The Alpha King's Hated Slave
The Alpha King’s Hated Slave Chapter 258

Baski urged the tired Queen Danika out for a walk to exercise herself. The Queen was grumpy and reluctant to go.

After being in court for half of the day, she just wants to lie down on the bed and sleep the whole night away…if the sleep will come. But, Baski dragged her out of the palace.

When the night’s air hit Danika, most of her grumpiness disappeared and as their walk progressed, she admitted that an evening walk isn’t a bad idea.

“You have a lot on your mind, My Queen,” Baski observed as they walked towards the palace garden.

“I do have a lot on my mind. I tell myself to stop worrying always, like you always tell me, but sometimes I can’t help myself, Baski.”

“Is it because of the impending marriage?”

“Yes. It has become foremost in my mind since those nagging ministers manicured the order out of me two days ago.” She took a deep breath, one hand going to her waist to support own weight. She feels so heavy.

“I heard that words are out already and the royal marital invitation is already sent out to Mombana’s noblemen and across the Kingdom. Careful.” She added glancing pointedly at the stone on her part.

“Thank you,” she crossed over the stone, “The news must have reached Salem. I cannot help but wonder how the King will take that news.”

Even Baski wonders how he will take the news too. Will he get hurt thinking that Danika has indeed moved on? Will he think she’s eager to marry another man?

“The King can be so unpredictable. Nobody can be sure what goes on in that head of his.” Baski answered.

“You’re right. I miss him so much, Baski, and I know our son misses him too.” She caressed her belly tenderly.

“I know he misses you both too. When is the royal banquet?”

“In three days, according to the Minister of Taxation and Public Works. So many eligible noblemen will be in Court, they will go through procedures and answer some questions. I’ll have to choose the one I want the most from the noblemen that passed all tests and gave best answers to questions.”

“Mmh,” the older woman nodded her head thoughtfully, “You might never know, the King might be there on that day.”

Danika’s cheeks stretched into a sad smile. “That is the best wishful thinking I have heard in a long time. The King Lucien I know will never be seen in Mombana or in Court on that day. I am sure of it.”

“What makes you so sure? He might want to come and see you.”

Queen Danika gathered her thoughts. In slow steady movements, they walked past the garden and began approaching the river. Shooting stars traveled among other stars in the sky. The night’s sky was beautiful.

“For one, King Lucien will never want to be seen in a crowd as part of the crowd—he tends to stand out a lot amidst the crowd. Secondly, he will not want to be there too while I choose another man for my life and my bed. Thirdly and the most likely…” She faced Baski.

“…the King Lucien I know will never leave his throne empty and vulnerable to journey to Mombana just to see me, because he has no one to look after the throne and his people. He will never want to endanger his people. No king wants that.” She finished in a sad whispered undertone.

Sadness crossed Baski’s features because she knows that Danika is right. She said nothing.

“I miss him so badly. Do you know what I wish?” Danika whispered.

“What is it?”

“I wish a miracle will happen and I will see him again.” She let out softly, her heart aching.

Baski wishes so too. “I miss him too.”

Danika turned to the older woman and took her hand into hers. “I’m so sorry, Baski. It’s because of me that you’re separated from him. It must be so hard for you. You can go back to Salem whenever you want, Baski. I know you’ll always come back.”

Baski smiled at her, shaking her head. “No. I will wait for you to give birth before I step an inch away from your side.”

Her eyes watered emotionally. She hugged Baski as she whispered again, “I wish a miracle will happen, and he will come to me.”

*****************

“It’s about Q-Queen Danika.”

His eyes sprang open. He sat up, glancing at the door. “Come in.”

The door opened, Zariel entered hurriedly. He walked towards the King’s desk and handed a red wrapped parchment to the King. “This is the invitation sent out by Mombana across the Kingdoms.”

King Lucien took the parchment from him and rolled it open.

Zariel watched his King carefully as he read calmly through the parchment. He remained calm as he read through the sheepskin, but Zariel picked up some reactions he was not able to hide.

A muscle ticked in his jaw. His fingers clenched and unclenched on the parchment. His eyes flared. His tensed muscles.

Finally, he raised his head. “A Royal marital invitation. She will be getting married soon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“They are in such a hurry to give her to another man. She is carrying my child. Mine.” He spoke through gritted teeth.

“Apparently, Mombana wants a King desperately, they are in a hurry to crown one. The royal banquet is in three days time when she chooses her King, the marriage will follow just as quickly, then, the coronation. Everything is rushed.” Zariel explained.

Danika will be married soon. She will belong to another man. She will be by his side. He will lay with her at night. She will carry his child.

His head was whirling—and not from headache this time around. An ugly feeling rose inside him he cannot tap down. His shoulder was so tensed. He has to put in a lot of effort not to ball his hands into a fist and slam it to the nearest wall.

Zariel shifted uncomfortably at the look on his King’s face. Now will be a good time to get out of his sight.

“Uhm, I know you might w-want to see the invitation, that is w-why I brought it to you. Have a good night’s rest, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head, turning towards the door.

In two steps, he reached the door and grabbed the doorknob.

“Zariel?” His eyes were on the sheepskin.

The guard turned back to him, “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Send a guard to the home of the Minister for Public Works, tell him that I changed my mind.” Then, he pinned Zariel with deep blue eyes, “Tell the Minister of Public Works that Salem will seek out Sonma, the rain checker to know if there is any solution for our rainless state.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty! The Minister will be very happy at your change of mind!” Zariel bowed his head in a little bit of enthusiasm that is rare for the big-muscled guard.

He turned to leave. Stopped. Glanced back at the King. “Which Minister will I tell him is in charge of going to Mombana to make this positive inquiries, Your Majesty?”

Silence.

Then, “I will make the inquiries, Zariel. I will journey to Mombana myself.”