The Sword and Heir of Shadows-Chapter 23: He got her.

Neena stood at the palace entrance, a mix of excitement and trepidation in her heart. She had been brought to the palace to prepare a special dinner at the request of the King himself. It was an opportunity she couldn't refuse, even if it meant being away from her humble village for a while.

A member of the palace kitchen staff, Maria, approached her and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, dear. You'll do just fine. The palace can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it."

Neena nodded and tried to keep her composure. She was determined to prove herself, not just as a good cook but as an independent woman. "Thank you, Maria. I appreciate your encouragement."

They entered the bustling palace kitchen where an array of chefs and cooks worked diligently, preparing lavish dishes for the royal family and their guests. Neena couldn't help but feel a bit out of place among the palace staff.

Maria introduced her to the head chef, Joseph. "This is Neena, the talented bun seller from the village carnival. She'll be preparing tonight's special at the King's request."

Joseph gave Neena an appraising look and then nodded. "Welcome to the palace, Neena. The King has requested your apple pie. Please prepare it with the utmost care."

Neena accepted the responsibility with a determined smile. "I'll do my best, Chef Joseph."

As she began to work on the apple pie, Neena noticed the meticulous precision and high standards of the palace kitchen. She was determined to prove herself in this unfamiliar environment. The hours flew by as she carefully prepared each ingredient.

After the pie was ready, she was allowed some free time before dinner. Neena decided to explore the palace with Maria as her guide. They strolled through grand hallways adorned with fine art and extravagant furnishings. The palace's opulence and grandeur were breathtaking.

Maria commented, "It's a different world here, isn't it? But don't be intimidated by all of this. You'll get used to it, and you're a talented cook. The King's going to love your apple pie."

Neena smiled, feeling a bit more at ease with Maria's support. "Thank you. I hope so."

Just as they were enjoying the view from a splendid balcony, a messenger approached Neena. "Excuse me, are you Neena, the bun seller?"

Neena nodded, curious and a little nervous. "Yes, that's me."

The messenger said, "The King has requested your presence. He's feeling rather unwell after tasting your apple pie. Please come with me to his chambers."

Neena's heart raced with concern. "Of course, I'll go right away."

She followed the messenger through the grand palace corridors until they reached the King's private chambers. Neena was anxious, wondering what could have gone wrong with the apple pie she had prepared with such care.

Neena stood at the door of the King's private chambers, a mixture of curiosity and fear churning within her. She couldn't fathom why the King had summoned her. Had something gone wrong with the apple pie she had prepared with such care? She knocked gently on the door and, at the King's invitation, entered the lavishly decorated room.

King Louis sat comfortably in his plush velvet armchair, appearing fit and fine. His regal presence filled the room, and he looked at Neena with a warm smile. "Ah, Neena, you've arrived. Please, come closer. Join me for a drink."

Neena hesitated for a moment but decided to heed his request. She walked closer to the King, her footsteps echoing in the grand chamber. The luxurious furnishings and decor overwhelmed her as she took a seat across from him.

The King leaned forward, pouring a glass of wine and offering it to her. "Neena, I thought we could have a little chat. You've impressed me with your cooking skills, and I'm curious to get to know the woman behind those delicious buns and pies. Please, have a drink."

Neena's hand trembled as she accepted the glass from the King, her eyes showing a mixture of fear and uncertainty. She took a hesitant sip from the glass, her thoughts racing. She was in the presence of the King, and her actions needed to be careful.

The King continued to speak gently and charmingly, asking Neena about her life, her family, and her experiences. Neena felt a sense of unease but answered his questions respectfully. Despite her initial apprehension, she found herself gradually relaxing in the King's company.

However, after a short while, Neena began to feel lightheaded. The room seemed to spin, and her vision blurred. Her heart raced, and she realized that something was wrong. She put the glass down, her voice trembling as she stammered, "Your Majesty, I... I don't feel well."

As her strength waned, Neena tried to stand, but her legs betrayed her. Her vision faded, and she slumped in her chair. The last thing she saw was the King, a sinister smile on his face, as she succumbed to unconsciousness.

In the dimly lit chambers of the King's private quarters, Neena's unconscious body was carelessly thrown onto the elaborate bed by a pair of silent, obedient soldiers. The King had ordered them not to let anyone enter, especially Marlow, the trusted minister if he arrived to meet the King "he is a pain in the ass sometimes" the king murmured as he makes his way to his bed, each step makes him smile bright.

Louis and his lewd intentions were evident on his face, as he climbed into his oversized bed with a wicked grin on his face.

"I got one of you" he stares at Neena's face, "you were looking so pure when I saw on stall" he continues to say as he leans down to smell her hair, " It might hurt you today but... " the shirt covering Neena's chest falls open, the king latches onto her body and sucks her exposed bosoms, "my you taste so good" the king compliments the unconscious Neena, her lips part open as he takes another suck off her bosom, this time a moan escapes from her mouth. the king hurriedly kisses her. This was it for him as he knew he couldn't control it, he pushed her long skirt up and entered her channel. soon the room was covered with the smell of sex and the loud noise of pounding. The night was filled with lustful thoughts and desires.

As the morning sun pierced through the heavy curtains, Neena awoke, her body heavy and sore, and her head throbbing painfully. Her senses returned with a jolt as she realized she was no longer in her chamber but in an unfamiliar place. Panic set in as she felt a stinging sensation on her body, and her gaze fell upon the deep bite marks on her skin.

Her heart raced as she noticed a figure seated comfortably in a nearby velvet chair. It was the same person who had offered her a drink the night before, the King himself. His expression was a mixture of amusement and desire.

"Did you enjoy our time together yesterday, Neena?" he inquired, his voice dripping with lust. "I trust you'll be present again today. After all, it wouldn't be wise for you to decline." it was more like an order to her.

Neena's body ached, and her head spun as she tried to comprehend the implications of what had transpired. In a sudden burst of determination, she scrambled to gather her clothes, using the sheets from the bed to cover herself as best she could. With a voice quivering with a mix of fear, anger, and confusion, she replied, "I won't be a part of this. You can't force me."

Neena dashed out of the room in a frenzied state, her heart pounding as she reached her assigned chambers. Trembling and disheveled, she closed the door behind her and sank to the floor, clutching the sheets to her chest. Tears flowed freely as she faced the harsh reality of what had happened. The incident was a cruel reminder of her past and the horrors she had experienced before. She felt disgusting about herself, "How did I let this happen?" She crazily hits her head, and tears fall down her face.