The Wife of the King's Pay

Chapter 18 The Unexpected Honeymoon (Part 2)

Cleantha tightened her shoelaces and walked over to Mr. Darma.

"Sir, is this villa surrounded by forests and mountains?"

"Yes, Madam. The Lord King bought this villa two years ago because of its location near the forest. So it's suitable for adventure. Since his teenage years, he likes to spend time climbing mountains. Sometimes hunting or just exploring the forest with his friends."

"Are there any wild animals around here, sir? And is this forest haunted? I mean are there ghosts or waiters?" ask Cleantha was-was.

"There are no wild animals, ma'am. But for the ghost story I don't know. Just ask Mang Jaya who is guarding this villa."

"Clea, why are you gossiping there?" the king shouted from the courtyard of the house. He looked impatiently waiting for Cleantha.

"Mrs, you better leave now. By evening the forest will be darker," said Mr. Darma gave advice.

"Yes, Sir. I'll go first."

While running small, Cleantha came out from the front door. He began to get used to seeing the face of the King who was always sour when he met him.

"Are you deliberately stalling for time? I gave you a chance to get ready, but you were chatting away."

"Sorry, sir," Cleantha replied following the King's steps.

"I'm sorry and sorry. That's all you can say. I got tired of hearing it. You think by apologizing all the problems will be over."

With wide strides, the King walked ahead of Cleantha entering the forest.

As if already very familiar with the ins and outs of the forest, the King set foot agilely among the bushes and tree branches. Contrary to the reverse with Cleantha who walked slowly while observing the surroundings full of vigilance.

This difference caused Cleantha to lag quite far behind the King.

The sun started to move westward, making Cleantha even more afraid. He felt like a wanderer lost in the wilderness.

"Master, wait for me!" cleantha called out to the King.

The man did not look at all. Either he did not hear Cleantha's call or deliberately ignored her.

"Master, don't leave me" cried Cleantha a second time.

Cleantha tried to speed up her pace, but she was unable to keep up with the King's agility.

In an instant the man had vanished from his sight.

"What if I'm locked up in this forest and can't find a way out,"

cleantha thought desperately.

"Lord, where are you?" call Cleantha screaming as loud as possible.

Silent silence. Nothing was heard, except the rustling sound of leaves and some of the sounds of insects inhabiting the forest.

As her efforts were fruitless, Cleantha decided to walk straight ahead. He has only two options at the moment, keep going or give up.

Using her intuition, Cleantha tried to find the right direction.

The shape of the trees are almost the same makes him confused whether the path he took was right.

After considering for a moment, Cleantha walked straight ahead.

His troubled mind, made him not realize that there was a tree branch crossing before his feet.

"Oh," cried Cleantha in pain.

His right leg tripped over the twig so he fell on the ground.

Cleantha tried to get up, but the pain in her ankle prevented her from moving.

With her hands, Cleantha rubbed her throbbing legs due to the pain.

"What am I supposed to do now? The sun was about to set and I was left alone in this forest with nothing to do. I can't walk either."

Cleantha was resigned to her fate. Never before has he been caught in the gripping conditions he is today.

Now all he can do is cry, as an outlet of deep despair.

Cleantha buried her face on both knees while sobbing softly. He really hoped someone would come to save him. If that happened, he would definitely be very grateful and repay the kindness of the person.

Cleantha was still sobbing in her tears, as she felt a hand touch her shoulder.

"Just lost for a while already crying like a child. Where's your barbaric attitude gone?" said a heavy voice that Cleantha was very familiar with.

Cleantha looked up her face and saw the King already crouching beside her.

"Master, why did you leave me? I was so scared to be alone in the forest" Cleantha sobbed with a breath of gasp.

Cleantha's cry only broke when she found out that the King had found her.

Highlight the originally sharp King's eyes turning dim.

The tears that drenched Cleantha's cheeks plus the despair that radiated from her eyes, caused a sense of pity in the King's heart. After all he felt guilty for intentionally letting Cleantha fall behind.

At first he only intended to scare the girl. Unexpectedly, Cleantha was actually scared to death.

"Calm down, I'm here now. I'm not leaving you."

"Please get me out of here, sir," said Cleantha immersing her face in the King's arms.

Cleantha paid no more attention to her embarrassment. All he knew at this moment was that the King was the only refuge for him.

"All right, let's go home."

Still hugging Cleantha, the King propped the girl up to stand. However, Cleantha hissed withstanding the pain in her ankle.

"Is your leg sprained?"

"Yes, I tripped over a tree branch."

"Sit down here first. I'll massage your legs."

After Cleantha sat down, the King groped the girl's ankle.

"Here's the sick one?" asked the King holding Cleantha's right ankle which looked swollen.

"Yes, Sir."

Quickly, the King gave a massage to Cleantha's ankle. His skillful hands showed that he was used to dealing with this kind of problem.

"It turns out Lord King still has a conscience. He's even gonna touch my feet,"

cleantha thought relieved.

"Try moving your legs. Has the pain decreased?"

Cleantha nodded. He tried to move his ankle. It was still painful but not as painful.

"It's better, sir."

"Then we try to walk back to the villa. It's dark in a minute."

The king grabbed Cleantha and took her slowly to walk towards the villa.

Cleantha's legs were limping, making them take a long time to get out of the forest.

"I'm sorry, sir, because of me you can't see the waterfall" Cleantha said.

"Not think about it. I can go by myself tomorrow. The first time I roamed the forest, I was sprained like you."

"Master, is the villa still far away?" ask Cleantha.

Despite being sustained by the King, Cleantha began to feel exhausted from having to walk on limping legs.

"Now we'll be there. Are you tired?"

"A little, Sir."

The king took a long breath.

The next instant he suddenly grabbed Cleantha's slender body.

The king carried his wife with both arms while still walking towards the villa.

"Sir what are you doing? Why are you holding me?" cleantha asked.

"I just don't want to see you pass out. Your face is as pale as paper" said the King.

"But I don't want to trouble you."

"Have been quiet. If you talk a lot, you're getting more trouble for me. Even though you are thin, you are also heavy. Maybe because your portion of the meal is too much" complained the King.

Cleantha could only obey. Moreover, his condition was currently weak.

It was undeniable to be close to the King, making him feel safe and calm.

Cleantha secretly stole a glance at the King.

As they got this close, he realized just how handsome his pretended husband was. Behind his arrogance and grumpy nature, the King is a man who has a million charms.

It is unfortunate that his good looks are not supported by good behavior. He was unfair to his wife.

Despite that Cleantha was sure the King still had a gentle side in him.

"Why?" asked the King when their eyes unintentionally clashed with each other.

"Deg."

Cleantha's heart beat rapidly. The King's gaze that was as deep as the ocean caused an unusual sigh in his heart.

"It's okay, sir," Cleantha replied immediately lowered her head.

"Why do I feel weird like this? No, wake up, Cleantha! The Lord King belongs to Brother Vira. You mustn't think of anything inappropriate for another woman's husband,"

inner Cleantha resuscitated herself.