Chapter 30: Breaking the King's Test

The king looked at Asual and said, “Oh, I thought they were loyal.” Then he turned to her. “I have something else in mind. You may keep something as a token of my gratitude.” He paused, then commanded, “Bring them forward.”

A royal guard approached, holding thirteen medallions. Asual frowned. “But this wasn’t the deal we made.”

“No, no,” the king interrupted. “We only give this to certain people.”

Lorfer whispered to Asual, “What is even up with this guy?”

The soldier handed the gold coins to Asual’s group. The king continued, “Each of your names has been engraved on these.”

The soldier gave Asual her medallion. Asual looked at the gold coins, then smashed them to the ground and stared at the king. “Keep this pocket change,” she said.

The soldier holding the gold thought to himself, This wasn’t even real.

The king turned to the soldier. “Were you the one who made them? You have a wife and child, correct?”

The soldier bowed. “Yes, my king. That is correct.”

Asual and her companions began to leave. “Whatever,” Asual muttered.

The king slammed his hand on the throne in frustration. “What a mistake! If only they had accepted my test…”

Meanwhile, Mailsa thought to herself, I should go with these guys on an adventure. But if I tell my father, he’ll never allow it.

She left the throne room. The king seemed unaware of her absence. Mailsa spotted a few guards nearby. “Where are?” she started.

“We can help you find them, my lady,” the guards offered. They began searching for Asual’s group, twenty guards scouring the area.

“Hold it!” Mailsa commanded, stepping forward as the guards raised their weapons. She slapped one guard. “Did you not hear me?”

The guard growled, “I’m going to kill you, damn it!”

“It’s the princess!” another guard shouted, realizing her identity.

“What’s going on here?” Mailsa asked.

“We thought they were thieves,” the guards admitted.

“Let them go,this very second!” Mailsa demanded. “They saved my life.”

Asual’s group left the palace. Mailsa started to head back but remembered something. I forgot to tell them I want to join them!

She ran to catch up with the guards. “Where are they?” she asked.

“I’m sorry for slapping you, my lady,” one guard said.

“It’s whatever,” Mailsa replied, ignoring the apology. She left the castle, scanning the horizon until she spotted Asual’s group. “I want to join you guys,” she called out.

Asual turned angrily. “First, give us the prizes you promised. Now you want to join our group?”

“Yes,” Mailsa said firmly.

Ofurd stepped forward. “You need to understand two things beforehand. When you are told to do something, you will do it. Second, you will lose your status as a princess. We will not listen to your royal words.”

Mailsa hesitated, then said, “Okay… whatever.”

© 2025 Ahmadyaar Durrani. All rights reserved.