The 12th
Dîsciplê✍️
(His Royal Majesty)
Episode 18
By: Faith Lucky
Danica’s Pov:
The banquet bec@m£ a mess.
The hall bec@m£ scattered and disorganized, as some people tried moving away, while some moved towards the King.
“My king!!!”
“Your Highness!!”
“Get out of the way!!”
“Step away!!!”
“Hold him carefully..!”
Different screams filled the air as they rushed to help the King up.
He was still unconscious and I could sp©t all the princes around him now. The hall was in confusion.
I strained my n£¢k to see as they lifted the King up, holding him by his hands and legs, and taking him away.
Oh my God! What’s that??
As the King was taken away, we all stood and watched in amusement.
This was unbelievable. A king – coll@psing at a royal banquet.
What happened to him?
*
*
All the cooks returned to the kitchen afterwards and for a long while, there was silence.
The banquet was ruined. Everything was ruined.
But why did this have to happen, huh? What happened to the King? Why did he just pas-s out in a time like that??
“As you all can see” Ma’am Nina later addressed up.
“The King is temporarily ill and is being treated. So unfortunately,, the banquet has to come to an end”.
A little murmur ran across the kitchen as everyone mumbled about it. It was tragic. The long awaited banquet just ruined in a few seconds.
“But you’ll be receiving your pay, anyway” she continued and taking up a bag, she paid everyone of us.
Wow!
I smiled as I held my cash in my hand. Thank goodness. This would be enough to get some things at home.
Everyone started dispersing, but the woman I had stayed with said she was going to stay behind. So, I left alone.
The road to the gate was really crowded as some of the guests still hung around. Although, I felt bad and curious, I still felt happy I had collected my full payment. I had been scaredwe wouldn’t get paid or something. But, what could’ve happened to the king, huh? What could be wrong with him?
Walking with the rest of the cooks, I got to the roadside and boarded a cab home.
I made sure I held my bag firmly cause I didn’t want to lose mymoney for any reason at all. It meant a lot to me.
Soon, I knew the news of the King would go round and I wondered what people would say about it – King Caesar coll@psed at the Royal banquet.
G©sh! Its definitely gonna be disastrous.
I wonder what happened to him. And I hope he’s going to be fine.
*
*
After a very long ride and walk, I finally got home and felt so relieved. It was so dark alre-ady and I couldn’t wait to just get into my room, shower and sleep. I was sooo tired.
Getting to the entrance, Iopened the door and found grandma sitting at the dining.
Oh!
I tried to put on a smile as I walked in, but I noticed something strange, she was looking….moody.
“Good evening granny”,I said and made to kss her when I noticed she was holding something in her hand – something familiar.
Huh?
Suddenly, she stood up and looked at me, her eyes so-re.
“What’s this, Danica?” She asked angrily, and my heart skipped when I noticed it was the admission letter.
Oh my God!
How did she find It?
*
*
Authoress Chi Pov:
All the members of the royal family were pres£nt in the waiting room h – each child with his mother, except for Prince Duri who didn’t have a mother, so stayed with his fiancee.
The coll@pse of the King was more than a shock to them as they couldn’t comprehend why it had to happen. He didn’t show any sign of illness the previous day. He was so strong and they couldn’t un-derstand why he had to coll@pse at such an important event.
They all waited impatiently and anxiously. All in all, they prayed and hoped he’d be fine.
After a while, they sighted the priest coming and everyone sprang on their feet, rushing to him.
“How’s he doctor?”
“What happened to him?”
“Is he going to be fine?”
“What happened to him, doctor?” Everyone threw numerous questions at him and he sighed, giving them enough space to pour out their anxiety.
He was the royal priest, but they still called him doctor because he was the only one who attended to the King.
They watched his face keenly, but the expression he had….it wasn’t encouraging at all and only meant one thing;
There was a problem.
“The King is in a critical condition”, he began and they all listened quietly.
Panic filled their faces.
“He’s developed a very rare illness, a very rare illnessthat comes once in 100 years”.
Their faces crumpled up in surprise.
“What illness is that, doctor?” The second queen demanded.
If only the sound of their heartbeats could be heard.
“It’s a rare illness that’d kill him slowly if a cure Is not provided. And unfortunately, there’s only one cure for it. One cure”.
He paused and looked into their faces.
