The Sword and Heir of Shadows-Chapter 22: Grim Determination.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village carnival, King Louis departed in a delightfully satisfied mood. He had more than one reason to celebrate. The thrill of the day rested in the fact that he hadn't just found one appealing girl but two, promising an abundance of excitement in the days to come. In Marlow's absence, the King decided to capitalize on the opportunity and ordered his soldiers to track down the girl he had encountered in the previous village, the image of her lingering in his mind.

Back at their modest home, Kael and William, their pockets jingling with the coins they had earned throughout the day, sat in the cozy living room. The sense of accomplishment was palpable, and they couldn't wait to recount the events to their father. Hector's return was imminent, and he'd be eager to hear about their day.

Hector's footsteps echoed as he entered the house, and his two eager sons rushed to greet him. Their faces lit up with joy upon seeing their father

Kael looked up at his father, Hector, who had just walked in, and said excitedly, "Dad, we had a fantastic day! You won't believe what happened!"William chimed in, "Yeah, we met the King, and he bought a pendant from our stall, Dad!"Hector beamed with pride as he listened to his sons. He knelt at their level and asked, "Did you miss me today?".

Kael and William exchanged a mischievous look before Kael responded, "Of course, Dad! We told the King all about you."Hector chuckled and tousled Kael's hair. "That's my boys. I'm proud of you both."

Over the kitchen stove, Hector prepared a simple but hearty dinner. He reveled in the excitement that emanated from his boys. As they gathered around the table, Hector listened with pride, his heart swelling with affection for his sons.

In another part of the village, Neena counted her earnings with a satisfied smile on her face. Today had proven to be lucrative for her, thanks to her encounter with the King, despite the discomfort his attention had brought. She knew that in the game of survival, one had to play their cards right, and the King's presence in the village had provided her with a unique opportunity. Her earnings had been substantial, and she couldn't deny the thrill of success.

Meanwhile, at Marlow's mansion, the Vice Minister arrived late to conduct an investigation. His face, usually kind and amiable, bore a different expression, one tainted by anger and frustration. The theft that had occurred in his mansion was a personal affront, and he was determined to uncover the culprits.

Marlow's steps echoed in the grand hall as he ventured deeper into the mansion. His primary concern lay in one particular room, a secret space that held his most treasured possessions. As he approached the door, he sensed that something was amiss. His heart sank as he entered the room, only to find it stripped of its valuable contents. His most precious items, accumulated over years of careful collecting, were gone.

The rage inside Marlow intensified, and he knew that he couldn't handle this matter alone.

Marlow clenched his fists and barked orders at one of his soldiers, "Bring my detectives to me immediately. We need to get to the bottom of this."

He has ordered his soldiers to fetch his trusted detectives. This theft went far beyond mere material loss; it was a direct challenge to his authority and the secrets he held.

With grim determination, Marlow stood in the empty room, his face darkened by the weight of this disturbing turn of events.

The grandeur of King Louis's chamber was striking, but the atmosphere within it was far from regal. The room was adorned with silken drapes and adorned with extravagant decorations, and yet, the King lay on his opulent bed, a deep furrow on his forehead.

His mistresses, alluring women in their own right, surrounded him, but he paid them no heed. Although he played with their fair curvy bodies but His mind was occupied with thoughts of the two ladies he had encountered earlier at the village carnival. He couldn't shake the memory of their radiant faces and their innocence.

As his thoughts churned, an idea began to form. The King sat up abruptly and summoned a nearby soldier with a stern command. "Fetch the lady who sells buns at the village carnival. Bring her here to the palace."

The soldier, accustomed to carrying out the King's orders promptly, responded, "At once, Your Majesty."

The King's mistresses exchanged curious glances lying their naked on his bed, as the soldier left the chamber. It was unusual for the King to make such requests. However, none dared to question him, for they were well aware of his unpredictable nature.

.,...,..,......

In the village,

Soldier Approached Neena saying "Excuse me, ma'am. Are you Neena, the bun seller from the village carnival?" Neena who kind of was frightened by sudden appearance of Soldier said Nervously "Yes, I am. What's the matter?" All bad thoughts were jumbling up in her mind, 'might one of my buns caused king indigestion ' the Soldier answered respectfully "The King has requested your presence at the palace. Please come with me" .

Neena was Surprised and anxious, both at the same time, The news sent shivers down her spine, and her thoughts raced. " The King? What could he possibly want with me?" She asked, Soldier replied " I'm just the messenger, ma'am. I can't say. But you're to accompany me to the palace."

Neena stood thereTaking a deep breath, she nodded "Very well, I'll go with you. Please lead the way." Soldier nodded and said" Follow me, and I'll take you to the palace." As she took all her important things from house and left with soldier.

The news of the King's request spread quickly. Neena, the humble bun seller, received word that the King had summoned her to the palace. She had interacted briefly with the King at her stall, but the prospect of entering the palace was overwhelming.

The soldier arrived in the village and conveyed the King's message to Neena. "The King has requested your presence at the palace. Come with me," he said.

......

Back at the palace, the King's mistresses couldn't help but discuss the unexpected turn of events. "Why would the King summon a bun seller?" one of them wondered aloud.

Another replied, "It's unlike him to invite commoners to the palace. This is certainly peculiar." 𝐛𝗲𝐝𝐧𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝗼𝐫𝗴

The King, still deep in thought, gazed out of his chamber's window, his mind focused on the arrival of the bun seller. It was a decision made impulsively, driven by the memories of two innocent faces he wanted to ravage from those two villages.