To Bewitch a Devil

123 Where is she?

“I don’t think there is a need for another contest”, Freya commented. “I think you would not only make a good wife for my brother but a good Queen as well.”

Kitana pretended to be surprised at the suggestion, as her hands flew over her lips, her eyes wide, “It means a lot to me, your Highness, that you think so highly of me. However, the selection process is entirely up to the King. But it seems the return of a certain maid has taken his attention these days.”

She could see the immediate change in Freya’s mood. She could deduce from the anger on her face that they both shared the same sentiment when it came to the mention of the maid.

“I should have killed her at the start when I had the chance to”, Kitana heard Freya murmur, turning to look at her, she feigned a smile and continued; “She is nothing but a maid, don’t bother yourself with her.”

“Oh”, Kitana shrugged off. “Then perhaps the King needs a little push in another direction.”

Freya looked over at her, her eyes assessing. She had known Kitana for as long back as she knew Delilah, only not on a close level. She was stunningly beautiful, and she had the right amount of fire to go after what she wanted. Freya had long known that was what the trip was all about to her; getting her into Zavian’s favor, but she didn’t mind. In fact, she found Kitana interesting; for her to quickly come to curry her favor, she must know what she wants.

“That won’t be a problem,” Freya smiled as though telling her she understood exactly what she meant.

Kitana laughed lightly, she knew it wouldn’t be hard to get Freya on her side, they were a little bit alike so she knew it wouldn’t be hard for them to get along.

...

.....

During one of Zavian’s visits to a neighboring kingdom, Freya asked Neera to move out of his chambers;

“The queen would soon be chosen, I’m sure you don’t want the dukes finding out that you are sleeping in the king’s room?”

Freya asked, and Neera nodded slightly with her head bowed.

“I’ll move this evening, ” Neera replied, as she stared at her dress.

Freya stood for a few seconds as she stared at the girl before she walked out of the room.

Freya was right, she wouldn’t want to be there when a queen is chosen. She didn’t want to make any woman feel uncomfortable especially a newly wedded wife.

Before the sun was done, Neera was out of the king’s chambers. When she came before Lady Beatrice and asked for her space in the maid quarters, Beatrice was surprised.

“I didn’t know you will be back, but of course, there is a still space available.” She said.

The maids barely interacted with her but had no problems talking about her in private. Neera knew she had left Zavian’s side a little too late, for everyone seemed to be holding her on a higher pedestal.

Lady Beatrice didn’t give her any functions, she knew she was adored by the king and didn’t want to get on his bad side, but Neera joined and helped in any way she could. She scrubbed floors, and washed the plates.

One of the days while she was cleaning; Princess Jasmine saw her, her eyes widened to see her cleaning and not in the king’s chambers, but quickly she stretched her lips into a smile;

“Are you sure you are well enough to resume duties?” Jasmine asked.

Neera smiled at her. “Yes, it has been weeks already, I think I’m fine.”

Jasmine smiled before walking past her in minute steps. Thankfully she knew her place. She thought to herself as she walked ahead.

...

A day before Zavian arrived, Neera saw Azriel ride into the castle on his horse, quickly she rushed to him to ask about her friend.

“She is doing just fine”, Azriel assured her. “She asks about you as well.”

“Will she be back anytime soon? I would love to see her.” she said, she wanted to ask Azriel to take her to Pen, but it might be too much of a request to ask.

Azriel puffed out a breath of air. How could he tell her that Penelope remaining in his home was largely due to him not wanting her to return to the castle? It was selfish of him but he couldn’t help it.

“Yes, I will make sure she is back as soon as possible”, Azriel voiced.

Neera smiled and then she bowed and walked away.

The next day, Zavian returned to the castle. Freya was there to welcome him. She was all smiles as she walked him into the castle. He was a bit absentminded, and he headed straight for his chambers to check on Neera.

“Brother, did you hear a word of what I just said?” An angry Freya who was following close after him asked when she saw her brother looking through the rooms, she knew exactly who he was looking for. Zavian ignored her, he checked his room and study and proceeded to check Neera’s room, but she wasn’t there.

Panicked, he turned to his sister. “Where is she?”

“Where is who?”

“You know who, Freya”, Zavian asked, a frown forming on his forehead. “Where is she?!”

“In the castle! She hasn’t been kidnapped the second time”, and under her breath, she added, “Unfortunately.”

“Where exactly in the castle is she? Did you see her today?” Zavian comtinued, ignoring her attempt to rile him up. He was about to step out, but Freya stopped him by standing in his path.

“We have to have a serious conversation, Brother.” Freya added. “Whatever is going on with you and that maid has got to stop.”

“Step aside, Freya,” Zavian ordered.

“Kill me if you must, but I cannot stand still and watch you plunge yourself into ruin because of a mere human”, Freya went on. “No one will tell you the truth because you are King, but you have to focus on choosing a Queen. The next contest will happen soon, and you act like it is none of your concern. Everyone now knows about this maid whom you hold so dearly, at this rate you’re going to make her queen!”