He didn't reply directly but instead inquired, "You are the Queen's half-sister, correct?"
I nodded, and he asked further, "What were you doing so high up in that tree?"
Ashamed, I lowered my gaze even more, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, I've always been a bit wild, sunning myself up in the trees."
He chuckled softly, "You certainly don't have the Queen's poise. Next time, don't climb so high—it's dangerous."
I whispered a quiet agreement.
Just then, the physician arrived in a hurry, allowing the King to step aside.
After examining my leg through a cloth, the physician concluded it was merely sprained, not broken, and prescribed a bruise ointment before departing.
By the time my sister returned in a flurry, the King had already left.
She burst into my room, landing a fierce slap across my face.
"You lowly wretch, what vile tricks are you playing at? Daring to entice the King—are you mad?"
I burst into tears, shaking my head desperately, "Your Majesty, I did nothing wrong! I followed your orders, and never left the palace. I was just sunbathing in the tree—I never expected the King to come by here!"
"Still lying," she slapped me again, her anger flaring. "The King passes by here every morning after court. How can you claim ignorance?"
Stunned, I looked up at her, my eyes filled with confusion, "Your Majesty, it's my first time here. Today was the first time I ever left your side."
She paused, taken aback by my reminder. It dawned on her that in her palace, I couldn't have known about the King's routines, nor would she discuss such matters in front of me.
Despite this revelation, her demeanor remained unforgiving.
She scoffed and continued to scold me, "Jennifer, remember, you were born to a nobody; the King is out of your league."
I quickly bowed, submitting to her words.
That subdued her for the moment, and she strode away with an air of superiority.
Before leaving, she turned back to the maid following me, "From now on, keep her within the sleeping quarters."
I bit my lip, trying to appear indifferent, yet the pain in my leg made me silently weep.
That evening, King Samuel returned to the Phoenix Wing.
My sister sternly cautioned me to keep my act together, threatening to starve my brother if I faltered.
Suppressing the pain in my leg, I strived to appear unaffected and composed.
As we lay together, Samuel inquired, "Feeling warm tonight? You seem to be sweating more than usual."