I felt a shiver run down my spine as I saw him standing by the window, his back to me. I considered turning around and leaving, avoiding his question but something kept me rooted to the spot.
He turned around, "What are you doing here?" he repeated, his voice low and even, but with an undercurrent of anger.
When did he get back?
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "I...I," I stammered.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "You what?"
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. I knew I shouldn't be here, that I was playing with fire. I had to come up with an excuse but I did not know what to say. My mind was blank. I had not prepared for this.
"The palace is so big..I got lost," I lied.
I stood there, frozen in fear, the King's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. He took a step closer, his movements deliberate and calculated.
"I will ask for the last time. What are you doing here?" his voice low and menacing.
Did he see through my lies?
I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. I swallowed hard, trying to find the courage to face him.
"I...I wanted to see you," I stammered. What a stupid excuse to come up with Jackline.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "You were warned not to come here," he reminded me, his voice dripping with warning.
I nodded, feeling a surge of fear. "I know," I admitted. "But I thought you wouldn't be here."
He took another step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "And now that you're here, what do you plan to do?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. I knew I was in trouble, and I didn't know how to get out of it.