The Devil In Guise - Chapter 118

*****

The Author’s POV.

Days passed by, but Queen mother Daria did not let him out of the palace. She gave him a lot of work to do. Stefan was asked to train the soldiers in the morning and when it’s afternoon, he taught beginners how to throw a spear. In the evening, he would preside over few cases and go to bed very late.

She was doing this to keep him away from Angelina. At a point, she succeeded because, ever since that night he spent with her , Stefan was not able to see her again.

He sent letters to Angelina telling him of his new duties and how much he missed her.

She did not reply any one of them but the messenger said, she was very happy after reading them.

Today, Stefan was asked to talk to the villagers concerning the increase in taxes. He wondered how he was going to explain to them.

The king increased the taxes not him Stefan, only Lincoln knew why he asked for such a huge amount from each  farmer.

“Mother, Lincoln should be in best position to explain things to them . I don’t even know what this tax is used for” Stefan told his mother politely. The villagers were staring at them waiting for an explanation.

“You can do this Stefan. Don’t disappoint your father and Grandmother” queen Mother Daria told him .

There, she went again! Including their innocent father in her evil deeds. The late king was one of the best king that Akkad could ever have. If only his son, Lincoln was him.

Clearing his throat, Stefan spoke out loud “Only the king can explain why he increased the tax.”

“When will he explain it to us ?” The angry crowd asked. “We have been waiting for week now.”

Stefan was scared and confused. Lincoln was not ready to face the people.

“What did you just do Stefan ?” His mother whispered. Without answering her , he went to his room take a rest. The city was Lincoln’s business and not his.

*****

In the evening when every one was less concern about him, he sent words to Angelina, asking her to meet him in the woods.

Quickly, Stefan dressed up and headed for the woods. He did not want Angelina to go and wait for him there. She was an angel and angels were treated with respect.

When he got to the woods, it’s was quiet except for the chirpings of the birds. This was the perfect spot for them. People hardly come around. Also it was summer and the leaves were dry.

The smell of the trees and flowers was something he wanted to enjoy with the love of his life. Those moments counts.

Stefan set  up a tent far away from the path. He brought some fruits and wine.

When the work was done , he sat down and waited for Angelina.

But, why was she taking so long?

The weather was cool and the breeze welcome her in to the forest. In the letter, Stefan said, he would wait beside the giant tree. It’s was popular because of its branches and leaves. They never dry no matter the season.

Looking towards the direction of the tree, Angelina saw a tent. Strange. Prince Stefan did not tell her that he was going to set up a tent.

What if he was not the one? Feeling scared , she took few steps backward and asked politely “Is any one here ?”

No answer. Some one moved, she could see a shadow though it was just getting dark.

“Angelina, don’t tell me you are scared of a tent” Stefan came out with his arms crossed in front of his chest. She looked quiet nervous and scared. He could frightened her in just a second.

“Its you ! You scared the life out of me, prince Stefan” she said, with a frown. If he was not among the people she loved, Angelina won’t have hesitate to slap him for this prank. Nothing was funny about this.

“I am angry now”.

“Yeah I know my love” he laughed, opening his arms for a hug. But she ignored him and went to look at the tent.

The arrangements were beautiful. Stefan must have went through a lot just to do all these for her. She would be stupid to say all men were the same.

“You like it ?” He asked , wrapping his hands around her.

Angelina smiled and nodded. Of course, no girl would hate this. The prince of Akkad had prepared a tent for her to feast with. It was a privilege to her.

“I love this my prince. It looks lovely” Angelina answered. Turning around to face him. Stefan gave her a boyish smile. One she could never forget.

“I will love till the end of time, my Angelina. Your beauty is one that is rare” He said, running his finger through her front hair.

“Can you lay down , your life for me ?” Angelina asked. She wanted to know much he truly love her. She looked in to his eyes to see if he would lie about this.

“Why will you ask such a question my love ? I would gladly lay down my life for you at any time without thinking for a second” Stefan answered with his hands wrapped around Angelina. He felt like kissing her but he held back his urges.

“Mmmmh. I am feeling special my love” She kissed his lips unexpectedly. Stefan’s eyes widened.

He shut them and held her tight. Only then , did he remembered that they were still standing outside.

Although, people hardly came to this giant tree , it would be more safer if they went in to the tent.

“Let’s go inside. It is getting darker outside” he told her.

Together they went to the tent. Stefan poured the wine in to one of the two cups he brought and handed over to Angelina. “Let me serve you through out the night. If you don’t mind my lady.”

Angelina smiled. He was romantic and charming. Stefan was also respectful. They have been together for sometime now, yet he has never tried to be intimate with her.

He was not like those men who came to her just for sex!

“Stefan” Angelina called. He looked at her closely. “Are we going to continue like this? I mean seeing each other in secret. The thought of you having another woman as your wife drives me crazy.”

*****

In the palace, same evening.

It’s was princess Amara’s birthday. Stefan was supposed to be in the palace but he was nowhere to be found.

His brother, Lincoln was furious because he thought his mother sent Stefan on an errand.

“The king of Red Valley just arrived and Stefan is no where to be found” Lincoln told Queen Annabelle.

Because she was Stefan’s friend, her husband scolded her for every wrong he did. “Let’s wait for mother to come back from the temple. Who knows ? May be they went together.”

“I hope that is the case here. If Stefan tries to play wise again, I won’t forgive him this time” The king added.

Queen Annabelle nodded as her husband went out of the room. She let out a sigh. What problem has Stefan created now? Why was he so unlucky when it’s came to love!

She picked her son from the cradle and went down stairs to join the others are the dinning hall.

The king of Red Valley was not what she expected. He was a short old man with a wicked grin on his face. His eyes brows were full and big. He looked scary.

May be that was the reason why people feared him.

“Where is prince Stefan ?” The king asked Lincoln. He looked around.

It seemed the king of Red Valley has never seen his son in-law. For he knew nothing about Stefan.

“He went to the temple with mother and the other queens” Lincoln answered.

“That means he is with my daughter, Amara. I was told she went to the temple too.”

Lincoln nodded, not being sure of what to say. The king smiled at him. He was afraid that Stefan might misbehave because of the rumors  about him. – The rebellious prince! ????

“Your highness, I would like to know if  there any thing , you need ? My wife is at your service” Lincoln said with a bow. Queen frowned while the king smile. He was impressed with the way he was been treated.

‘Just wait till Stefan comes. You won’t smile again’ Queen Annabelle said to her self.  She knew the young Prince was not going to pretend. He would surely show to princess Amara’s father that , he did not like his daughter.

“Why are you two standing? Come join me . I am very happy this evening” The king invited them.

Although they were at the table, their minds were far away. Lincoln prayed that Stefan should be with his mother.. While Queen Annabelle prayed that he come home soon, because she had a feeling that he was not with Queen mother Daria.