The Uninvited Princess ✔

Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The king sat on the bench in his garden and a teacup was nestled in his hands.

He sipped on it every so often and Charunee kneeled at his feet, waiting for permission to speak.

He sat directly in front of the colourfully wrapped banana tree and the king swore he could see a woman's face in the bark.

"Were we able to recruit more soldiers?" He asked Charunee. His tone was calm and cool and he sat upright with poise but internally his negative feelings have been festering on end.

"There had been an outbreak of protests so there hasn't been time to recruit people."

His hand gripped the cup tighter. It would break at this point. "What are they protesting over?"

"A number of things. There's been unrest over food circulation and taxes."

"We'll deal with that later." His hand shook with anger as he placed his cup onto the tray. "What happened to my bride? She's been sneaking out so much lately, she shouldn't have to hide it from me."

He looked over Charunee's expression. She didn't give off any hints towards what she was about to say and he wondered if she had a hand in Ubol's escapes.

"The maids were able to overhear her talking to a snake. It seems that she plans to hunt down the siblings and the snake would return the favour somehow."

The news made his thoughts stop for a moment. After a few seconds, he began to laugh.

"Is she really that naïve?" He combed a hand through his hair. "I thought she was supposed to be a formidable wizard."

"It seems the snake is actually a naga."

The king could feel himself relax a little as he thought about Ubol's plan. She didn't know when to stop. Her complaints from the magic lessons to the marriage and even just down to the way the marriage preparations have been going, she has been a thorn in his side.

He crossed his legs and leaned back. "Hm, we'll see if that works out for her. If not, then I at least have two problems disappear."

She lifted her eyes up to the king. "But the marriage?"

"It'll give me an excuse to not marry. The nobles just want an heir but they can't force a mourning king to focus on finding someone else."

"Yes, your highness."

"If they're so concerned, I'll settle on marrying you. Any woman would do, wouldn't it?"

Her expression was emotionless as if the news didn't surprise her. She then bowed her head. "That would be an honour, your majesty."

"Is there anything else you would like to report to me?" His eyes scanned over the servant's face.

"The staff has been made as per your order. But your highness, they said there would be great risks. There was mention of becoming a krahang. Isla magic and the technique that disabled wizards use to bind themselves to the staff isn't—"

"Did I ask?"

"No."

"Then I will continue as planned." His hand went to lift the teacup. "Dismissed."

Charunee bowed and made her exit, leaving the king on his own.

Everything seemed to be falling in place for him.