“What cure?” Princess Mabel asked.
And in a low voice, he replied:
“The bl©©d of a disciple”.
Episode 19
By: Faith Lucky
Danica’s Pov:
I ran far away from the house and st©pped when i couldn’t run anymore. I was beginning to p@n-t.
I placed my hands on my knees and wept profusely.
I felt bittered, devastated and confused. What do I even do, huh? I couldn’t think of facing grandma or going back to the house.
No; no way. I couldn’t face her. I just nee-ded to be alone.
I whimpered as I started walking away, trying as much as possible to clean the tears that rolled freely down my cheeks.
I thought of going to Nana’s house. But. Her house was very far from mine. And it was late to go throu-gh the woods. Maybe i should just board a cab since I had some cash with me.
I nee-ded a place to sit.
On my way to the road, I continued sniffling. I was blinded by my tears as I stared down at the floor and suddenly, all I felt were flashes in my face.
I st©pped walking and lifted my hands to shield my face from the bright lights that inconvenienced me.
That was when i realized it was a car that had been coming from a sharp bend, but I was too muddled to notice it. But thankfully, the driver was fast enough to screech to a halt, right in front of me.
I brou-ght my hands down from my face and watched as the door opened to a young pretty woman rushing out.
She was dressed in a black suit and looked really pretty.
“Hey! Are you alright? Were you hurt?” She asked as she rushed to me and held my hand.
I stared at her, speechless, suddenly having a cold feeling.
She also paused as soon as she held my hand and stared into my face.
Few seconds, we were silent.
“Were you….were you hurt? Why weren’t you careful, huh?” She asked calmly, still looking into my face.
I admired her small pinkl-ips.
“Why are you crying?” She asked again and that was when I realized I hadn’t said a word.
“I’m….I’m fine, ma’am. Sorry for not being careful” I sniffed and took my eyes from her face.
She was still holding my hand and I slowly withdrew it from hers.
“Are you headed somewhere? I could…give you a ride” she offered and I sniffed again
She was a stranger and normally, I’d have said no to her. But surprisingly, I found myself agreeing without reluctance.
Perhaps, its because I nee-ded some company or didn’t want to spend on cab.
“Thanks”, I muttered and she took me to her car.
She opened the front door for me and I walked in and she went round to the driver’s seat.
“So,where are you headed?” She asked as she turned on the ignition.
“Xpress street” I fuddled with my f!ngersand said.
Somehow, I still had that s-en-sation to cry. .
She nodded and started moving the car and for a short while, we were silent.
That was when the richness of the car dawned on me.
G©sh! It was a jeep and looked so clas-sic.
The car was so cold due to the Ac and I watched as the woman moved the sterling which brou-ght out beautiful lights. This was actually my first time entering a pri-vate car.
“So, why were you crying? Is there a problem?” She finally broke the silence, her eyes focused on the road.
I stared down at my f!ngers, feeling sad again.
“Its….it’s nothing ma’am. Just having a little issue with my grandma” I sniffed and glanced at her.
‘Is that the reason you’re running from home?” She asked and I nodded slowly.
Then, she smiled and mumbled:
“Teenagers”.
“You know, I have a daughter, your age” she continued and looked at her, picking interest.
“Her name is Bitna. Whenever she’s angry, she’d lock herself up in her room and refuse talking to anyone. Most times, she wouldn’t talk to me for days. You teenagers tend to make nas-ty decisions when you’re angry, huh?” She chucked.
Bitna. It suddenly made me remember the girl at the banquet.
“Well, whatever the issue is, I’d suggest you sort things out with her, okay?” She cooed.
“She’s still your mother and probably knows the best for you. Just try to listen to her, okay?”
“But what if…she’s forcing you to do the wrong thing? Or forcing you to go against your happiness?” I asked, surprised at how I seek advice from her.
“Well…..
“Maybe you try to convince her, then. Try to win over”.
I sighed and shook my head. Grandma couldn’t be convinced.
“Don’t worry, dear. It might seem tough now but, everything will be fine” she placed her hand on mine and said and as I looked up at her,somehow, her words seemed to do a lot to me.
They calmed me down.
“Thank you ma’am” I smiled and she took her hand back to the sterling.
Shortly, we got to my destination and she pu-ll-ed over.
“This is it, right?” She asked as she st©pped the car.
