Turning on her heels she ran the opposite direction. Not even hearing as Munya called after her. It hadn't truly sunk what being by his side truly meant as she realized why his staff had started to bow before her. Even without the title they had already accepted her. But how when she didn't even know how she felt about the man. There he had gone and openly declared his love for her before his state leaders. Men who held a certain amount of power. Each wealthy at their own accord. Men she never dreamed to meet in her life for she was simply a woman. The daughter of a lowly advisor in small village matters. A girl broken and hurt to the core. But yet she had a kings love. A man who could be ruthless, a man willing to kill with his bare hands for her. A powerful man by all means.

Running towards the stables she came to a halt in front of the doors catching her breath. The moment he reached her she turned into his arms as she cried.
"Why me?" She mumbled as he held her close.
Pushing away from him he looked hurt as she took a step back away from him.
"Love," he said in a gruff voice taking a step towards her.
"Please my king, just stay there," she whispered seeing him hurt some more.
"Rudo," he gasped as she shook her head no.
"I am not worthy to be yours. Let alone become a royal. I am just not befitting of such," she said shaking her head no.
Quickly moving he pulled her into his arms claiming her lips with his as he shut her up before she spoke more nonsense.

The guards who had followed him and those who had stood guard by the stables turned away to give them privacy but remaining alert all the while.
Standing on her toes she wound her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss moaning at the pleasure of her hands on him once more. Begging her to let him in he pulled her closer as she parted her lips for him. Their tongues colliding as he discovered just how needy she could be if need be. Biting on his lower lip he moaned pulling away to look into her eyes as he cupped her cheeks.
"I love you Rudo. With every inch of my being. I will give you your hearts desires. People will worship at your very feet if you so wish. I will give you the world love. Just give me, give us a chance and let me open your eyes to my world. A world full of promise and so much more," he whispered for her ears alone. "My people, your people already love you, I don't give a damn what other people say or think. They are outsiders; they are not family. I know any of these men will die for you love he said pointing out the guards who turned to look at her showing her that what he said was indeed true. Your are my heart, thus the heart of the country," he whispered bringing her hand to his chest over his rapidly beating heart.

Peeking over his shoulder she found the heads of state all looking at them huddled in a group.
Matthias was the first to speak.
"Forgive us your highness. We did not mean to upset any of you, we are simply protecting the crown and country," he said as Munya's posture changed to that of the King he was. Standing tall and commanding a single head nod gave the go ahead for Jacobi to speak.
"It is clear you two love each other," he began shifting on his feet.
Looking at the men she gasped seeing a familiar face. A face she never wanted to see. Munya felt her change and looking at her saw the look of fear she wore.
Raising his hand as Jacobi was about to speak he silenced the old man. Leaning down he whispered into her ear asking her if she was alright.
Getting not response from her he turned to the leaders.
"You may go. We shall speak later," he said dismissing them. Signaling over the stable manager he gave an instruction before the man rushed off to do as told.
"Love," he whispered looking at her before a helmet was handing to him.

Securing it over her head he watched as his prized dark brown Arabian horse was brought to him. Stepping away from the beast as the stallion neighed stepping back. Grabbing and apple from the basket he handed the fruit to her taking her hand he told her what to do to gain the animals trust as the large horse moved forward to eat the apple. Touching his nose she smiled when the beast didn't move away from her.
"What is his name?" She asked as she touched him mane.
"Whisper," he smiled lifting her onto the horse.
Swinging himself onto the horse behind her he pulled her close as he held onto the reigns.
Leaving the stables she couldn't help smile as she felt the wind against her face as he increased their pace.

Reaching the boundary of his estate they looked back at his home as she realized just how big it was.
"What happened back there?" He said after a few minutes of silence.
"I saw him," she whispered as he wrapped his arms around her nuzzling her neck loving how relaxed she felt in his arms.
"They will all pay," he whispered into her ear as he clicked his tongue making Whisper move in the direction he was told.

