The King

"I've been waiting for you all morning, my dear." The king stood before the great mountains of his land, in his morning robes. Looking as radiant as ever; his robes were open at the top, revealing extravagant looking necklaces and part of his sculpted chest.

She had been a guest in his castle for two weeks, and this was their first meeting. The king left on business the day before she arrived and therefore she had to wait for his return. Jade bowed her head respectfully, dipping into a low curtsy.

"Walk with me." He turned on his heel and started down a trail, bordered with tall grass. The length of his robe made it look like he was gliding along the trail rather than walking. She allowed him a few paces before following behind him, her hands clasped in front of her as his were. A minute into their walk, he turned to say something only to find her five feet behind him. He stopped.

"I said to walk with me." He rolled his eyes at her, his hand extending to the empty space next to him.

"I was taught a woman's place was behind the man. Especially if he is a king." She bowed her head again to avoid eye contact with him, staying glued to her spot.

"No. You will walk next to me or not at all." An obvious ultimatum was given, yet she still refused to move. With an exasperated sigh he closed the distance between them and stood at her side. Jade glanced at him through her eyelashes; he was studying her closely, his eyes clouded with thought as he considered her.

"You will learn that a woman's place is beside the man in my kingdom. Come."

"As you wish." They continued their stroll through the lands.

It was a beautiful and open space, with rolling green pastures. Livestock were scattered around them, grazing lazily in the morning sun. Dew clung to the plants around them giving the impression that they had been embroidered with diamonds. A gentle breezed whipped around them and she could faintly smell The King's perfumes. He had an intoxicating scent.

"How are you enjoying the castle?" He looked down at her waiting for an answer. The sunlight shone in her face, making her dark eyes lighter than they were.

"It has truly been a pleasure, your grace." She stared forward at a few calves playing in the field before them. Prancing around each other in a youthful dance.

"Are these niceties or are you speaking the truth?" He ran his hand over his beard and turned his attention to the young animals at play.

"It is the truth. Your land is much more beautiful than mine is." A smile spread across her face, revealing perfectly white teeth, as one of the calves ran toward them accompanied by the other two. The leader was milky white with a single black patch along its back, one black and the other golden.

Together they danced around Jade; the black and gold turned to the king and licked at his hands. The milky white one stood in front of Jade, craning its neck to look into her eyes. She bent at the waist and extended her hand to it, allowing the creature to inspect her. Instead, it pressed its forehead to her palm and walked forward, her hand gliding along the length of its body.

"Aren't you friendly," Jade giggled as the calf rubbed itself along her legs, much like the actions of a kitten. The others jointed suit, jostling her around in their attempts to show their affection. A deep chuckle filled the air. She looked over and saw the king doubled over in laughter, his hands clutching his stomach.
Jade's smile was soon replace with shock as she found herself falling backwards. When she hit the ground the calves were all over her, nuzzling and sneaking a lick here and there, tickling her. She and the kings laughter echoed across the lands.

"Away you three!" He sent them off and helped Jade to her feet. She clung to him as she tried to find her footing in the soft ground, her heels sinking into the dirt.