“Yes, ma’am. Thanks a lot. Thanks for the ride” I replied and opened the door.
“You didn’t tell me your name” she said, just when I was about stepping out.
“It’s Danica” I answered, alre-ady outside.
“Okay, Danica. It was nice meeting you. Bye”.
“Bye ma’am. Goodnight”.
She smiled warmly at me as I shut the door and watched her leave.
Hmm.
I stood, staring at the moving car for a while and a faint smile lingered on myl-ips.
Suddenly, I realized felt something – something I hadn’t felt in years.
I couldn’t explain it, but my time with the woman….it was something I enjoyed and craved for. I totally forgot I’d been crying a while ago.
When I couldn’t see her car anymore, I turned around and headed for Nana’s house. I just hope her mother allows me spend the night there.
*
*
Nathan’s Pov:
I nee-ded some air.
I walked out to the pool side and stood alone, facing the waters as they stilled in the moonlight.
I brou-ght out the cigarette and lighter I had collected from the guard, lit it and stuck it into my mouth.
Recalling the previous incidence made me really tensed and each time I was tensed, I preferred smoking to calm me down. Else, I don’t smoke.
As I puffed smoke from my cigarette into the air, father’s words resounded in my head:
“I want you to search for the 12th disciple. Anyone who finds her and brings her to me first, will be my heir”
Seriously? That’s ridiculous.
Why does he have to give such task before choosing an heir? And how do we even find her in the first place?
Its been 18 years alre-ady since she went missing. How are we sure she’s still alive? What does she look like? Where exactly could she be?
I huffed and smoked angrily.
But on the other hand, keeping the throne aside, that was the only thing that could save father.
I suddenly heard some footsteps and turned to see a familiar face walking towards me – a young pretty lady.
She smiled as she got to where I was.
‘My prince” she bowed.
*
*
Bitna’s Pov:
I realized my waiting was not in vain the moment I sp©tted the prince by the swimming. Prince Nathan!
I felt my cheeks become h0t as I started walking towards him.
Yes,I knew it!! I knew my patience was going to pay.
I smiled happily as I walked towards him and to my own favor, he was alone. Like…all the best.
He probably s-en-sed my pres£nce cause he turned towards my direction and looked at me. Oops! He was so handsome! Just like a god.
But he was smoking at the moment.
“My prince” I bowed when I stood in front of him.
“Um…Good evening my prince. Sorry, if I’m disturbing” I further said when he didn’t make any comment.
“Yes? Do you nee-d something?” He asked, his voice a little ha-rd .
Ouch!
“Um…not really. I just. .I just wanted to ask after your sister – princess Mabel. She’s my friend and…I was thinking I could see her before leaving” I said politely and he sighed.
“You can’t see Mabel tonight. She’s busy” he replied gruffly, staring into the waters again.
Urgh!! Why’s he acting so grumpy, huh? How do I get his ra-pt attention?
Then, an idea popped into my head. Oh God! Will it work?
“Uh…thank you, my prince. I’ll be on my way now” I said, but he didn’t even look at me or say a word.
G©sh!
Slowly, I turned around and started walking away, but without taking up to three steps alre-ady, I held my tummy and fell on my knees.
“Ahh!!” I gro-an ed as my knees hit the floor.
I felt the prince run up to me from behind.
“Hey; are you alright?” He asked.
Although, he didn’t t©uçh me, I could tell he was concerned.
“My….my tummy. It hurts” I winced and j£rked it even more.
Oh, plea-se…! Just t©uçh me.
He watched me silently and didn’t t©uçh me like I expected.
“Maybe…I should call the guards to help” he said and immediately, my eyes wi-de-ned
What? Guards?
“Uh…don’t worry my prince. I shouldn’t…I shouldn’t stress you” I bit my lower l!pand struggled to stand up.
But when I was done standing, I acted like I wanted to fall again and he gr!pp£dme
Yes!!? He held me!!
“Hey, careful” he said as he held my shoulder, preventing me from falling.
Oh my gee!! He was really holding me.
Yes!!
I turned to look at him, and our faces were so close.
Goodness!! His eyes.
“I’m….I’m sorry, my prince. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I guess I’ll just go home now” I said and he pu-ll-ed away from me immediately.
“Yeah, you should” he sighed and took me some steps away.
