The Forgotten Princess Rose
Chapter 131

Chapter 131: Chapter 131

"General, I was starting to think that you weren’t going to show. I poured some of the kingdom’s finest wine for you to have a try. Come sit with me," James said, holding out a cup to Zayne. "What did you think of the festival? Grand wasn’t it?"

"Somewhat. It was a surprise that the king wasn’t present even with guards to protect you. You could have strolled through the festival in a carriage at the very least. Is there danger?" Zayne questioned.

"Of course not. I found myself ill hours before the festival so I sent the crown prince in my place. I’m told that my people enjoyed the night with their prince. My wife and daughter were there. I was hoping you would allow the princess to tour you around the market," James said, curious as to why Zayne left her.

James took a long sip of his wine. "Is my daughter not to your liking?"

"A marriage with her is not to my liking," Zayne replied, refusing to take the cup of wine from James. "I have not come here to get married. The truce was to be an agreement between both kings. It is not to involve marriage and if it must, I will not be the man getting married."

James placed his cup on the table, still waiting for Zayne to accept what he offered. "You don’t drink wine?"

"Not in the middle of meetings like this. I want to be in my right mind so thank you but no thank you," Zayne declined the wine. "The festival was a nice break but that doesn’t change there are slaves in your kingdom. My kingdom is against slaves."

"You might have mistaken them with servants. There are no slaves here," James reassured Zayne.

"A servant picks a job that will help them earn money to provide for their family. Slaves are those sold by others or kidnapped at times to do many awful things against their will. At most times, pigs are better treated than slaves. I know the difference between the two. Do not test my knowledge," said Zayne.

"Father, we should look into what the general speaks of. He is so adamant about it that we must inspect if someone has gone against your rule. Give us names," Kiara said, saving her father from Zayne’s questioning. "Those who hold slaves need to be punished."

Henry refused to be shown up by Kiara once more. "If the general saw slaves, why didn’t he take the matter into his hands to work with the town guards? You cannot judge us when you did nothing."

Zayne saw a glimpse of this kingdom falling in the future since the crown prince wasn’t smart. "I am only a guest in this kingdom and when I spoke to your guards about missing people, I learned how little is done to search for them. Thank you for reminding me."

James glared at Henry for bringing to light another issue. "I have started to look into the matter and so far there has not been a mention of slaves. I share your kingdom’s beliefs that no one is to be made into a slave."

Henry bowed his head, both embarrassed and angry that he failed. He failed before his father, mother and worst of all, Kiara who he caught smiling just before he bowed his head.

"Leave us. I want to be alone with the general," James announced, clearing out the room.

Kiara wanted to be present to hear what her father would say to Zayne as it would most likely involve her. She glanced at Zayne, curious about if there had been a moment he panicked over her speaking about Rose.

’He’s not sparing me a glance,’ Kiara noticed. She smiled, enjoying the challenge that Zayne bought her. She was so used to going against her brothers and it had long become boring from winning all the time.

James waited until everyone was out of the room then poured himself more wine. "I understand it. Not wanting to get married. I would have liked to go without a wife for a while in my youth but then I realised something. I am king."

"I could have anyone I wanted. I had some women during my early years with the queen and I still do now. There are many hoping to warm my bed in hopes of giving me another illegitimate child. A lot of whores," James revealed.

Zayne knew of James having other children but didn’t know where they were kept. The palace walls were only decorated with the three children James shared with his wife. "Where are the other children?"

"Some dead and the others living like mice to not upset my wife. I have two daughters who would do anything to please me. I can send them to your camp-"

"I am giving you time to find out who has been buying and selling slaves in your kingdom. Last night I heard about a beautiful field that I want to see so I will be gone for a few days. You have until I return to bring me the good news that slaves are no more," said Zayne.

"I do not know what kind of man you take me for but legitimate or not, I will never drink with a man who suggests taking his daughters. Don’t make your daughters pay for your need to lay with every woman that comes to you," Zayne said, his decision about the kingdom made.

James laughed though he wasn’t amused by anything Zayne said. "Prince Zayne, I have been letting what you say go without response because I don’t want to fight but I cannot let you disrespect me in my kingdom. Nor disrespect my daughter. You’re a little too high and mighty."

Zayne nodded his head, agreeing with James. "It comes with being a prince and a general. Also with being honest about what I see. So far, the most you have done is try to use your daughters to solve your problems. Try to fix your troubles yourself."

"Ha. I see now why they sent you. Very well, enjoy having a look around my time while I look into slaves. I hope you return with a new opinion of my kingdom. In a few days, I expect the truce to be dealt with and for ships from both sides to start sailing to see the lands. Goodbye for now," James said, having a plot he could carry out in Zayne’s absence.

James had given the guards clear instructions on how to present the kingdom and someone failed him. The slave business had to go away for a while but later returned as it was too profitable. The fool who let it slip to Zayne had to pay for his mistake.

Zayne walked to the door, eager to leave the palace and begin packing for his trip to find Rose’s family.

Outside the door, Kiara waited for Zayne.

Zayne noticed that the maid beside the princess was not the same as the one who ruined Rose’s dress.

"General-"

"Good day," Zayne spoke over Kiara, walking past the princess to avoid playing her games.

Kiara laughed, not embarrassed by how he dismissed her. "If he keeps being like this, I might want him too."