In no time had they reached the house. The stable hand stood waiting for them as he took Whisper away.
Keeping her beside him he left her in her room promising to return soon. Kissing her forehead he turned to look at her guards who looked beyond scared.
She smiled at them in apology knowing they might have gotten into trouble. They however seemed to not hold it against her as they bowed watching her close her door.

Leaning back against the door she looked around her room once more which was composed of cream and gold colors. It was basically an apartment she realized as she stood looking at the very spacious lounge. Cream colored sofas neatly arranged over a Persian rug. A rug too beautiful to be stepped upon she thought to herself. Walking towards the door that led to her bedroom she came to a halt as she saw Vimbai.

"Good evening," she bowed before her. "His royal highness has assigned me to you. Whatever you need just inform me and you shall have it," she said head still bowed.
"I don't need an assistant," Rudo said as she walked further into her room.
"I am simply following my kings instructions," she said looking worried.
"Very well you may take your leave. I shall call when I need your assistance," she said.
Watching the girl leave she sighed climbing onto the bed as she took her book to continue reading once more. Leaning against the headboard she got lost in her book and before long sleep took over.

She woke up to find herself tucked in underneath the covers not remembering doing so herself. She heard hushed whispers coming from the other and upon investigation found several maids running around in her room.
"There is a warm bath ready for you. Afterwards your food will be served. The king will join you for dinner," she said as Rudo simply nodded too tired to argue.
Walking into the dining area she gasped as she found him already waiting for her. Vimbai had helped her in her selection of a dress for the evening after informing her they were to attend a charity ball. He stood looking outside at the stars hands shoved into his pockets looking every inch the gentleman he was in a fitted tuxedo.

Hearing her walk in he turned around smiling at her.
"Before you bite my head of, yes you must have a maid close to you," he smirked walking towards her.
Shutting her up before she spoke he pulled away from her admiring his handiwork as her lips looked swollen enough.
"You look ravishing," he said taking a step back to drink her in once more.
At a loss of words she simply said thank you. Never one to have received many such comments in her life it all seemed foreign.

Leading her to her chair he pulled it out allowing her to take her seat. It was only when he took his did she realize they where not alone. She frowned thinking if it was going to forever be like this. She already missed the old days.

Ever since they arrived things had been different. She frowned at this. Two servants came to serve them their meal. Seeing the frown upon her face he stopped them waving them away.
"Is something the matter love?"
"Must we have all these people serving us hand and foot?" She asked him.
"Tell me what it is you want my love," he smiled.
Thinking over her next words careful she let out a shaky breath. Glad that he sat not far from her she spoke softly for his ears alone.
Taking all she said in he simply said, "I shall consider your request."

Finishing their meal he helped her up leading her to the already waiting car. As the door was closed he pulled out a jewelry box opening it as she gasped. The ruby necklace left her speechless as he took it out of the box. Looking closely at the larger stone she looked stunned seeing the leopard design within the stone as it roared fiercely symbolizing the royal seal.
Instructing her to turn he secured it around her neck before helping her with the earrings.
"This must have been expensive," she whispered touching the necklace still in shock that she was actually wearing diamonds.
"And worth it," he said as she saw his eyes darken.
"Thank you," she said softly placing a peck on his lips.
"My pleasure love," he smiled as they drove towards the city.

As they came to a halt thats when she noticed that even their security was in sync with their every move. Even their attire stood out as opposed to the normal black suits.

If not for the numerous people wearing the attire one would think they where guests.
"How come they are not armed like the others?" She whispered as they stepped onto the red carpet.
"You forget love. We are a people skilled in many arts of defense," he said as she remembered seeing some young men training for the royal guard duties as she grew up.

All the men had to undergo training as they grew up. Women who wished had started training as well. And today she saw that most of the guards where women.

Walking into the hall they attracted attention instantly as they moved as one. Rudo looked at Munya to find him looking ahead looking serious as he caught sight of his brother. Looking at her his expression softened as he stopped. Leaning down towards her ear she stood frozen not knowing what he would do.

