Episode 2

The King and the queen were at the royal bathroom, the room fill with fresh soap. When the king bath, the queen stay nearby to help him. King Mohara leaned back slightly in the warm bath, his deep voice echoing softly through the candlelit room.

"How is my prince doing?" he asked.

Queen Malis's heart fluttered at his question.

"The prince is doing well, Your Majesty," she replied gently. "He's in the chamber—perhaps playing alone by now."

The king's lips curved into a faint smile.

The King and the queen already had their first prince, the prince is one year old.

"I hope he still remembers me." The king said

hopefully his son still remember him since they haven't met for long.

Hearing those words, Malis felt a quiet ache in her heart—a mix of pride and sadness.

Even if we aren't an affectionate couple,she thought, he's still a father to my son. He must have missed him dearly. The same for the prince, sometime he was making a strange face like he was waiting for

someone he used to know, of course, he must be

curious where his father was.

The queen bite her lip to shut down her sad feeling and continue her work.

After a minutes of silent, the king spoke again.

"And you my queen?" the king continued. "How have you been these days? Has your duty worn you out?"

"I'm doing well, Your Majesty," Malis answered softly. "My duties are not tiring. Though I worried for our kingdom, I always believed in you. I'm truly grateful that you've protected our land and people." Malis wanted to said more, but she couldn't speak the word out loud so she just said. "And... I'm thankful you're here your majesty."

His expression softened, a small but genuine smile breaking through his composed face.

"Then I hope you no longer worry," he said.

"The kingdom is safe now, and I am here."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I feel safe when your here. When you were far away i really mis- " Malis shut herself up immediately when she almost slip the word out.

What wrong with me, did I almost said I miss him, Ahhh— my mouth should shut up. What will the King think of me if I said that.

"What were you going to say, why don't you continue". The king wanted her to completed word, he himself wanted to make sure he didn't misheard what she said.

Malis hesitated before she could fine something to say. What should I say now, the king didn't misheard it. Then Malis come up with something else.

"I mean when you were at the war, I'm so worried, I always wish you were safe and well, your majesty."

That was true I'm really worried about his safety and wish he were safe.

The king replied. "Is that all?"

That's all? My-- Heaven he won't stop until I clear out the last word I said.

After that Malis continue. "The prince- the prince miss you everyday, your majesty."

That's all I can say, but the prince must miss his father too--.

"Well I'm glad, my son miss me." He smile

He is and I- I, did I really miss-- the King? Did I? Maybe I was so worried about him, that i wish he can come back to our kingdom.

Put away her thought, She continued washing from his back to his shoulders, her hands careful and light.

Suddenly when Malis reach to his chest , the king reached out and took her hand. Malis froze, startled by his touch.

"I told you that you don't need to help me bath," he said quietly. "The servants can do it."

Her heart began to race.

"I'm fine, truly," she replied, lowering her eyes. "I'm happy to assist you, Your Majesty."

The king studied her quietly for a moment, he notice her hands were a bit shaky, her face was light red and her movement was unsteady.

"You're still as shy as before," he murmured.

His teasing tone made her cheeks flush crimson. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"I'll try to steady myself Your Majesty," she whispered. "Please forgive me."

Before she could look away, the king gently lifted her chin with his fingers, guiding her to meet his dark, steady gaze.

"There is nothing to be embarrassed about," he said softly. "It is natural for a woman to feel shy. Do not hide your face.

I did not mean to make you uncomfortable—I only wish you would not push yourself too hard."

Her breath trembled, but she nodded.

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"Good," he replied. "Please help me wash quickly. I want to see the prince."

At those words, her nervousness vanished completely. Her heart lifted—the king wanted to see their son.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" she said with a small smile.

The true was that the king wanted to meet the little prince since he arrived, but he afraid that he was

unclean and will harm the prince, so he had to bath first before seeing his child.

After a while, the king stepped out of the bath, and the queen helped him dry his body and help him dress in a fresh royal robe.

"You are ready, Your Majesty." Malis face still red from being shy.

"Thank you, Queen. Let us go see the prince." The king replied.

When they exited the bath, several servants were waiting outside.

"Your Majesty," said the old maid, bowing deeply, "we've prepared dinner for you and the queen. Would you like to have your meal now?"

"I will dine later," the king replied. "For now, I wish to see my son."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

They walked together to the chamber.

The royal guards and nannies bowed as the king and queen approached.

"Has the prince cried?" Malis asked.

"He might be playing alone, Your Majesty," said the nanny. "But we haven't heard him cry."

"Really? Then let us see him."

The guard opened the door, and the large golden

handles turned silently.

Inside, the little prince sat on the king's grand bed, playing quietly with his toys. When he heard footsteps, he turned—and his face lit up with a bright smile.

Malis hurried to him, her heart swelling with love when she saw her son smile.

"My prince, you're playing alone! And not crying at all—what a smart boy you are."

The prince giggled, reaching out his tiny hands.

"Mama!" he called happily.

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