As Anna stepped into the royal chamber, her stomach grumbled. It wasn't hunger that caused her unease; rather it was the weight of the unknown that made her feel like she was entering the lair of a dragon. Why should she be anxious? The king had already spoken to her, and he had assured her he meant no harm. Yet, here she stood, trembling as if summoned by a demon.
The guard gestured for her to enter, his voice sharp but polite.
"This way, please."
"Thank you," Anna replied, forcing herself to maintain a composed expression. She was determined not to give anyone a reason to suspect her of being an intruder.
"You must be Anna," a melodic voice broke through her thoughts, startling her for a second.
"Where did she come from?" was Anna's first thought as she turned to face a young lady who seemed to glow in the golden light of the chamber.
"Yes, that's me. The king sent for me," Anna managed to reply.
"I know," the lady said with a nod.
"Please, have a seat. He will be with you shortly."
The maid led Anna to one of the lavishly adorned seats at a grand dining table, which looked capable of hosting lavish feasts for over forty guests. The chamber was immense, far grander than she had imagined. Metal sculptures adorned the walls, and an impressive throne loomed at the end of the room, as expected
As Anna settled into the seat next to the King's throne, she hesitated for a moment, wondering if it was okay to sit there. But the maid had directed her so what harm could come of it?
"Miss Anna!" The King's voice rang out like music as he entered from a hidden door, accompanied by his enchanting daughter and their playful cub, a baby lion that leaped and tumbled around the little girl, with her fingers weaving through its silky fur.
"My lord!" Anna jumped to her feet, instinctively bowing slightly, even though the cub made her heart race with fear.
"It won't bite," the King reassured her with a warm smile as he took his place at the head of the table, taking a sip from his goblet.
"This is my daughter, Princess Clarion. Say hello, sweetheart!" The king encouraged the little girl, and she looked up with bright eyes and a beaming smile.
"Greetings and welcome to the castle!" she chimed.
"Thank you," Anna replied, heartened by the girl's charm. It was good to see such a young child ready to be a future queen, displaying grace and confidence.
"Sit down, please," the King commanded, and Anna obeyed without hesitation.
"I was impressed by your performance today," he continued, looking directly into her eyes.
"You should know, I have never extended such praise to any of the dancers before."
"It is an honor, Your Majesty," Anna replied, her heart swelling with pride.
"Your boldness intrigues me. You're not from around here, are you?"
"I am, my lord," she said,
"The first daughter of Mr. Thomas Beetle."
"Beetles, the farmer?"
"Yes, sir," she affirmed.
"Let's cut to the chase, shall we?" The King's voice held a commanding tone as he swiftly shifted the conversation.
"What is it that you desire? Any wish outside my kingdom,anybody-simp's head of course haha, simply name it, and it shall be yours as a token of my gratitude for the delight you've brought me with your performance."
'Just say it, Anna. Say you want to be a maid, don't hesitate,' these words echoed in her mind, but still, she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the King instead of daring to meet his piercing eyes.
"Take your time," he said, rising with grace to help his daughter settle into her chair, her movements still unsteady as she adjusted.
"Uhm," Anna cleared her throat, showing uncertainty.
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, my King… may I stay in the castle as a servant?"
The King froze, his goblet hanging mid-air, with surprise flooding his expression at her unexpected request.
"A servant?" he asked again.
"Whichever role you deem appropriate would be a privilege…"
"No," he interjected firmly, his curiosity piqued.
"You continue to astonish me, Anna. Out of all the wonders this kingdom could offer, you choose this. What is your true intention?"
"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty?" Anna raised an eyebrow.
She was quite impressed that Emma Broadway had sharpened the King's intellect enough to sense that her request might be more than meets the eyes.
"It has long been my dream to serve in the palace..."
"Even with the dreadful tales circulating the village?" he pressed, hoping to catch a flicker of fear in her gaze.
"Stories of how those who enter mysteriously vanish?"
"I'm not naïve, Your Majesty," she replied with conviction.
"I'm well aware of the rumors, that the King and his brothers are perilous, but I refuse to turn a blind eye to my passion. Every great Knight in this realm knows the risks of battle, yet they fight. Serving within these walls drives me to pursue this opportunity."
"I appreciate your honesty," the King said, nodding thoughtfully,
"but replacing my eldest daughter's handmaid with you could bring trouble your way. My wife isn't the most forgiving, and life under her roof would be challenging, to say the least."
"I'm open to anything, my lord," Anna interjected eagerly, all he had to do was to say the word and her first task would be complete.
"Anna," he called firmly, then repeated her name to emphasize his authority.
"Anna."
"Yes, my lord?"
"You will remain in the castle for a week as an assistant maid to my youngest daughter, Clarion. By week's end, I shall determine your rightful place here. Will that be okay?"
"Yes, my lord. It would be an honor."
"I already have a position in mind for you," he said, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eyes,
"But I must ensure that those you serve are prepared to welcome you. Until then…" He snapped his fingers twice, summoning a maid who approached with a slight bow.
"Take her to the maid's quarters and provide her with the finest chamber," he commanded.
"Of course, my lord," the maid replied respectfully, turning to Anna with a gentle smile.
"Please, come with me."