Chapter 3. Audience with the king

The king summoned Kael back to his throne room, his piercing gaze scrutinizing the young warrior. Though he tried to appear nonchalant, the king was already impressed by Kael's exceptional skills and physique.

"So, what is your name?" the king asked, shifting uncomfortably in his throne.

"Kael, Your Majesty," Kael replied, his head bowed respectfully.

The king's eyes narrowed slightly. "And where are you from, Kael?"

Kael, mindful of revealing too much about his past, chose his words carefully. "I am from the kingdom of Valtoria, Your Majesty," he replied, his head still bowed.

The king's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes seemed to gleam with interest.

"And why do you think I would hire you in my palace?" the king thundered, attempting to rattle Kael.

"Because I've heard of your renowned mercy, Your Majesty," Kael replied, his voice laced with flattery. "I wish to serve under your wise leadership."

The king, unimpressed by the compliment, scrutinized Kael once more before summoning a guard. "Show him to one of the guards' quarters. He starts tomorrow morning."

Just as the king was about to dismiss them, Princess Farah appeared, her voice ringing out. "Father."

Before his eyes even landed on her, Kael's sensitive nose picked up the sweet, intoxicating scent that wafted through the air. It was a fragrance that was both delicate and alluring, like the subtle perfume of a rare flower. His head instinctively turned, his gaze following the irresistible trail of her aroma until his eyes finally rested on her and their eyes met for the first time. Farah gasped softly, taken aback by Kael's striking features. His brown eyes, chiseled jawline, and lips seemed chiseled to perfection.

How could a man be so breathtakingly beautiful? Farah's thoughts swirled in stunned silence.

Lost in the splendor of Kael's chiseled features, Farah struggled to find her voice. Kael, equally captivated, couldn't tear his gaze away from Farah's striking beauty. Her piercing green eyes and delicate oval face left him enchanted.

The king's impatient tone broke the spell. "Yes, Farah, what brings you here to interrupt me?"

Farah's gaze snapped back to her father, her composure regained. "I heard rumors of a new guard. I came to see for myself."

The king nodded. "Ah, yes. Here he is."

Farah's eyes narrowed as she turned to Kael. "What do we know of him? He could be a spy. He appears out of nowhere, requesting to join our guard?" Her voice rose in indignation.

The king's expression turned stern. "Farah, I've already questioned him. He's from Valtoria. I see no reason to doubt his intentions."

Farah's anger flared. "Valtoria? I've never heard of it! What assurance do we have that he's not a traitor?"

The king's patience wore thin. "Enough, Farah! I've made my decision."

Undeterred, Farah strode toward Kael, her hand closing around the hilt of a nearby sword. She pressed the blade against Kael's neck, her eyes blazing.

"I don't trust you," she hissed, her voice trembling with rage.

Kael's eyes locked onto Farah's, his expression calm, despite the sword's deadly pressure.

"You must be the princess," Kael said, his voice tinged with sarcasm, his eyes locked onto Farah's with unwavering intensity.

Farah's composure faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained it, her voice firm. "What is it that you want from my father?" she demanded, adjusting the sword in her hand.

Kael's smirk grew wider. "Perhaps I'm simply here to offer my services," he replied, his tone dripping with innocence.

Farah's eyes blazed with anger. "You're a spy, aren't you?" she accused, her voice rising.

Just as Farah's anger seemed about to boil over, the king intervened, his voice firm. "Farah, that's enough! Lower the sword."

Farah hesitated, her gaze still locked onto Kael's, before finally complying. The king turned to Kael. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior. You're clear to begin your duties tomorrow."

Kael nodded, a satisfied smirk still playing on his lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He turned to the guard. "I believe you were going to show me to my quarters?"

The guard nodded and led Kael away, leaving farah seething with anger and the king watching with a thoughtful expression.