Love For Hire

Nicholas shocked outburst startled Kinsley. From the alarmed look on Octavius' face and the surprise that now claimed Nicholas’ something was happening, and it now had her worried.

Nicholas turned his face to Octavius with a look of horror on his face. “Why are they here?”

“After the incident, I made a progress report to your father, and now the whole family is sitting in the parlour.”

“You did what?” Nicholas snapped with anger.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but he is the King. I had to notify him.”

“King?” Kinsley said anxiously. “Are you saying that the King is in the next room?”

“The whole royal family,” Octavius told her.

“Oh,” she felt nervous and out of place. She never thought she would meet his family. What would they think of her when they found out about the arraignment between her and their son? This was a terrible turn of events.

“They are demanding your presence,” Octavius told Nicholas.

“Of course, they are.”

“Please forgive me, Your Majesty.”

The fact that Octavius was begging for forgiveness filled Kinsley with dread. Nicholas rose to his feet and placed one hand on Octavius’ shoulder. “You are forgiven, old friend. Your hands were tied.” He then reached out for Brutus’ harness, grabbing at empty air. Kinsley rose and guided his hand to the dog. He thanked her and then awkwardly made his way to the door. “Octavius,” He said, reaching out blindly. “Show me to my parents.”

Kinsley stood up, and out of sheer curiosity, she followed. They made their way to the room by the front door, the one Octavius had made her wait the first night she came to the palace. Kinsley remained by the entrance while Octavius walked Nicholas into the middle of the room.

of them. Two men and two women. Parents and siblings, she would guess by their ages and the amazingly expensive wardrobes. The older woman with the long copper hair swept up in an elegant configuration rushed across the room and startled Nicholas as she took him in her arms, and she wept. She stepped back, and her hands framed his face as

she held his arms and looked him over. “You are so thin,” she then glared

fine,”

man in a fine suit leaned in with a curious look and waved his hand in front

in the direction

blind?” The

down a long dark tunnel, and at the end of that tunnel, all I can make out are fuzzy

are you coping?” His mother asked as

I am learning to navigate my new world. I have a cane, and I just got Brutus here,” he said, leaning

His mother smiled,

know you are there,” Nicholas chuckled. “I heard your heels follow us, and I can smell your perfume. Come forth,” with a nervous smile, she slowly walked over to Nicholas, and he took her hand in his and held it to his chest. “I want to introduce you to my family. “May

His father repeated, surprised. “Octavius did not tell me you were seeing

I saw no reason

so nice to meet you, child,” Naya said,

He gestured for her to be respectful.

face?” Kinsley looked at Nicholas to see he was indeed smiling. “I do not think I have seen my son smile in four years. So, you may

may

“Glorious.”

“Octavius,” Nicholas spoke up.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

so they may freshen up and relax before dinner. Surely they are jetlagged.”