Ripple Water

31

In the palace hall I was shocked when I saw King Tradem. He's fatter than King Bardansah. His body was black, as if unkempt. He was wearing clothes full of gold embroidery. Wearing a ring on all five fingers. I feel He does not look like a King, but rather looks like a palace clown. There is no king within him. On his right left were two young women accompanying him. Their faces seemed to suffer. They seem to be the women taxed by her village. I feel pity. Their future is still long but it has been ruined by the Trandem model's clown castle.

Other than King Tradem, I found five ministers accompanying him, along with the women whom the King had assigned to accompany his minister. They all looked drunk, but it was still day. Unlike the Queen who I saw was busy praying for forgiveness for her country. King Trandem had fun over the suffering of his people.

"So this is an entertainer who wants to work in my palace ?" Greet King Trandem while looking at me from head to toe. His eyes seemed to be exposing me. Makes me uncomfortable.

The eyes of King Tradem were red due to the influence of alcohol. I don't know how much he spent in this room. Why He was not immediately given the disease so that He would realize his mistake.

"Receive the reverence of His Servant" I said on my knees, resisting the temptation to beat him.

"Who's your name ?"

"Hamba Orrie" I took my middle name. I'm worried if He knows my real name. He'll recognize me.

"Orrie, you're a pretty girl, but unfortunately you're still too young. If you really want to work in this palace I can help you. But first show me your abilities that make you worthy of my help"

"Your Majesty"

I stood in the middle of the Hall. Rafael is not far from me. It feels so embarrassing. I want to quit. But if suddenly I stop, I'm afraid they'll suspect me. Prince Arana is saving the Queen and Princess Margitha. As much as possible I should buy time.

I nodded to Rafael. Music is then played. I started to stretch my arms and dance. Inappropriate remarks were heard nagging me, from the mouth of the King and his ministers. I want to stuff a handful of chilies into their mouths.

"Enough" the king stopped my dance.

"You qualify. But there's one problem. Any woman who wants to work here has to warm my bed"

What ?

I looked towards Rafael in anger.

Rafael gave the code to keep me calm.

"You're pretty and seductive. It's a pity that you're just an entertainer. What if you were just my woman. You'll live in luxury in every inch of your body"

"This is an honor to Our Majesty"

"Your Majesty am I allowed to speak briefly with my entourage ?"

I immediately pulled Rafael's hand into the corner of the room when King Trandem gave permission "What did you mean ?" Whisper directly. "You want to sell me ?"

"They won't hold out any minute, I'm sure the King won't touch you. You said you were together all night. I'm sure He believes it"

"You're nuts. I don't want to"

I cringe. Now I'm on my own. I can't do anything but trust Rafael. I returned to the center of the Hall with Rafael beside me.

"How ?" King Trandem asked impatiently.

"We agree"

"Good, you guys are smart"

King Trandem laughed with excitement and made his wine spill onto his shirt as a result of his movements.

He shuffled to his feet with staggering steps. I held back desperately the feeling of wanting to escape when the Trandem King approached me. The smell of alcohol wafted from his breath, making me nauseous.

Two guards came to the King of Trandem's aid.

"Take Us to my room" he ordered. The two guards called King Trandem. It was obvious that he was drunk. I followed behind hoping that Prince Arana would come to help quickly.

We entered a luxurious room full of valuables.The atmosphere of this room instantly reminded me of the Nobles of Doldores. Nobles who often bully Dalto Nobles. The nobleman whose death appeared in my dreams.

King Trandem was laid on the bed. "This is a pretty girl...Let's play with the King" He got drunk. The bodyguards came out as soon as they made sure the King was safe in his bed. Door shut tight.

Now what am I supposed to do ?

I can't wait all night here. What if he wakes up and then attacks me. But, I heard the sound of the guards talking outside. I can't just walk out of this room.

In my confusion. It was like I heard a rustling sound. Before long a hand grabbed me from behind.

I almost screamed, but my mouth was closed. When I looked, I saw Prince Arana.

"I said the Princess should stay but not in the Trandem King's room. What if something unwanted happens to the Princess. Brother will definitely kill me"

"I don't know what else to do. Raphael agreed to King Trandem's request"

"I never believed in that guy. Now let's go right away. The Queen and Princess Margitha were safe. The guards have already taken him to the border"

I feel relieved to hear it.

I pulled Prince Arana towards the secret door. We entered the small, damp hallways. Our footsteps echoed. At the turn, Prince Arana opened an iron trellis. He looked down. After making sure it was safe, he jumped down.

"Let's Princess now"

I put my legs in a hanging position before finally jumping down. Prince Arana has me. We're in the sewer. It smells for mercy. I closed my nose.