C2 Chapter 1

Maya stood, watching as the maids in her room made a fuss, hurrying to get her ready for the night with the King. Feeling bombarded by their presence, coupled with the incidents that had happened earlier today, it was hard for her to relax and enjoy the royal treatment she was receiving.

"Your Highness, it's time for your bath," one of them called to her. She pursed her lips, nodding. Her hands reached for her petticoat, and she froze, hesitating.

"Can't I do this alone? I don't need this many people," she asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

Almost immediately, they shook their heads. "I'm afraid we can't, Your Majesty. The King himself instructed us to get you ready," they replied.

Maya swallowed then. It was an order from the King. There was no way they could go against it. Reluctantly, she slipped out of the dress she wore, getting into the scented bath they had prepared for her, her heart pounding.

They began to bathe her, washing her hair and massaging her body with experienced hands. Although it felt good, Maya was too wired up to enjoy it. As soon as they were through, they oiled her body, trimmed her nails, and styled her hair. Dressing her in one of the most beautiful yet sexy nightclothes she'd ever seen, they perfumed her.

Maya stared at herself in the mirror, gasping at the transformation. She had never looked so beautiful, so regal. The maids caught the reaction, and a flush stained their cheeks. They had done a good job.

A knock came on the door, and an older woman walked in. She saw Maya, and a satisfied look crossed her face.

"The King requests your presence," she announced. Maya's heart skipped a beat. It was time to go and face that man. The memories from today kept replaying in her head, but she shut her mind to them.

"I'm coming," she announced softly. One of the maids gave her a robe, bowing. Maya collected it, muttering her thanks. She immediately wore it. Turning to the older woman, she nodded.

"I'm ready," she said, her voice barely a whisper. The older lady nodded, leading her out of the room; Maya followed. They reached the hallway, their footsteps the only sounds she could hear. It was already late in the night; her kingdom had been conquered this morning. The thought couldn't help but leave a bitter feeling in her heart. Maya followed the older woman wordlessly, her outward expression composed.

They finally arrived at a huge door, decorated with gold and intricate designs. It must be his chambers, Maya thought to herself. Looking at it made her remember her father's chambers. She bit her lip, squeezing her hands at her sides.

The older lady knocked at the door. "Your Majesty, she's here," she announced.

"Let her come in," came the curt reply. She turned to Maya.

"Please, go inside."

"Y-you're not coming?" Maya stuttered, her eyes widening as she glanced back and forth. The woman shook her head, a small smile on her face.

"He only wants you."

Maya's heart began pounding, her palms sweating. She squeezed them tightly. "Okay." The lady bowed, about to leave.

"I'm sorry to ask, but could you tell me your name?" Maya asked, stopping the woman. She turned to her, surprise in her eyes.

"I had wanted to introduce myself tomorrow, but I will just tell you now. It's Rosa."

"Rosa," Maya repeated. "Thanks," she muttered sincerely.

Rosa was taken aback by the words of thanks, but she hid it. She bowed again before walking away, leaving Maya alone. Her heart racing, she reached for the doorknob, opening the door.

Stepping into his chambers, she was greeted with darkness. Only the dim lighting at the far end of the room and the moonlit night illuminated the space. Cold sweat broke out all over her. Her eyes soon adjusted to the dim light, and she could discern the silhouette of the man by the window.

"You requested for me, Your Majesty" she announced, her voice calm. She was at least grateful for that.

"I did," he replied, his deep voice reverberating throughout the room. He turned towards her, and his eyes seemed to glow in the dark. Maya held her breath. He walked forward, then paused.

"Can you see me?" he asked.

"Not really, Your Majesty," Maya answered truthfully, fiddling with her fingers. She watched as he lit other candles, adding more light to the room.

"I apologize. I sometimes forget that not everyone enjoys the darkness like I do," he said. Strangely, he sounded apologetic. Why is he sorry about it?

With more light in the room, Maya was able to see the man clearly and his room. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. His room was beautiful. It was bathed in silver, and the black surfaces reflected light, making it an elegant sight. She forced herself to look back at the king.

Bathed in the candlelight, he looked majestic. He was watching her with amusement in his eyes. "Do you like it?" he asked.

"Yes. I've never seen anything quite like it," she answered honestly, her voice soft.

"I'm glad you do. Come closer," he said, gesturing towards himself. She did as she was told, bowing once she was close enough. She raised her head to look at him but didn't see the look of hostility she was expecting. Not even hatred. His eyes ran up her, taking in her features under the soft candlelight and a satisfied look crossed his features.

"Do you remember me?" he asked. The suddenness of the question caused her to jerk. She stared up at him, wondering if she'd ever seen this man before. She had heard stories about his kingdom but hadn't really paid much attention to it.

"I'm afraid I don't remember ever seeing you before, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice sincere.

"You really don't?" he asked, raising a brow. She shook her head. He placed his hands on his forehead, rubbing it. "How the hell am I going to explain barging into your kingdom if you can't remember me?" he muttered to himself, but she heard him. Her confusion grew.

Maya picked at the hem of the robe, her hands sweating. On the outside, she looked calm and collected. Moving closer to her, he tilted her face upwards.

"Look at me properly and try to remember," he implored her, his silvery eyes boring into hers. Maya raised her nervous eyes to meet his. Searching her head, she tried to remember where she might have met this man before.

As she stared at him, a sense of familiarity began to settle. Those eyes... she'd seen them before. Where had she seen them? One by one, the images came. The pictures from a time she had forgotten. She had helped someone with eyes just like these.

Still in his embrace, a daunting realization began to set in. She'd met this man before. Long before he even dreamed of being a king...