The king escorted Princess Majic to her chambers, wishing her a good rest. She offered him a smile before entering her room; he then retired to his own, where Lady Marila awaited him.
"Has the physician arrived?" inquired the king.
"Yes, he's attending to Lady Zarila, with ladies from the court by her side," responded Lady Marila.
"Good, tell them to inform me when she improves," the king stated.
"Your majesty, what are your true intentions towards Princess Majic? It seems you still hold affections for Lady Zarila, despite attempts to conceal it. While awaiting the Royal Advisor, he spoke of preparations for your second wedding. I am but a servant, and cannot dictate your life choices, particularly in my position. Still, the disparity between your two prospective wives could disadvantage Princess Majic," declared Lady Marila earnestly.
"I won't deny what has been known for years—I've always loved Lady Zarila. We were to wed before I became entangled in this peace treaty; feelings don't just vanish overnight," admitted the king.
"And not for a girl you merely pity. Once Princess Majic matures and learns, she'll recognize the nature of your feelings, discarding the illusion she harbors. You've noticed this; please be honest with her. She's strong and will accept her status as a treaty-bound wife. To let her invest emotion in someone unable to reciprocate would be cruel. If Lady Zarila becomes your second, ensure she knows that Princess Majic, as the first wife, holds precedence. After all, a king must know his duty," Lady Marila counseled with a bow, quickly departing.
Later, the king visited Lady Zarila. He had tried to maintain a distance to suppress his feelings, knowing his royal role required letting her find happiness elsewhere.
"I'm relieved you're better, Lady Zarila. It's late; you should stay. Journey home come dawn, and have a good night," the king said, intending to leave.
But Lady Zarila rose from her bed, embracing him from behind.
"Why push me away? Have you fallen for the princess, ceasing to love me? You know my deep love for you, I'd do anything; please, don't leave me," she pleaded, gripping him tightly.
"I'm sorry, Zarila. To make you a second wife isn't fair; you deserve someone who won't divide their time and affection," he said, turning to wipe away her tears.
"I hoped to be the only one for you. But if sharing you with her is my sole chance to be with you, I'll accept it. Please, let me love you; no one else will ever have my love," Zarila implored, using the exact words Tesko had advised.
The king, conflicted, moved to leave but encountered Tesko, who escorted him back to his room.
"Why the struggle with accepting Lady Zarila as a second spouse? Seeing her has clearly distressed you; I don't grasp your reluctance," Tesko remarked as he poured the king a drink.
"You insisted on teaching me about women, to ready me for marriage. Although exciting, it feels hollow after—unlike with Zarila. I must not complicate things further; I have royal duties to fulfill," the king explained before drinking as Tesko had prepared.
"One can uphold royal duties and still indulge as a man. Inexperience may have led you to feel obliged to Princess Majic after the wedding night. Marrying Lady Zarila could teach you more. Don't discount the possibility; consider it as you drink again. I'll leave you to rest," Tesko said, watching the king drink a second cup before slipping out with a malicious grin.
Moments later, Lady Zarila, fragrantly perfumed, entered the king's room.
"Lady Zarila, why are you here?" the king asked, startled.
"I need to speak more with you. It might be our last chance; you no longer wish to see me, and I wouldn't want to impose upon Princess Majic, still a child. Grant me a few minutes of talk," Zarila entreated, approaching the king.
"Please leave, Zarila. This isn't proper for a maiden or for a married man like myself, even if I am the king," he said, nearing the door for her to exit.
Close to her, he inhaled her scent, his senses overwhelmed. She embraced him.
"Alright, I'll leave," Zarila feigned her departure.
But as he felt her against him, desire overtook him and he kissed her fervently. Zarila pretended resistance as Tesko had instructed—act submissive, yet resistant.
His restraint vanished; he kissed and caressed Zarila passionately as she alternated between hesitance and acquiescence. Soon they were in bed, disrobed; she pretended it was all new to her.
"Please remember, your majesty, I'm a virgin," Zarila said. It was the last thing the king heard before losing consciousness over his first love.
Zarila wanted to push him away but lacked the strength. Suddenly, Tesko appeared, moved the king to the bed, then wounded himself to stain the sheets with blood.
"This signifies the virtue you've taken. Stay with him until he awakes; your teary eyes will speak of your pain," Tesko instructed before vanishing.
Zarila wept, not for a feigned first experience, but for the extremes she resorted to for Tesko. Did he truly love her? She questioned, until sleep claimed her in the royal bed.
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