The Alpha King's Hated Slave
The Alpha King’s Hated Slave Chapter 167

Danika noticed that the king was troubled. It shows on his face as their meal progressed.

“What troubles you, my King?” Danika asked, her eyebrows creased with worry.

King Lucien isn’t used to sharing his problems. He said nothing.

She noticed his defensive hesitation and didn’t press. He has let her in long enough for her to know him for who he is. A man who’s more used to keeping to himself than talking to people.

But, she already has his trust. He has already let her in. He will tell her when he’s ready, and not before.

After the meal, she got up and began clearing the plates. She got to his side and packed up his plates. She was about to carry it up when his arm suddenly wrapped around her midriff.

“Don’t. Don’t turn around.” He ordered, stopping her impulsive movement.

Danica froze. Her heart was in her throat because the King’s arm was crossed over her belly. Can he feel their child?

His head came down on her lower back. “Let us be like this just for a moment. Just for a moment.”

He doesn’t notice. She let out a shuddering breath of relief.

They stayed that way for long. She dropped the plates she has in her hand back to the table. Then, she began patting his hands rhythmically.

His deep breaths fanned her butt. She imagined his eyes slid close. Finally, he unwrapped his arms from her and raised his head.

She took it as her cue to turn towards him. His hand rubbed his forehead as if trying to soothe a headache. She allowed herself to seat back on the chair behind her.

Finally, he g*****d in a low voice. “Downtown, the crops are dying there. Their lower market hasn’t been selling well lately. It has been this way since the beginning of this year, but I thought things will change. It hasn’t.”

Danika has heard about this before from the maids. They talk about a small part of town downtown, having trouble feeding because crops are no longer growing.

“Crops are dying. There has been no rain in this kingdom for two years. It is unsettling, but it happens in other kingdoms too. But, Salem is vulnerable because of what we’ve been through in the hands of King Cone. We are still trying to stand back on our feet, that’s why it’s harder for my kingdom. The farmer are trying, but there is only so much they can do.”

She listened quietly as he poured out his mind to her. She can tell that this has weighted heavily on him from the way he talks about it. No wonder he looks so worn out.

“It gets worse as time goes by.” King Lucien continued, “This past few weeks they’ve been getting food from the Palace, from the Servant’s Kitchen. I have the cooks send food downtown, but it can’t go on like this for long.”

Danika felt compelled to assure him. “The people of Salem are very strong, My King. They have survived on their own for a long time. The people downtown might be low-borns but they are survivors. Do not worry so much.”

“I cannot help but worry.” He g*****d.

She bit her lips. “Can I make a suggestion, Your Highness?”

He rubbed his hand over his face, “You can.”

“There are lots of water from the ground here in the palace. Why don’t we connect a pipe from the palace, downtown? It will supply water there, at least enough for them to keep the crops growing and be able to feed and sell. It can sustain the people until rain comes.” She presented softly.

King Lucien hasn’t thought of that before. He raised his head and looked at the woman before him. He felt like a huge load has lifted from his shoulders.

“This is a very good idea, Danika.” He said, truthfully.

Danika nodded, inwardly feeling pleased with herself. She was glad that she was able to help.

“I will tell Zariel to do that first thing tomorrow morning.” he paused, “I want you to go over there when you can to oversee the project.”

Danika’s eyes widened. That is usually the works of a Queen or a person from a privileged position. Definitely not for a slave.

“But—” she began.

He got up and walked towards his wardrobe and began undressing his Royal wears. “You can ensure that every house will be able to fetch the water they need.”

She snapped her mouth shut. But, her heart filled with happiness that he would put her in charge of such big important project when he has a future Queen and a Mistress. It made her eyes water.

“I will make sure not to disappoint you, My King.” She breathed.

Silence descended. Left in his underthings, he walked to the bed and laid down on it. His eyes closed, he continued rubbing small circles on his forehead.

“I feel so tired.” he paused, “Come and hold me, Danika.”

The request made her heart jump. She hesitated.

“Do not worry about the Courting Week, I will not try to take your body. That will be on the night of the morrow. Now, I need to sleep. That works best in your arms.” He g*****d without opening his eyes.

She realized that he didn’t just openly confess something so important to her, but he also gave her a weakness of his. He sleeps best in her arms.

He trusts her enough to tell her that much. Her legs carried her to him, she got into bed beside him.

The king needs her. For the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely happy.

He might not love her, but he does feel something for her. Something beautiful. He must, for him to be able to let her in…and keep letting her in.

Her eyes found the door of the library behind him. The place his sister, Princess Melia, was killed by her father.

She can still remember that day he warned her never to go into that library. He was so angry he’d told her that he will kill her the day he find her in that library. And since then, she has never been inside there. It’s also a part of him he has kept away from her.

Will the day come when he will let her inside that library?

With the way he is with her lately, she has hope. With time, he will trust her enough to let her in completely.

Automatically, he pulled her so much closer and wrapped his arms around her. “This is better.”

“Yes.” She closed her eyes and burrowed into him, a sign of pleasure left her lips. She loves being in his arms. Have craved it in the past few weeks.

“I know something much better,” He pulled back and began untying the ropes of her corset.

Finally, the ropes came free. He pulled it down and freed a plump creamy breast. A g***n of satisfaction left his lips before he took the perk nîpple into his eager mouth.

Danika couldn’t hold back the m**n that escaped her lips. That part of her has always been sensitive. More so, now that she’s pregnant.

Each tug of his lips she felt in that secret place of her womanhood. She pushed down the feeling, and closed her eyes again. She began patting his short black curls.

Time passed.

That seem to be all he needed. It didn’t take long before his breath evened out and he fell asleep.

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