The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-170

If Madeline had to describe in one word, it would be a hard thing to do when it came to capturing Calhoun's outstanding qualities. But the closest possible one was that he was a sadist. He was cruel and a manipulating person. So far, Madeline had only been on the receiving ends of his manipulative words.

She did defend James' work, but that was all it was with no other meaning, which is why she didn't know why Calhoun had decided that he would get her wedding gown from James' shop. If she was not wrong, Calhoun must have already spoken to James, threatened would be the right word even though she didn't know what the exact words were, she could somewhere imagine it. She didn't understand why Calhoun wanted to go and visit James.

"I thought you didn't want us to be together," said Madeline, her voice curious.

Calhoun rolled his eyes, "I don't care if you are sitting next to him or talking to him, until and unless he's not looking at you longingly. Until then it should be fine. I am a fairly understanding person," he smirked, looking at her, and Madeline smiled with a fake smile.

"Yes, you are, milord," she replied.

"I am so glad that you understand me," came the next words of Calhoun that were filled with nothing but amusement.

Calhoun had picked on the idea about making everyone know about them as he didn't find any better way to make it clear that Madeline was going to marry him and no one else. Not to forget, James would be getting married to Catherine Barnes. His mood elated at the thought of it.

The ride of the carriage came to an end when it stopped near James' shop. At the sight of the fancy carriage, the people who were walking by couldn't help but ogle at it. It wasn't every other day a carriage as fancy as this one came to be witnessed in the village. The coachman jumped down from his seat, going to the door and opening for the King to step down. Some of them who had seen who the King was before, quickly bowed their head, offering their greetings.

Madeline was the next one to step down, and the people turned to each other to start to whisper over the words they had heard from the castle that drifted to the village.

"Isn't she Harris' younger daughter?" asked an elderly woman who had tied a napkin at the top of her head.

Another woman who stood next to her had a look of astonishment, "I thought I saw her somewhere before! Is she the one who has been betrothed to the King?" Calhoun and Madeline had made their way into the shop whilst the gossipers continued to gossip.

"How odd, when I heard the rumours, I was sure it was of their kind. Why do you think he picked a human?" asked the first woman who had spoken.

"Maybe because its easier to drink blood from? Once she has no blood or turns dull, watch her being replaced with another young one later," the woman shook her head out of pity, "Though I am surprised that he didn't pick the older daughter, but the younger one."

The women turned around, continuing to talk, "Maybe that is why she's not getting married, and it is not about the suitor not being enough. She must be lacking in something, else why would the King leave the prettiest one out of the two?" asked the one who had the napkin tied around her head. "I heard that even a man who went by Mr. Danvers rejected the proposal. It must be something serious. Let me ask Martha and see what she knows," she whispered so that no guard would hear what they were speaking about.

"How will Martha know about it?" asked the woman.

"Martha said that her husband has been buying the logs of wood from Mr. Harris'. We all must know that the King is quite a gracious person who has provided the family with a shop and men. Soon you will see their house getting renovated. You must talk more with them," urged the lady, knowing what kind of favours one could take from the rich in the name of being friends or acquaintances.

The villagers were not short on gossip. Both men and women equally contributed to the gossips and rumours that went around only to travel to the places, that was if one was popular.

When Madeline stepped into the shop, the assistant named Greg was quick to recognize her, and he bowed his head, "Miss Harris, it is lovely to see you again! Are you here to see Mr. Heathcliff?" asked the young boy who hadn't taken note of the King's presence, until he finally stepped forward.

Madeline wished Greg had not put his words in such way in front of Calhoun. The boy had meant it only in merriment and Calhoun would use his merriment in beheading people, "Good day, Greg," she bowed her head while seeing how Greg finally noticed Calhoun's presence. A look of shock falling on his face,

"My King!" Greg gave a deep bow after realizing who was here.

Greg's voice had turned high pitch, that alerted the other assistants who worked in the shop, and they quickly arrived at the front and greeted the King. The boy pulled the best stool they had, dusting and wiping it with a cloth if the King decided to sit.

Calhoun scrutinized the shop, which was big for a village-like East Carswell. It was of modern size and space. His red eyes looked at every person in the room, four assistants, not bad, thought Calhoun to himself, "Where is the owner of the shop?" asked Calhoun.

Greg answered, "Mr. Heathcliff went out to g-" the bell at the door rang, "He is here."

Madeline turned around to see James making his way inside the shop, who caught sight of her in his shop with the King. Calhoun had a bright smile on his lips, that made Greg the assistant wonder whether the King was fond of Mr. Heathcliff since they worked in the making of the clothes for royals. But then what was Miss Harris doing with the King?

Was she here to show where the shop was located?