"What do you want to drink?" He asked her.
"I'll have whatever you are drinking," she said not knowing what exactly to order.
Taking her hands in his he looked at her in thought before he signaled for one of the guards to move closer to him. Murmuring something to the guard she watched as several dispersed into the crowd leaving two guards to lead them to their table.

Rudo felt a hand on her shoulder making her turn in surprise as that very hand that was still on her shoulder was removed by Munya himself in a vice grip.
"Forgive me your highness," she heard the person say as her eyes widened in disbelief.
Looking at her childhood friend she gasped in shock. Looking at his wife she was even more surprised.
"Ano, Tate," She gasped as Munya released the hand waving several of his men away.
They bowed in respect standing straight once Munya acknowledged their presence.
"Munya, this is Anotida and Tatenda, my childhood friends. I told you about them remember," she smiled.
"I remember love," he smiled as Ano raised a questioning eyebrow which Rudo did not miss.

"How are you two?" Rudo asked looking pleased to see the two people she learnt with before her very eyes. They both looked well and by the way they stood she knew they had finally set aside their pride and given into their emotions.

"We are very well thank you. How have you been? How are papa and your brothers?" Ano enquired.
Becoming slightly tense she felt his hand on her back as he stepped closer to her taking her hand in his.
"We should go sit down," he whispered into her ear as she smiled nodding her head.

"Join us," Munya said to the couple before them who beamed at the prospect of dining with royalty as they led the way.
As they walked through the maze of people she was surprised at how many people he actually knew. Judging from the way the people where dressed they were undoubtedly filthy rich. He focused all his attention on her whenever they came across women who seemed to know him very well judging from the way they openly admired him.

"So tell me. How many of them have you slept with?" she inquired as he raised a questioning eyebrow.
"I had a pretty hard time when my father passed away," he said looking worried. "It never meant a thing," he added.

"I'm not judging. But you seem to have left a big impression on most of the women here," she smirked watching him blush. He sighed in relief as they took their seats at the table. This is why he hated large gatherings. Just to get to ones table always proved to be a challenge as he had to acknowledge everyone he knew. Dining on the second floor where they overlooked everyone Munya nodded at the head waiter to go ahead and serve their meal.

A bottle of red wine was brought to him as he nodded his head in approval. Leaving the man to pour the liquid into their glasses he watched.
"Order whatever you wish," he said looking at Ano and her husband who thanked him.
"You are far too kind," Rudo smiled at him.

"Anything that makes you this happy is worth it," he murmured giving his attention to the waiting waiter who handed over the glass. Sampling the contents of the glass he nodded in satisfaction, offering it to her as she smiled shyly accepting the offered glass. Watching her she moaned loving the taste of the drink.

"This is non alcoholic right?" Ano asked looking at the glass.
"Yes. We both don't drink," Rudo said as Munya smiled at this.
"How much is a bottle. I cant seem to find it on the wine list," Tatenda said with a frown knowing his wife would soon pester him over the drink.
"Don't worry yourself about that," Munya said looking towards the ground floor. Giving a salute with his glass several waiters moved through the sea of people handing out the glasses of wine.

"What do you think of it?" He asked her just out of curiosity. It was clear she liked it from her expression.
"I love it," she whispered.
"Good. I'm naming it after you," he smirked watching her look at him in shock as some of the juice went the wrong pipe causing her to cough.
Making sure she was okay she looked at him in question to see if indeed he was telling the truth. Going through their meal making small talk he stood up after completing his meal. As they followed suite out of respect she stopped when she felt his hand on her forearm. Looking up at him he shook his head no with a smile.

"I shall be back very soon," he said softly giving her a charming smile.
Watching him walk away she turned to see Ano looking at her in question.
Tatenda stood up excusing himself as well leaving the two ladies alone. As soon as he was out of sight Ano's smile faded her true self showing.
"I see you have moved away from the common man to a royal," she said as Rudo looked at her baffled.
"What exactly are you talking about?"
"First it was my husband and now the king. Who knows who else you have been sinking your claws into all this while, pretending to be all sweet and innocent," she said watching Rudo's expression change from shock to anger.

There you go folks. Hope you enjoyed 😊☺️