get violent over that ! ”
”No . They would not . Anyways come with me I'll take you to the audience chamber ”
”Fine . ” Ashia and herself follow Neil who walks through the hallway which was pretty long . The palace is huge like anyone new would definitely get lost . There were many rooms and two guards stood outside every door . One could see the view of the gardens and attractions through the windows in the hallway . The space in between was vacant only with flowers and trees also little bushes . The building covered it completely on all four sides . It was pleasant , warm and pleasing .
”Hey I get the feeling that I have seen you somewhere before . Have we like met each other before this ?”
”No we haven't . ” He says straightening his glasses . Neil always wears spectacles but when he is Neliyel he doesn't and looks totally different that is why Alisha couldn't recognise him . They reach the audience chamber but Zen wasn't present in the hall . One of the ministers inform that he is busy with the elders and has instructed to take Alisha to her room and will meet her later .
”What ? I have to wait ... just how busy is this king ?”
”Watch your tone Lady Alisha . His Majesty is busy most of the times but don't worry he will meet you soon . Come now I'll show you both your rooms . You must be tired so please rest for sometime . ”
”Sure . ” He takes her to the other side amd reaches the room.
”This will be your room . Except for me , your bodyguard and his Majesty no other men will be allowed in this area . So please don't allow anyone to come in . ”
”Yes . Thank you so much .”
”No problem . You can call me Neil I'm his Majesty's advisor and care taker ”
”Hm..more like his trusted right hand man I can see that ” She gives him a closed eye smile . And yes Ashia you don't have to stay here . Go and have some good sleep .. the guards are here so no need to worry ”
”Yes ma'am . ” They leave and the servants bring her luggage . The room was large and beautifully decorated . The bed was in the middle on the right hand side and opposite to which was a large window from which she could see the room where Zen works and deals with his regular work . There were two side tables next to the bed with lamps on it . There was table surrounded by elegant sofas and other seating furniture on the other side of the room . Wardrobe and a bookshelf was also seen . The balcony had sliding doors and tiny plants . There was also an attached bathroom in the room . She began to unzip her luggage and arranged her stuff. After having a nice fresh bath she dried and brushed her hair thinking how the king would be . She couldn't suppress her curiosity anymore . The fact that she didn't even knew the name of the person she was going to marry was troubling her . She admired herself in the mirror .
”Ah ! I'm tired I think I should sleep . I would probably be able to see him tomorrow so why rush . Anyways it sure is cold at nights here compared to lauderdale. ” She shuts the windows and goes to her bed . The mattress and cushions were soft and fluffy . She curled herself into the blanket and fell asleep in no time .
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