My King

Chapter Sixteen: Confuss...

Theo looked out the window to see the sky still dark and the sun still hiding. The sound of crickets singing indicated him that it was early in the morning. No one was up but the servants and cooks. Sophia's light snoring made him grip the silk sheets tighter. Every morning ever since the marriage, Theo felt repulsive when he wake up to this woman by his side instead of his true love.

Theo wanted to see her. But since she left the castle, it became impossible to see her face. He needed to see her now.

The sun peaked from over the horizon when Akia woke up to hooves hitting the hard ground, and a horse neighing from suddenly stopping in front of her small cottage. Akia immediately grabbed her thin robe to cover herself from the visitor.

"Theo?" Akia manage to say once she saw her husband swinging himself off his black stallion. "What are you doing here? It's the crack of dawn."

Theo stood in front of her in satisfaction. From the past two days, Theo did not see her face, hear her voice nor even hear her name. He felt lonely- empty. But now, Akia is standing in front of him looking beautiful and well like always- Theo fills full, satisfied...Happy.

"Come with me," Theo said.

Akia looked back at the cottage where a little girl slept and dreamt of a good future. "I can not. Mary will be alone."

"She will be fine. Please Akia, I need you. I yearn for you," Theo's hands held on to her thick fabric covered waste.

Like always, Akia gave in. She nod before closing the wooden door behind her. It was dark; not to dark where she needed a candle stick to see, but dark that she can only see shadows at a great distance. Theo lead Akia to his black stallion and picked her up with ease, before setting her down on the calm stallion; whom was eating the tall grass. Akia's side fast towards the head of the calm stallion; she sat like a proper queen. Theo settled himself behind her so his arms kept his wife in place.

Akia gasped from the beautiful site; a lake so clear you can see the sandy bottom. Wild flower surrounded the grassy area, making the lake even more beautiful. The sun peaked over the horizon; giving them a little more light.

"Beautiful," Akia breathed out.

Theo hoped off the horse before helping Akia down. "Not as beautiful as you, of course." Theo kissed her cheek; making Akia blush.

"There is a flat spot, over here." Theo lead them towards the flat spot in the middle of a field of wild flowers. He tied the black stallion on a steady branch and grabbed the wool blanket off its back before laying it flat on the ground.

"Why did you bring me out here Theo?" Akia asked while wrapping her arms around her torso.

"To see you." Theo grabbed her hand and lead Akia towards the blanket. Both ease down on the wool blanket. "I miss you terribly," he caressed her cheek.

"I miss you as well. We can not stay long, it is dark and do not want Mary to be alone. I am sorry Theo, but I do have responsibility at home."

Theo tilted to the side in confusion. "Home? Responsibility?"

Akia nod. "Yes, a child needs to be taken care of. I have work, cloths to wash. I do wish we have enough time, but we do not." Akia stood on her feet. "I am sorry Theo."

Theo was stunned from the sudden rejection from his wife. A women, young nor old never rejected Theo before; but Akia was not just a woman, she's his wife- soul mate. His shock face was soon turn stern. "Very well," he stood on his feet and dusted himself off. "I'm sorry to bother you, I just wanted to see you and hear your voice again."

Akia felt guilty from his sudden tone and look. She did not mean to make him sad. Akia wanted to please Theo; always. But she has responsibility, and if her responsibility is not met, then-

"The sun is going to reveal itself soon," Theo stepped forward.

Akia out both of her hands on his chest to stop him. "A few more minutes can not kill."

Akia stirred the large wooden stick in the large pot- that can fit two bodies- filled with boiling water and dirty cloths. Sweat dripped off her forehead from the heat. "How can Martha manage?" Akia asked mainly to herself.

Mary sat on a stool in the corner eating a fresh pear. "Grandma would always work hard. She was really strong."

"Of course," Akia chuckled. "She is a strong woman in body and soul."

Mary agreed and took a huge bite of her pear. "The delicates are always hard to clean, since you would always have to do it manually."

Akia stopped stirring to stretch her muscles. "Akia?" Mary called.

"Yes Mary?" Akia went back to stirring.

"Are you King Theo mistress?"

Akia eyes widened. "M-mistress?"

"Yes. I've heard you leave the cottage and when I looked outside, I saw you leave with King Theo. Are you his Mistress?"

Akia looked up at the little blonde girl; whom had curiosity in her eyes. "I-No. I am his wife..."