Chapter-4

It has become everyday work for Alexander. But being in the presence of some royal guest has created some extra work for him too. He has to be more cautious as not only his but the rulers of his fellow countries are also present.

Ensuring the safety of his people in such a situation has proved to be a little difficult hard for him to do alone, yet he was doing them perfectly. He was focused on the meeting he was having when his father's royal advisor came and informed him about the starter meal he had brought with him.

Alexander had no clue what meal he was talking about. He had strictly informed the head chef that the meal will be served in the early mid-day. He had never informed him about any other meal.

"I never asked for a starter. Take it back."

The old man was a little shocked and confused. He expected him to agree as his father used to follow his wishes. Now seeing him completely rejecting his words had hurt his ego. For some reason, he was adamant about making sure they have the sweet dishes.

"My king, let them have some. Maids have already brought them here."

Alexander was skeptical. But when he looked at the other members in the meeting, he allowed him to make the dishes served.

Once the gates open and maids came swarming inside with the trays of servings, he went back to focus on his works. He was getting a weird feeling inside him as if his guts were warning him about some upcoming event.

He was yet focused on his work and thoughts that he didn't realize someone was standing close to him until he heard the clattering of utensils.

One moment he heard the clattering sound of utensils and saw a maiden falling and the next moment he was standing and holding her by her waist. He felt something stir inside of him. Isabella's soft hands were wrapped around his arm to stop herself from falling any further.

Her soft hands were placed over his strong muscled arms. He slowly supported her while she was gaining her balance. He slowly made her stand. He tuned out every voice around him and was observed her. He was yet observing her when his father's advisor started yelling.

"My King!! How can you not do your work properly? I believe it was one of your tactics to get the attention of our king."

"Nothing to fret over. No harm done."

Alexander was yet observing her while her head was ducked. His eyes suddenly noticed a white powdery substance over one of the sweets. That sweet was the very one who was supposed to be fed him.

Isabella was still heavily breathing. She was still scared of everyone. She was not a pretty courageous person when she has someone to protect, but she has always been scared of humans. She could feel eyes on him but she dare not raise her head and look around.

When Alexander realized his late father's advisor tried to feed him the mixed food, he couldn't contain his anger inside anymore. He ordered all the maids to clean the crumbs of sweet fallen on the floor and leave. As soon as all the maids left, except Isabella, he lunged at the old man responsible.

"Is that why you suggested bringing the starters? To poison me?"

The old man couldn't understand what he was trying to say. He was scared. Alexander's hold on his neck was strong. His grip was strong on him and the more he tried to free the tighter it became. He was scared that maybe his actions can come to light, but he tried to act all tough.

"M-my King. W-what are you s-saying? I-I will do no s-such thing."

Alexander got furious. He has the man responsible in his grip and yet the man was defying the accusation.

"I believe, we both know what I am trying to say."

By now the man in fear has realized that he could no longer hide his deeds. He suddenly started smirking and said.

"Well, too bad i-it fell, I am sure y-your father would h-have loved that."

"That is the main problem. I am not my father."

He let him loose and with the last punch, he ordered his soldiers to take him to the dungeon. The advisor was yet in a coughing fit. He observed his being dragged state until he couldn't see it. Only then he recalled the presence of another person.

He started encircling Isabella. All this while Isabella has not even once raised her head to see what was happening around her. She kept her head down all this while.

Alexander was observing her figure as if she was prey. He was not stupid. He has been around so many people that now he can detect a true innocence and a fake one. He can feel innocence in her. With her head ducked she was practically screaming that she is innocent and has no hand in the conspiracy.

He also does not remember seeing her around which means she is a new face. He knows that she is not to be punished but yet amid treachery, he couldn't let her roam around the palace and risk the safety of his people or her.

"You are to leave the palace on the third day from today and never return".

With his last words, he left the dining room.

As per schedule, Alexander wore the outfit of a soldier and went on for his regular rounds. By putting on a cover over himself, he tries to look for the problems by mixing among the others. He also tries to find something about the supporters or anything as a lead to the traitors. It was once a daily routine for him.

He did it nearly every day to know about the well-being of his people and finding as much information he could to keep himself and his people safe. But ever since he has become king, his work has started demanding more of his time. As much as his responsibilities have now restricted his daily routines, he still finds ways for his rounds. It may not occur on an everyday basis but he tries his best to make it successful.

The first duty of him as a king is the well-being of his people and if it asks for his time, then so be it.

As soon as he got to the ground of royal premises he was attacked. They most likely came to attack him as the king but since he was dressed as a soldier, they went away only after stabbing him. On occasions like this, he was glad to keep his rounds hidden from others. The fewer people know, the better was what his father told him.

He was wounded deeply. He knew that he was required to get to the medical wing quickly or else it can become fatal. But he didn't have enough strength to walk continuously and the medical wing was yet far. He fell for the second time on his. He put his hand over his wound as a trial to lessen the pain.

He was yet thinking of ways to get there quickly when he suddenly heard a voice,' Sir, are you okay?' And without having a second thought he lunged himself at the shadow. In a rage of thinking that it was sent by his enemy, he kept a firm grip on the slender neck of the shadow.

"He has sent you to kill me. No?"

He held the shadow by its neck in a tight and firm grip. It was firm enough for the shadow to stay in grip and tight enough for it to talk. He assumed the shadow to be the follower of the man behind the death of his father.

When the light fell and he saw the face, he saw that it was the same girl who he ordered to leave the castle. Unknown to him, he was now more furious at the thought of her being with them. The beast inside him was now conflicted. It was in more rage than before. It was enough to end her life but at the same time, willing enough to keep her safe and secure.

He couldn't understand why a maiden would join hands in conspiracy and why is her innocence still pure. God forbid if he was fooled.