All Chapters of HATING HER KING: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

"Your performance upon the piano forte." He nodded towards it. "It was amazing." Then, "Would you be so kind as to grace me with another rendition?""Your Majesty?"The King's eyes held hers. "Guinevere, I want you to play for me again." He commanded.Was he punishing her? Was that why he asked her to play again? She couldn't possibly! "Your Majesty, I would never step foot in this room again." She swore.The King stepped away from the wall, walking over to the piano forte. As he approached, Gwen's heart raced with anticipation, unsure of what to expect next. She watched in rapt attention as he reached out to brush his fingers lightly across the keys, eliciting a soft, melodic whisper from the instrument.The sight of him at the piano forte sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but admire the graceful way in which he moved, his presence commanding yet strangely captivating. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, seeing the king engaged in something so intimate and person

After a few moments, the king broke the silence, directing his man. "Edmund, would you be so kind as to accompany and entertain Lady Gallagher? I wish to explore Guinevere's company alone."God, no! Gwen refused in her head, her heart sinking. She dreaded being alone with the King. His presence made her doubt herself and filled her with anxiety. "Your Majesty, we should stay together." She protested, hoping to avoid being alone with him."I mean nothing by it." He assured, but his smile held a different implication. "I promise to return you unharmed, to quell any concerns your sister may have.""But, Your Majesty…""Edmund, tell Lady Gallagher of the stories of the moors and the history of the castle.""Yes, Your Majesty." The kingsman replied immediately. Of course, he could not refuse. "Shall we, Lady Gallagher?"With a short smile, Lucy commanded her horse after Edmund, the faithful and obedient servant. "Do enjoy the ride, Gwen." And they were off.How was she to enjoy it?! She wa

Gwen flushed with embarrassment, recalling the unexpected appearance of the fox earlier. "That fox appeared out of nowhere." She called out, her cheeks burning with humiliation. "I was more surprised than scared.""I have said nothing at all." The king offered over his shoulder and continued to walk away with a casual air of indifference. Feeling a surge of frustration and annoyance, Gwen turned away from him, her jaw clenched in silent frustration. She couldn't help but wonder if their brief encounter had been worth the effort, or if she had simply fallen victim to the king's inflated ego once again.The sun's rays danced upon the surface of something shimmering in the distance, and the reflection drew Gwen's attention. There was a passing waterbrook, winding its way away from where they stood. Its tranquil flow mesmerized her, and she went towards it.Entering perfectly into the king's secret place, Gwen found it was small and covered all around by a canopy of trees. Like a well-gua

Beth walked briskly into the washing room, busying herself with the task at hand. She was bent over the fabrics, engrossed in sorting through the old linen and faded draperies, unaware of being watched. Gwen lingered by the doorway, quietly observing her sister as the latter worked with as much joy as one who had been awarded. Beth's joy in the task was palpable, evident in the gentle curve of her lips as she methodically organized the fabrics into their appropriate baskets.As Gwen watched Beth's contented smile, she unintentionally returned it, still, she couldn't shake the feeling that her sister's mind was elsewhere. Despite the focused gaze fixed on the fabrics before her, it was apparent that Beth's thoughts were distant, lost in a realm invisible to Gwen's scrutiny. What was she thinking about? What was in her head?Ever since they returned from Rosethorn Hill, Gwen noticed a subtle yet undeniable shift in her sister's demeanour. Beth was more energetic and would gladly do all

The truth, and the mere thought of its revelation filled Gwen with a sense of dread. There would be disaster. What if their father found out and, driven by a desire to protect the family name and salvage their reputation, demand that the Duke marry Beth? And what if the Duke refused, insisting that Beth was only a friend?What if, in a cruel twist of fate, he agreed to only make her his mistress, a fate all too common for women of their family's economic state? Gwen felt a terrible headache.And worst still, what if Beth turned out pregnant? There were so many destructions for the little time her sister claimed to have spent with the Duke, and there was so much to repay if things were ever to go wrong. This was not what she had prayed for. It was not what she had hoped to happen between them. This was so far away from what she had wished.Beth's gentle touch on Gwen's ear, a simple gesture of tenderness amidst the turmoil, belied the gravity of her words. "It has ended." She declared,