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.

were four 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

arms and looked him over. “You are so thin,” she then glared at Octavius. “Are you not feeding

I am fine,”

his hand in front of Nicholas’ face, but Nicholas did not respond. “You really cannot

turned his head in the direction of the

went blind?” The young woman piped

at the end of that tunnel, all I can make out

coping?” His mother asked as she

obviously. But I am learning to navigate my new world. I have a 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

His mother

it to his chest. “I want to introduce you to my family. “May I introduce my mother, her Majesty, Queen Naya

did not

saw no reason to tell

it is so nice to meet you, child,” Naya

guidance. He gestured for her to be respectful. “Your Majesty,” she then curtsied. Hoping that was

Kinsley looked at Nicholas to see he was indeed smiling. “I do not think I have seen my son

you may call

“Glorious.”

“Octavius,” Nicholas spoke up.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

may freshen up and