A ROYAL OBSESSION

The light streamed into the castle, illuminating the hall in a way that made it even more striking to Maya.

She took in the grand chandelier overhead and the plush velvety rug that extended towards the elevated throne. Flanking the sides were torches flickering softly, with suits of armor standing sentinel in between.

Now, in the brightness, Maya realized that the armor didn't have eyes, as she had initially imagined; it was all in her mind.

Despite that, she still had an aversion to the darkness that had once enveloped the space. The stone walls felt cold, adorned with intricately woven tapestries, creating an ambiance that was both expansive and imposing.

"Isn't this better?" Maya said, her gaze sweeping the corners where the maids resumed their tasks.

Nadira nodded in agreement. "Your Majesty. If you find it more pleasant, we do too," she added.

Maya turned to Nadira, a smile breaking across her face. It was reassuring to be surrounded by those who accepted her and welcomed her warmly.

After brief moments of observation, she was escorted to her chamber, where light cascaded through the opened curtains, filtering through the stained glass and painting vibrant images across the floor. The beauty of it all was undeniable in the daylight.

Once inside her chamber, Maya settled into bed as the maids stepped out to afford her some privacy. She quickly succumbed to sleep, feeling the weight of exhaustion lift from her body. After all those times deprived of adequate rest, finally, she could enjoy peace without interruptions.

Before long, Maya awoke to find her lunch served in her chamber. She sank into the couch, savoring the grilled fish with lemon butter alongside rosemary potatoes and vegetables. The meal was exquisite.

Once she had finished and the plates were cleared, Nadira re-entered a few minutes later. "Are you satisfied, Your Majesty?" she inquired.

Maya nodded enthusiastically. "How about a walk? I'd like to show you around," Nadira suggested.

With nothing else on her agenda, Maya decided that exploring could be enjoyable. "Of course, please lead the way," she replied courteously as Nadira began to guide her.

Their first stop was the upstairs rooms, revealing the king's chamber next to hers. "This belongs to the king. It's usually locked; he likes his privacy," Nadira informed her.

"Understood," Maya said, not intending to trespass. She planned to remain discreet to avoid any unnecessary complications.

As they continued their tour, Nadira paused before opening another door. "This is the nursery. Should you and His Majesty have children, this is where they would stay," she explained.

Maya entered the spacious room, filled with large bed and toys. "They've prepared this already?" she thought out loud, surprised by the arrangements.

Nadira chuckled, recognizing Maya's astonishment. "Yes. Babies can arrive at any time, so it's wise to be prepared," she replied.

Swallowing her initial shock, Maya followed Nadira as they passed several more rooms before stopping at the fifth. "These are for the children," Nadira stated. It hit Maya then just how ambitious the king's plans for a family were; four children felt overwhelming, yet everything was already in place.

The fifth door opened to reveal accommodations for guests. "This is for trusted guests and nobles," Nadira noted, and the luxurious furnishings confirmed that grandeur was prioritized.

"The king entertains visitors?" Maya asked, raising an eyebrow, That doesn't sound like him.

"He does not," Nadira confirmed her suspicions. "But it's prepared for emergencies," she added matter-of-factly. Maya nodded.

"And here," Nadira said, swinging open the door to the library, revealing a massive room filled with shelves of books from floor to ceiling. The scent of parchment lingered in the air, and there were wooden armchairs and desks with papers and ink. "If you ever feel bored, Your Majesty, you can come here to read," Nadira offered warmly. Maya nodded, taking in the space as a potential refuge for her mind.

"Sometimes, we sneak in here to find romance books. There's quite a lot of... enticing material," Nadira whispered close to Maya's ear, before quickly realizing her boldness and straightening up. "I apologize for that, your majesty," she said.

Maya chuckled, her voice a gentle melody. "No need to apologize. I appreciate your openness. It's refreshing. Can I expect more of that, Nadira?" she asked.

Nadira smiled. "Of course, your majesty."

They continued their tour. "And here's the music room," she announced. It was a spacious area filled with beautifully arranged instruments: drums, pianos, trumpets, harps, all in impeccable order.

Next, they explored the storage rooms for linens, clothing, books, and other important items, before heading to the balcony. The remaining rooms were locked. "What's inside those rooms?" Maya asked as they began descending the staircase.

"I can't say for sure, your majesty. No one has ever entered them," Nadira replied.

Maya pressed her lips together, her curiosity piqued about the locked rooms, but decided not to pursue it further. The king exuded an aura of mystery; there seemed to be much he wasn't revealing, she mused.