Hmph. So, the rumours were true, then. He didn’t like the company of girls. But he just t©uçhed me..!
“Um….my name is Bitna. And…we’re actually in the same grade in school” I told him just before he turned to face the pool.
“You attend Royal High?” He asked and I nodded.
Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t noticed me because he ha-rd ly attends clas-ses.
Suddenly, he looked at me with a look of recognition.
“Hold on…you’re the lady that won best student of the session, huh?” He asked.
‘Yes, yes. Its me” I replied quic-kly, my eyes beaming.
Oh my gee!! Now, he remembers me for something good..!!
“Cool” he said un-der his breath and turned back to the pool.
For a few seconds, he was silent as I just smiled at him.
“You should leave. Its pretty late alre-ady” he mumbled and started walking away, without looking at me.
I stared at him as he left, helplessly smiling sheepishly.
Oh my gee!!
The prince talked to me!!
And he t©uçhed me….!!
My waiting was never in vain
*
*
Imagine this one oo😂😂😂
What do you think?
Episode 20
By: Faith Lucky
Bitna’s Pov:
I arrived home, feeling so ecstatic. And to crown it all, mum and dad were home as well.
“Bitna!” mum called as soon as she sp©tted.
She was the first person I met and she sat alone in the sitting room, a l@pt©p on her leg, and scattered files and papers beside her on the couch.
“Hi mum” I beamed and ran to pe-ck her.
“Hm. You look happy. How was the banquet?” She asked as I sat next to her on the couch.
“It was excellent, mum! So..amazing” I replied happily, smiles allover my face.
“Wow! Really? Too bad I couldn’t attend” her f!ngerswere busy on the l@pt©p.
“Um….actually, I think the King is sick” I said.
“Sick? How?”
“He actually coll@psed during the toast”.
She took her eyes from the system and looked st me immediately, shock written over her.
“Whaaat??? He coll@psed??” She skrie-ked and I nodded.
“Oh my God! How did it happen? What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t know, mum. He just….pas-sed out. And because of that, the banquet was canceled”.
“Wow! But…if the banquet was canceled, why then did you say it was fun?” She asked and I smiled.
“Well” I paused and cleared my throat.
“I got to talk to prince Nathan”.
She arched a brow.
“Prince Nathan?” She asked, rather amused.
And I nodded like a baby.
“O…..kay. So, what happened? What did you two talk about?” She turned to face me, suddenly picking interest.
“Well….nothing much, mum. You know he’s kinda quiet and grumpy. But he t©uçhed me” I smiled, picking my f!ngersshyly.
She was about saying something when dad’s pres£nce interrupted us.
“Bitna” he called in his usual manly tone as he walked down the stairs, his hands in his nicker pockets.
“Hi dad” I stood up and went to hvg him.
“You didn’t come for the banquet” I said as I pu-ll-ed away from him.
“Yes, dear. Got really hooked up at the office. How was it?” He asked.
“Bitna said the King coll@psed” mum replied before I could.
“What? He coll@psed?” Daddy’s face was crumpled.
“Yes, dad. We have no idea what happened. He just pas-sed out when we were about ma-king a toast” I shrugged and he scoffed in surprise.
“Woah! That’s serious” he mumbled.
“I’ll be in my room, mum. nee-d to take a shower” I said, aloud.
“Okay, darling. Don’t forget to take your milk, okay?”
“Yes, mum” I replied and took the stairs.
I couldn’t wait to tell Hana and Jeong about my encounter with the prince.
*
*
Nathan’s Pov:
I c@m£ out of the bathroom, my hair dripping we-t and towel tied around my w@!st.
I walked over to my second wardrobe,took out one of my night robes and just as I was done putting it on, my door opened and I looked to discover it was mum.
“Son” she smiled sweety as she walked in.
She was also putting on a nightie and looked like she was about going to be-d.
“Hey, mum” I muttered and went to sit on the be-d.
She didn’t say a word till she had gotten close to me and sat next to me on the be-d.
“Wanna sleep?” She asked as she t©uçhed my face.
“Yeah….I feel a little drowsy” I told her and she smiled and stro-ke my hair.
“Any improvement on dad?” I asked but she shook her head.
I exhaled de-eply.
“So…what happens when we don’t find this 12th disciple? Does it mean he’s just gonna die?” I asked, perturbe-d.
