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.

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,

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

I am fine,”

in with a curious look and waved his hand in front of Nicholas’ face, but Nicholas did not respond. “You really cannot see?” He asked with disbelief.

direction

blind?” The young woman

Nicholas said with a frown. “Not totally, but enough to make life challenging. It is like looking down a long dark tunnel, and at the end of that tunnel, all I can make out are fuzzy shapes and colours. I can see silhouettes and movement, but that is it. The doctor

you coping?” His mother asked as she supportively rubbed his

cane, and I just got Brutus here,” he said, leaning over to pet his new pal. “He is my eyes. And of course, I have a friend who helps keep my morale up.”

mother smiled,

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 I introduce my mother, her Majesty, Queen Naya Kane,” the woman nodded her head at Kinsley. “My father, his Majesty King Samuel Kane the Third,” the man bowed his head politely. “My brother

“Octavius did not tell

somewhat recently. I saw no reason to

it is so nice to meet you, child,”

Octavius for guidance. He gestured for her to be respectful. “Your Majesty,” she

child, no formalities. I do not want you to feel uncomfortable around us. Especially if you are the reason for the smile on my son’s face?” Kinsley looked at Nicholas to see he was indeed smiling. “I do

may call me

“Glorious.”

“Octavius,” Nicholas spoke up.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

rooms so they may freshen