The Royal Explorer (Completed)

Chapter 22

­­­I stood still outside the entrance of the wide premises. 'The Royal Quarters' as they call. It was a complete different zone only meant for the King. No one else.

It was 12.30am when I had last check on my Q while I was downloading a packet of coffee. I was making my way to the kitchen when Neel met me. He took me to down the hall to another side of the palace that I hadn't seen.

We were careful to not make any noise. But again, who would dare to question the King even if we did.

He was standing in his den, in the royal premises, looking at me as he turned back. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to enter. I recollected how Brinda had reacted when I asked her to get Yug to my room.

Was it really okay if I entered his space, at this hour of the night?

I did not realize up until now, I was becoming one of them.

"Come in" he commanded

"Are you sure?" my hesitancy evident in my voice

"You wanted to know where to find me" he spoke softly.

I gave out a dry laugh at this.

"It's not like I can enter this place in your absence to find here." This was obvious. If I had to enter this place only with the king's permission, how can I find him here.

"Then you are allowed." He spoke straight. I immediately flashed a glance at him . 

Did I hear him correct?

"I am sorry, what?" I gave a reaction, similar to what they do when I utter any word in a foreign language.

He just nodded in respond.

"You're allowed to enter here, whenever you like, without anyone's permission. You can enter anywhere in the Royal Quarter." He cleared my doubt.

"Why are you doing this?" I was genuinely confused. Why is he so laid back as a king, when he should be all alert when it comes to his security.

"You figure out, what do I mean, when I have let you in my personal space." There was a moment of tension in between us as soon as he spoke this. There was spark in that eye contact that he maintained. We both knew something was burning here, because we both could smell the smoke.

"coffee?" I asked . I was the first to break the eye contact. Literally. 

I was the boldest when it came to guys and relationships, but for some reason, under his gaze, I felt weak.

He nodded, as he got out of the division between the royal premises and the other parts of palace.

I hadn't entered his quarters. I know one day I shall. But it wasn't today. and I was glad he did not push it further.

I guess I was slowly getting my answer to: what kind of lover the king shall be.

---­

There was a little more life than usual in the royal court the next morning. 

When inquired, the guard said, "Your Majesty is looking forward to meeting some of the Royal guests." He did not explain me further and so I did not question. I anyway wouldn't know them.

I purposely left the seat next to Yug and went ahead in the row, leaving just one empty spot for Aarini.

She entered the court scanning all the occupied places and then finding that one vacancy. She shot a glance at me and I smirked looking down at my feet.