Chapter 5 - King’s Chambers

Four days had passed since Neera arrived at the castle. The first two days, demons stared at her wherever she went, everyone was talking about the girl who looked like the queen, but they soon stopped talking about her because she was not the queen, neither was she a demon. Neera, was relieved about that.

She had learned that the demon with the red hair was the king's sister, Freya. She had specifically told her to make sure she was not seen by the king. She did not want to imagine what would happen if she went against her orders.

Neera's job was not easy at all. She was to scrub the castle floors, and wash the king's dishes. and the floors were cleaned before everyone woke up in the morning. So she had to wake up very early to begin her chores. Freya made sure she rarely saw the king's face, so she gave someone else the function of retrieving the plates from the king's dinette. So after cleaning the king's court by four am in the morning, Neera retired to the royal kitchen. So even though she worked in king's court, she did not see him.

Another thing that made her stay bearable was Penelope. Penelope kept her company and smuggled out food for her from the kitchen, so was never hungry.

''I hear that there is to be a royal wedding.'' Penelope said as she watched Neera wash the plates. Neera looked at her;

''Really? The king is getting married?''

''yes, to one of the princesses from the eight kingdoms. There would be a bride selection party, I hear the princesses are going to arrive in a month's time. The castle would be very busy now, and there would be a lot of dishes to prepare. ''

Penelope sighed;

''And a lot of plates to wash. '' Neera added; ''But I think it is a good thing; the demons won't mind me anymore after the king gets married. I just pray the new queen does not behead me.''

Penelope laughed; ''She would surely not have time for a powerless human like you. But you should make sure to avoid her as best as you can. ''

''Surely, I do not want to have any business with the demons, I just wish I can be transferred out of the king's court. I mean, I could work anywhere else, why the king's court?'' Neera sighed.

''You are lucky you don't get to work close to the king, imagine the fears of those that do. ''

''Neera! ''

Neera jumped up from the chair she was sitting on when she heard her name, and she ran out of the kitchen. Adeline, one of the higher ranking maids, stood in front of the kitchen.

''Go get the plates from the King's dinette, he is done eating.''

Neera stared at her confused; ''Ma, that is not my function; '' It was not that she could not do it, Freya was going to cut her head if she saw her anywhere near the king. She already warned her never to go close to him.

Adeline frowned; ''Did you just disobey my orders? ''

''No, not at all, ma'am; it's just that… her highness warned me not to be seen in the king's court once the sun has risen. ''

Adeline snorted as she eyed her from head to toe. The king had sent them all away and asked her to call for Neera.

But she did not want her to feel important so she had told her that she should get his plates.

''don't forget your place Neera, you're no different from anyone here. I get annoyed easily, and I'm sure you don't want to get on my bad side. ''

Neera gulped; she had seen Adeline punish a few maids before and it was not what she wanted for herself. The king was done eating so it wouldn't hurt to get the plates quickly before anyone notices.

''I will go bring them now.''

Neera said and walked off. But what she did not know was that the king did not eat in the dinette, he had his breakfast in his chambers.

Neera hurried off to the dinette, but when she opened the door, she saw no plates on the long diner table. She frowned; did the king eat somewhere else?

Walking out of the room, she recognized a maid who served the king his meals, so she stopped her and asked;

''Please, where did the king have his breakfast? I can't find the plates here; ''

''Oh, the king ate in his chambers today. '' the girl replied, and fear flashed through Neera's eyes. There was no way she was going to his chambers to get the plates;

When the girl saw the fear in Neera's eyes, she smiled; ''He is not that fearful, just make sure you don't make noise. He hates the sound of feet walking on the floor, I would have helped you but I have an errand to run now, '' The girl smiled and walked away, leaving Neera standing on the hallway, looking aghast.

What would she do? Neera thought.

But the earlier she got the plates and left the better; because if Freya caught her, coming here would have been in vain. Taking a deep breath, Neera walked towards the king's chambers. The hallway leading to his chambers was quiet. It was like a totally different part of the castle. It was beautifully decorated, with rare stones, and diamonds. Beautiful sculptures welcomed her to his chambers. She had never been to the king's chambers, she did not clean that part of his court so she had no reason to be there. Her fingers trembled as she knocked lightly on the door.

There was no response. Neera knocked a little harder but there was still no response. Maybe he was not in. She thought. Turning the knob of the door, her heart pumped hard against her chest as the door creaked open.

She looked into the room, and there was no one in sight; taking a deep breath, she walked in. The room was magnificent, tastefully decorated for a king. Everything glittered, down to the marble floors.

He was not in. Neera heaved a sigh of relief, she looked around, and her eyes fell on the caserole dishes laid out on the round table a little far away from where she stood.

Walking as quietly as she could, she approached the table; there were too many plates for her to carry at once; why did Adeline send only her to take them?

Neera sighed; she just had to take them at once, she did not have a choice, else she would have to come back there again, and she could not risk that. As she stretched her hands to take pack the plates, a voice rang out in the room, causing her to shudder.

''What are you doing? ''