“Unfortunately, son. That’s what it means.
“But perhaps, he might survive if we find her”
“But, how mum? Its been 18 years since she went missing. How do we find her? How do we even know her location?”I grumbled.
“Don’t worry, son. I’ll have some pri-vate investigators look into it”
My eyes dimmed.
“Huh? You wanna involve an outsider? Remember what the doctor said, mum. He warned us to keep it a secret and amongst ourselves, mum. Because, if the 12th disciple gets to know we’re looking for her,,she might go into a more complicated hiding….”
“Yes, yes, I know, son. I know. And that’s the reason I’ll be employing trustworthy people. Don’t worry. But…you still nee-d to make efforts to look for her.” She enthused.
“How, mum? Where do I start from?”
She sighed and t©uçhed my hair.
“A little ti-p” she leaned closer and whispered.
“Each disciple had a mark on their w@!sts according to their numbers. So, apparently, the 12th disciple would also have a mark on her w@!st – with the number 12”.
I stared at her, silently, trying to digest the info.
A mark on her w@!st.
“So…does it mean I’d have to open the clothes of every lady I meet just to find a mark?” I asked and she laughed.
“It’s just a ti-p, Nathan. Don’t worry, we’re in this together” she win-ked at me and stood up.
“I should leave you to have some rest. Goodnight, okay?” She kssed me.
“Goodnight, mum” I mumbled and she walked away.
For a long while, I was still and silent, reminiscing on the whole incidence – dad being sick, finding the 12th disciple., becoming the heir to the throne…
G©sh! It was so overwhelming.
I took in a de-ep breath and buried my face in my palms, thinking de-eply.
Why did this had to happen now, huh? Why the curse?
I stood up from the be-d and went to my third wardrobe, bringing the br@celet out of it.
At least, I nee-ded something to calm myself.
I returned to the be-d with it, la-id and covered myself up with the duvet, then stared at it, my f!ngerspla-ying with the letters of the name – DAN.
I still couldn’t find her. Where could she be? Hasn’t she seen the news?
And why could she be running from me? Anyone would die to be in her possession. So, why was she acting differently?
I sighed and stared intently at it.
Somehow, I just couldn’t feel at ease without finding her. I felt I nee-ded to see her.
I couldn’t really point out the reason but, I just nee-ded to see her.
Dan – I’ll find you.
*
*
Next_morning.
*
*
Danica’s Pov:
I yawned and stretched on the be-d as I felt someone calling me.
Oh crazy. Who could it be?
“Dan! Wake up, Dan! Its morning alre-ady” I heard the annoying voice and quic-kly recognized it.
“Oh! Nana,what have I ever done to you?” I grumbled as I turned to back her, but she sl@pped my arm.
“Your grandma’s outside” she snapped and my eyes flung open at once.
What?
I turned sharply to look at her.
“My grandma?” I asked, like I hadn’t heard her.
“You heard me, Dan. She’s outside…waiting for you”.
I furrowed my brows and sat up
Huh? What’s she doing here? And how did she know I sle-pt in Nana’s house?
Probably because Nana was the only friend I had.
“Come on, Dan. You shouldn’t keep her waiting” she said as she stood up and tried lifting me up the be-d.
“I….I don’t wanna see her” I pouted.
“Huh? Are you kidding me?? St©p being such a spoilt br@t and her off the be-d. Now!”
And with that, she succeeded in lifting me up the be-d.
Oh God! I really didn’t feel like meeting her
Nana held my hand and f0rç£d me out of the room, then out of the house. And there I met grandma, standing and waiting.
Her face was plain.
“She’s here now, ma’am. Sorry it took long” Nana smiled as she dropped me in front of her and left.
Oh cra-p.
“Good morning, granny” I mumbled as I stared down at my shi-t, keeping my face straight.
For a while,she was silent. And I wondered if she didn’t have anything to say.
“You should come with me. We nee-d to go home” she said in a flat tone and turned around.
“I’m not going home”I pouted and she turned to look at me.
“I wanna stay here for sometime” I added, un-der my breath, fiddling with the ti-p of my shi-t.
I heard her sigh.
“Really? Well…I thought you might want to start clas-ses today” she said and my eyes beamed.
Whaaaat???
TBC😱😱😱
Seems granny has finally agreed to Danica’s request.