All Chapters of HATING HER KING: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Alexander's expression softened. "Your words hurt me." Untrue. He had been expecting the question. "Why entertain thoughts of departure so soon when you arrived only yesterday?" He waved her forward, gesturing her towards himself and she obeyed by a few steps. "We have shared pleasant moments together, have we not? I, for one, have enjoyed our time together." He relaxed his tone. "Did you not find joy in our dinner last night? And the comfort of the soft beddings, surely they were to your liking?"Guinevere averted her gaze. "Would you not retain Lady Farrington as your lady in waiting then?" Her voice was almost a whisper but he heard her."Why shouldn't I?" Alexander asked with a hint of amusement. Her gaze returned to him and he waved her forward again, this time, commanding her to stand by his side. She complied, climbing up to join him, though she maintained a cautious distance. "My uncle was gracious enough to offer his help, it would be remiss of me not to accept."Guinevere to

As soon as Gwen crossed the threshold into the room, her steps slowed down when she caught sight of who was already seated at the breakfast table. Lady Jane Farrington, a woman of noble lineage and considerable influence. As the daughter of a marquess and the niece of Alexander's uncle, she was fitting as the candidate for the king's lady in waiting. Against herself, Gwen was uneasy at the simple presence. It shouldn't threaten her, but it did, and the air in the room grew heavier, tension weighing on it."Good morning" Gwen greeted with a polite nod as Reginald courteously pulled out the chair for her to settle into. Taking her seat opposite the other lady, she offered a small smile.A serving maid set a breakfast plate before her. "I had thought you had given up on eating at the table. Or completely for breakfast." Lady Farrington gave a casual remark.Gwen did not think it so casual. She grabbed her cutlery. "The thought was not far.""Then why bother pulling it near?" Lady Farring

"I beg to differ." Alexander called back with a smile, his tone light yet unyielding as he continued on his way. Soon, he heard them walking away.As they made the bend, Alexander stopped and turned to gaze in the direction they had gone, finding that they had disappeared from view. A peculiar emotion welled up within him, a mixture of curiosity and something he couldn't quite define. It assailed him, leaving him momentarily suspended in thought. But one thought was true; he always found joy in the little arguments she engaged him in."I wonder how angry she would be today?" He muttered to himself."Shall I instruct Reginald to provide reports on her daily dealings?" Edmund inquired.After a brief moment of consideration, Alexander shook his head. "No." He replied simply. He would only leave a watch with Lady Farrington, there was no need to leave one with Guinevere, at the least, not yet. She should enjoy as much privacy as he would allow, for as long as he would allow, and this, he

April 1827With a graceful flourish, Edmund swung open the heavy door, ushering Guinevere into the room, bowing to her. As she stepped into the room, Reginald and Paula, who remained outside, bowed to him, before leaving. Edmund lingered just long enough to ensure that the room was well-lit and properly aired, before respectfully bowing and exiting, leaving the king alone with his fair lady. Guinevere hesitated momentarily by the door, her gaze lingering on her piano, before she gracefully approached him. When she did, she bowed and greeted. "Your Majesty."Alexander let out a resigned sigh, and shook his head. She indeed was stubborn. Leaning back on the bench, he relaxed against the polished wood of the piano, he allowed himself a moment of reprieve, his fingers idly tracing the intricate carvings etched into its surface. "It has been weeks now, Guinevere," he began. "I have waited patiently, but my patience wears thin. It has just about run out. Don't you think it is about time to

Gwen's brows furrowed. "Can you not simply give it back?"Why should he when he could gain something from it? He shook his head slowly. "No. I rule with diplomacy, and unfortunately, it has affected my other dealings. If you want it back, you must play the piano for me."She sighed and started for him. "Alright. But this once only.""You have my word." Until he would take it back. Guinevere settled beside him, he waited until she was comfortable before speaking again. "Play it for me after dinner today, my dear, Guinevere.""Yes, Alexander." She was in agreement, but in words only. The defiance in her eyes told that she would much rather not see him than sit with him after dinner. He feigned ignorance to her pertinacity.With a chuckle, Alexander secured the hostage handkerchief into his pocket. "What are you doing today?" He inquired, his tone light.Guinevere shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant manner. "Nothing." She replied with a sigh. "As I have done in the past days, as I hav