I feebly sat on the carpet when I could not find the answers when I’m supposed to know them more than anybody else.
God… I wanted to be excited about the baby, too. The moment I read the letter, I instantly thought of Clavia’s little version running around the Castle’s corridor while her mother was smiling and running after her. But that was just one grand fantasy. Because my children’s future will certainly end up as a repeat of my life. I would rather not have an heir if he would end up inheriting the awful life I lead.
I did not bother to stand even if I heard someone knocking on the door. Not long after and the door opened. I slowly lifted my head when I heard a gasp. I was greeted by the surprised face of the female servant. It was her first time to see me act this way. But I don’t want to act perfect today.
“My King… did something happen?” she asked as she stepped towards me.
I did not reply and stared at the things she was carrying using only a single hand. They were new documents. And they were about six inches thick. Damn it.
“My King?”
Instead of responding, I found myself swearing which shocked her again. This was also her first time hearing me say these words.
But it seemed that other than her, there was someone else who was also surprised by what I said and did. Because I heard another gasp. My brows furrowed as I scanned the office and saw a little girl wearing a yellow furry coat. She paired it with big yellow ribbons on her braided hair and yellow boots. She was also wearing yellow gloves. She looked like a ray of sunshine.
Her eyes widened as she looked at me while covering her ears as if she heard something horrible. Well, it was my fault.
“Who are you and how did you get in? Since when were you there?” It was weird. How come I failed to detect her presence sooner?
“I just arrived, my King. My family and I have been serving the royal family for two decades now. The last time we met was only last week. Have you forgotten me, my King?” The servant said, looking aghast. “I am-“
“I am not talking to you, Minerva.”
“Then who are you talking to, my King?”
“That little girl over there,” I said and pointed the kid who was now clicking her tongue like an old woman.
“But I don’t see any little girl here in your office, my King. There are no kids in this Castle.”
I was startled. I glanced at the servant and then at the little girl.
“Hello there, Mister Sormont. I’m happy to finally see you. I’ve waited so long for this,” the kid said. She smiled and waved at me. “My power is still not that strong that’s why only you can see me right now. I’m sorry about that.” She made a peace sign and then she frowned after a while. “No, actually, I am not sorry at all. Don’t you know that it’s bad to curse people? I’m so disappointed in you, Mister Sormont.”
“I did not curse anyone.”
The need to defend myself despite my current situation was driving me insane. The little girl was a complete stranger that’s why I don’t understand why I did not want her to be disappointed in me.
“Really? Then who did you curse a while ago?”
“I was just pissed, but like I said, I did not curse anybody. It’s wrong to accuse an innocent man, you know,” I brushed my hair using my fingers. I did not know that it was possible to feel amazed and upset at the same time.
“Why are you pissed?”
“Because every little thing in my life sucks.”
“Oh, I’m sorry about that.” She lowered her head. Her voice was softer when she spoke. “I mean it this time.”
I stood up. I still could not tell if this little girl was just pretending. For all I know, she could be my ancestor and she was just power tripping as she possessed another body again. But her amber eyes were looking at me quite innocently. Her eyes were even sparkling while looking at me as if she was really pleased to see me. But then, why would she feel that way to someone she had never met before?
“You haven’t answered my questions yet, kiddo. Who are you? And why are you here?”
“Please call me Ali. I am here to look for someone very important to me,” she added in an excited tone. “I was told that the first person who I will get to see once I enter this kingdom is also the person who will help me find the Armethian that I am looking for. And I am so glad that it happened to be you. I didn’t expect that you would be the first person that I would get to see in this kingdom.” She stepped towards me and extended her little hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Mister Sormont. I will be in your care from today onwards.”
“What kingdom did you come from and how did you know who I am?” I asked in a now calmer voice as I accepted her hand. I could not explain the warmth that I felt on my chest the second I held her tiny hand. I felt some kind of connection I couldn’t fathom. For some reason, my head became clearer and my heart became at peace. I don’t remember ever feeling this way before. Was this her magic?
The little girl giggled. “Kingdom? I like that. Let’s just say that I came from a very simple kingdom. And it was really hot there unlike here. Someone very special to me mentioned you to me that’s why I know quite a few things about you. I am aware that you are the great King Alexandros Sormont of Arameth.”