Nadira led her through the castle, and as they walked past, the servants bowed to Maya. She found herself growing weary of the endless bows, though she understood why they did it—the castle was truly grand. They passed through the kitchen wing, bustling with activity, and Maya became increasingly aware of the sheer number of people in the castle's daily affairs: the servants' quarters, the watchtowers, the chapel, the stables, barracks, greenhouse, and the fountain courtyard. Nadira showed her everything, including a few hidden spots.

When they arrived at the gazebo—an inviting space with shade, a round table, and flowing water beneath—it took Maya by surprise. "I'm impressed, your majesty. You aren't tired after all that," Nadira observed.

Maya merely smiled. How could she explain that she had faced far more challenging things than just walking around? She took a seat at the gazebo while Nadira stood nearby, gazing at the water.

"You can join me," Maya encouraged.

"No, your majesty, that wouldn't be proper," Nadira insisted, shaking her head.

"It's perfectly fine with me, truly. You can speak casually as well," Maya assured her. After some persuasion, Nadira sat down. Maya's gaze drifted, taking in the scene around her. The people were engaged in their daily tasks, clearly accustomed to their routines.

"The king mentioned he has some business. What might that entail?" Maya asked suddenly, turning to Nadira.

The latter narrowed her eyes, uncertain. "I've heard there's a matter regarding our border with the neighboring kingdom. He might have gone to address it," she responded. Maya nodded, feeling a swell of anxiety. Today would mark the end of her solitary nights; he would likely return tomorrow.

"How long do you think it might take?" she pressed.

"I can't predict his movements, your majesty," Nadira replied. "Are you... missing him?" she added tentatively.

Maya's eyes widened at the suggestion. No; in fact, she wished he'd stay away longer. Nadira chuckled softly. "It's natural to admit you might feel disappointed about last night and miss him today," she teased.

Maya stifled a reaction. "Not at all. I'm just curious about what he's up to," she insisted, hoping whatever it was would keep him occupied longer than expected.

"Oh, I just thought you might be concerned about him being with his mistresses and not returning," Nadira said casually.

"He has mistresses?"

"Not that I know of," she clarified.

"Right," Maya said, shifting her focus. That wasn't her concern anyway; in fact, she hoped he did see other women—the more distractions, the better for her.

"What activities do you enjoy, your majesty?" Nadira asked, and Maya was grateful for the topic shift.

Maya hesitated. How could she answer? Her life had revolved around work, and she realized she had never considered what she genuinely liked to do.

"I'm asking so I can help you plan enjoyable activities. I don't want you to feel bored," Nadira added earnestly.

"I'm not sure," Maya admitted, catching Nadira's perplexed look.

"Huh?" Nadira's eyebrows knitted together.

Maya pursed her lips, grappling for an answer, but it became clear: she simply didn't know.

"I want to head back, Nadira," she declared. The girl quickly nodded, responding, "Of course, Your Majesty," as they made their way back.

****

A sense of dread coiled in her stomach with each passing hour. He had given her a deadline of two nights, and now the next morning loomed, fueling her anxiety at the thought of him arriving any minute, expecting her compliance. She still felt unprepared and didn't believe he would easily accept a refusal.

Time dragged on, almost mocking her. Each moment heightened her nerves. In a bid to occupy herself, she decided to visit the library, picking up a book even though her education left much to be desired. It was simply a distraction to help her pass the time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky darkened, Maya found herself in her room, preparing for sleep. She noted with a mix of disbelief and relief that he had not shown up all day; perhaps he wouldn't at all. That was precisely what she needed.

Just as she closed the book and stood to head to bed, the lights abruptly extinguished, and her heart raced. Instinctively, her eyes scanned the room as she tried to recall where Nadira had kept the matches.

Maya navigated the darkness, aware that she had to find the match and light the lantern; sleeping in the darkness was not an option.

Moving carefully, her foot struck a wooden chair, eliciting a sharp hiss of pain. "Ouch," she gasped, her face twisting in pain as she rubbed her leg, before resuming her search at the table. Her fingers roamed until they finally grasped a match. She struck it, lighting it to illuminate her path back to the lantern.

As she turned, a figure materialized before her, prompting a gasp. The sudden movement extinguished the flame. "Y-your Majesty?" she asked, unsure whether it truly was him, but recognizing the familiar face. Her heart raced, sweat beaded on her skin as adrenaline surged. She scanned the room, her fingers trembling but her resolve solidifying.

"How dare you?" he demanded.