The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-88

The first time he met her in the ballroom, though he sensed how she felt lost in the sea of people, he had seen the spark in her eyes which were of curiosity

"Such a tiring job. What if things don't work out. The man will need to find another job, and that would only bring distance between the two because of the lack of time and care. But if you come to my side, Maddie," he paused so that she could take in his words, "You will never feel neglected. I will see to it that you are showered with love and care."

"By maids doing my bidding of bathing and washing me? Making me wear clothes?" asked Madeline.

Calhoun finally walked back so that he could come to stand in front of her now, "Don't be upset. If you don't want the maids helping you, I will personally take my time to do all those things," and Madeline gulped hearing this because she knew he wasn't joking. She would have considered it to be a joke if he hadn't dressed her before. But having the first-hand experience of him tying her corset and making her wear clothes as if she were not capable of doing such a minuscule task. She shook her head.

He then took her hand in his, holding it and kissing the back of her hand whilst his eyes were on her, "I won't disappoint you."

He wasn't disappointing her in scaring her, thought Madeline to herself.

"Stop thinking about negative things. Give me a chance by looking beyond the things that have happened in the past," he said to her and Madeline frowned. Her lips pursed, and it felt like the kiss on her hand had left a burn on her skin that started to inch across every part of her body.

Due to today's court session, Madeline had come to know the difference in where Calhoun and James stood. Unless the King wanted to let her go, which he wouldn't, there was no way she would be able to run from here. James was as helpless as her and neither of them had any powers to do anything but to comply with the King's orders which were resolute. Calhoun had only warned this time, but if James did something more, Madeline doubted things would be this calm.

"What if you hate me?" she surprised him with a question.

Calhoun tilted his head at her question, "It is hard to hate someone you love."

Madeline's lips trembled, "Would you take a married girl as your wife?" It was a question she knew was equal to the edge of the sword. And as expected Calhoun didn't like the idea. He pulled her by the hand he was holding before, bringing her close which she didn't stop.

Calhoun's other hand made its way to her hair, patting it gently and this was enough to turn her nerves jittery, "Why do you ask that question?" he asked her back, his voice calm and cold. His eyes didn't look angry. Maybe it would be much better if he were angry than having the passive expression on his face, "Hm?"

If it were possible, Madeline's soul would have passed out of her body because of the stress she was feeling right now, but then she was the one who had brought it on herself. Somewhere it made her wonder if she was some kind of masochist to keep poking the lion only to be pounced, "I need some space," she whispered, and to her surprise, he let her go.

"There you go. The space you need is all yours," he said to see her tense shoulder relax a little, "But…"

There was a but, thought Madeline to herself to look into his eyes.

"The space is only until where I give you. I wouldn't like it if I am not able to reach out for you."

Madeline didn't know how to react to this. He gave her space, but at the same time, he didn't.

"Come join me for breakfast," he said to her before taking a slow and deliberate step backwards. A smile appeared on his lips, which was mischievous.

He hadn't pestered about the letter again, and Madeline decided to sway the topic elsewhere so that her family would not be put under his questioning gaze. She couldn't guarantee herself that Calhoun would not bring up the scandalous events in front of them that happened in the last few hours and days since they had last seen her.

When they entered the dining room, Madeline could feel the breathing dragon who had already taken the seat next to Calhoun's chair at the dining table. Calhoun took his seat, and so did Madeline. She took a look at Sophie, who was glaring at her. Calhoun had dismissed her from the court so that he could have his time with the human, and if Sophie were a ferocious canine animal, one would have easily seen her growling and snarling at Madeline.

When the food brought, even Theodore was asked to join the table, and Calhoun asked, "Did you send the man back?"

"Yes, milord. He said it would take some days to complete his work before he would be able to bring the clothes here."

"Something to keep his mind occupied from saving the princess," commented Calhoun as if Madeline wasn't here, but Madeline didn't react to it. The more flustered she appeared to be, the more he enjoyed, and she was slowly starting to calm down around him.

On the other hand, Sophie was immensely displeased that Calhoun had kicked her out of the court. Not literally but the dismissive tone he had used was something that didn't sit well with her. When breakfast was done, the vampiress quietly slipped away from them to walk towards the gallery room. Since she had arrived at the castle and seen Madeline walking in Calhoun's coat, she couldn't help but wonder if the King had painted the girl or if something else had taken place.

If she was able to walk, it meant Calhoun had not done her, but she wanted to confirm. Reaching the room, she started to look for the new canvas that was painted when her eyes fell on the painting that was covered. Biting her lip, she walked towards it, and her hand reached out when she heard footsteps behind her.

Turning around, she noticed it wasn't Calhoun but his right-hand man, Theodore, "You shouldn't be here Lady Sophie," he said with a bow.

Sophie's lips twisted. She walked towards him and came to stop right in front of him, "Why not?"

"Because this is the King's personal space and he doesn't like it when someone intrudes," Theodore answered her with polite words.

Sophie smirked, hearing this, "You don't have to worry about that, Theodore. When I am the person the King decides to be with, little things like these won't matter," she took a step forward, "You know that, don't you?"

The man didn't move but stayed quiet. Sophie Wilmot was not anyone but the King's cousin. Her mother was the sister of the previous King, which made her important. It wasn't anything new to the man to hear her intentions on being the Queen of Devon. Since the time she had come to understand about the kingdoms and the lands, the power that involved that came with it, she had started to pursue the position of the Queen.

"Yes, milady," he obliged to her words.

"That's good to hear," she stated, and the sweet demeanour on her face changed, "How long will you continue to behave like Calhoun's personal servant? You should think about yourself too. You have been helping and have been with him for so many years now. You should be rewarded by more than clothes. I will be sure to give you a higher position when the time is right," she said, placing a hand on his chest with a small confidant smile on her lips.

"That is very kind of you to think about levelling up my position, Lady Sophie," he said as if he were grateful.

Sophie knew the man would agree, "Now let me take a look at that painting. It is only right as I am the possible queen," she said dismissing the words Calhoun had earlier said when it came to the pitiful human.

Before she could even take two steps, Theodore stopped her and Sophie turned her gaze to look at the man.

"It is the King's orders that no one is supposed to step inside this room without his permission. I cannot disobey his words."

"I am the future Queen."

Theodore gave her a bow, to say, "I will be at your absolute support when you are the Queen," he then offered her a polite smile, "Let me take you back."