Chapter 57

(Serena's POV)

Everyone was in shock from the news. All the royal doctors went to attend the king as soon as they heard. Luckily, a maid happened to show up at the time the king was just stabbed. She screamed as soon as she saw it, leading the guards there. I was at the scene right now, but no one would let me in and see how the king was doing. Father went inside with a bunch of his personal guards. He sent Fedrick, our best tracker, to find the assassin. Father saw King Tyson as a good friend since we were an Ali of Flores.

"Do you think the parade will happen today?"

"I don't think so."

"Will his royal highness be alright?"

I didn't really know the king, but we came to discuss something important for the royal meeting. Father didn't really go into detail about the meeting. I'm guessing it was something about the kingdom's alliance.

"Your highness, you must lie down." I walked a little closer and peeked into the room a little to see King Tyson standing up. He looked a little wobbly and frail, but he stood up straight with his chest held high. He didn't have a shirt, so it was easy to tell where the wound was. The blood was partially bleeding a bit, so I could see a red stain on the bandage. I took a deep breath as soon as I saw it. I didn't like seeing blood in general.

"I told you I am fine. You all are over worrying about me." King Tyson had a straightforward smile. His smile didn't waver a bit as he walked towards the door. I met his eyes as he looked down in pain. "Hello there."

I gave him a polite curtesy in return with a small smile. I bent down deeply as I can to show my utmost respect.

"Get everything ready." Everyone had doubts glued onto their faces. I could clearly tell everyone was worried about their king.

"May I have permission to speak freely, your royal highness?" King Tyson looked at me as soon as he heard my high squeaky voice. I was definitely a bit nervous, but I tried to keep a straight face. I felt everyone's eyes on me as soon as I spoke.

"Permission granted." I exhaled as soon as I was granted permission.

"I was thinking if your majesty will rest until the parade if you really don't want to delay the parade. You have many officials under you who can take care of decorations and such, so it wouldn't be bad if you relax a little. The wound would also heal faster that way. Also, if we have a healer, we can call him or her so your majesty can heal in time."

Everyone started to chatter as I finished my opinion. I could tell everyone was happy how I was able to speak up about it, especially when they can't. I wonder how he will take my advice. I looked up from my curtesy position and saw father behind King Tyson. Father put a hand on King Tyson's shoulder which made him look back at Father.

"Even if she is young, she has a valid point. I would like you to do exactly what she asked." I smiled at Father when I realized he was backing me up. Father saw me and gave me a small wink which caused my smile to grow. I looked back at King Tyson to see him deep in thought. He, then, looked at me.

"Fine, I will rest up." He gave me a small smile. "Only since my future daughter said so."

I stared back at him, wide-eyed. He had just announced to everyone that I was going to marry Prince Hermon. It was unfair how I never had a say in this. They had just decided on my life for me. I kept quiet since I didn't have enough power to talk back to him yet or cancel their plans.

Everything blurred out as I got upset. Their excited chatter and their figures became blurry. Tears were clouding my vision. Princesses usually don't have any power and have to do what their father tells them to do. I didn't want to be some fake doll. I grabbed my dress tightly and bit my lips. I wanted to cry, but I had to hold it back.

No emotions.

Don't show any emotions.

It has been hard to hide my emotions ever since Alex came into my life. I always cry whenever I wanted to, but I couldn't in this situation. I lowered my head and stared down at my feet. I heard both of them, laughing and talking. I clenched my fist even tighter. Is this all I could do, just stand there and listen?

I needed to say something. Calm down, Serena!

I wiped my tears away and looked up. I am going to say 'No'. I opened my mouth to speak until I saw that King Tyson was focused and staring at something else.

I turned around as I heard a bunch of running footsteps. They were in a hurry. I spotted a man right in the middle who was sweating as he ran. His light brown hair swayed as he ran and his icy-blue eyes we're focused on the person behind me.

"Your majesty, are you alright?"

"Jake!" The man named Jake was clearly out of breath as he stopped in front of King Tyson. King Tyson chuckled as he saw how exhausted Jake was. "I am fine."

"Your majesty, what are you talking about? I heard it is very serious. I heard you almost died." The whole room fell silent at the man's words until King Tyson laughed at loud as he grabbed his stomach. He stopped suddenly as he winced in pain. The doctors came forward and grabbed him, but he pushed the doctors away.

"Me. Die. I am sure heaven and hell both don't want me right now." Even though King Tyson was smiling, Jake was still frowning and confused as he stared at King Tyson.

"But the messenger that was sent from the palace said you were in a serious condition." Jake was clearly confused at King Tyson.

"That is not possible since I ordered everyone to keep silent." King Tyson glared at everyone. "Who sent the messenger?"

Everyone shook their head as if their life depended on it. Technically, it probably did.

"What about-"

"Did you ask for verification?" King Tyson interrupted him and looked back at Jake.

"I was in a rush, so-" Jake suddenly turned to King Tyson, wide-eyed. His eye looked like it was searching for something as he looked at King Tyson. "You don't mean a diversion?"

"I don't know about that, but is the prince left alone at your house."

"There is no way they could have figured it out."

"There is always a possibility, Jake." King Tyson turned to the soldier toward him. "Give the command that at least fifty soldiers be sent with general Jake, now."

Even if his command was stern, he had a calm atmosphere around him. Jake deeply bowed down."

"Damn it! IMy apologies, your majesty. I have to go."

Jake turned around to the soldiers that followed him.

"We are going back to my house. The prince may be in danger. Move out!"