Chapter 6
Unexpected Invitations

Guided by Maik, Am and Maik held hands on their way to the girl's cottage. Inside the house, King Ataro made himself comfortable in the living room while drinking mead and conversing with Jocelyn with ease, marking no social difference between them.

"My dear, there you are... Come, it seems that you have a very important visit today. King Ataro wants to share some words with you, Am." Jocelyn asked her daughter to sit next to the monarch. As it wasn't, she was the widow to a Spanish nobleman.

The maiden managed a timid smile, while reverencing, before taking her place between her mother and the king. The man handed her a parchment, a letter written in golden script and sealed with the royal coat of arms. "Your mother told me you know can read so you will be able to find out by yourself why I'm here."

Am read the paper shaking in hands. It was an invitation, for her, an invitation to attend the Royal festivities, Prince Alasther's birthday. Holding the letter in hands, she scanned everyone's faces, all of them drew impatience, expecting her reaction.

"¿Is this for real?" Her eyes didn't believed it.

"Of course is real milady. Look, Lady Amalthea, you have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard and is my wish to have you at my court, singing at the birthday feast. You are going to be our special guest that evening. And let me tell you, as the king, I won't take a no for an answer. It's my royal decree, you see?" The ruler gave Am a smirk. She turned around, reaching to her mother's face, in needs of reassurance. Her thoughts all jumbled up inside her head. "I've already granted your mother's permission, so there's nothing else to be said. Look, there's something special in your voice, a gift that must be shared."

"Oh, my... I can't believe it!" She looked then at Maik who stood in bewilderment in a corner, as confused as Am was.

"Be ready in a three days, I will send my servants to look for you. And there's no need to be worried for anything because I've got all covered up. I have already spoken to the our seamstress to make a you a gorgeous dress for that day. Only one thing, just a few persons know about this and we must keep the secret well. It must be a surprise for my son. Understood?"

"Oh, yes, your majesty. I understand." Am looked at her friends, Maik and Thai to what they nodded.

"You have a lovely home, lady Jocelyn",  the king spoke while getting on his feet. A servant brought a basket loaded with basket with fruit, cured meat, cheese and sweets. "Thank you for receiving me. I might bring the queen with me the next time I come. She'll be delighted to see you again. It's been a long time... maybe I could borrow one of these books", he pointed to the shelves in a corner."

"It would be an honor. You'd be more than welcomed to my humble place... it has been a pleasure to have you here." She curtsied.

"See you in a couple of days my fine lady", the king waved goodbye to both Am and her mother and left the house escorted by his soldiers.

Outside, villagers murmured, puzzled at the king's sudden visit to the village. In the cottage, Jocelyn and Thai left to the small and rustic kitchen to see what was in the basket brought by king Atharo while in the living area, Am stared at her shaky hands. "I was invited to the castle... wait... Was I invited to the castle."

"That's what it seems", Maik smiled at her.

"Oh my God! How, when did this happen... we must keep the secret... I'm going to the Prince's birthday feast. Can you believe it?"

"Ha, ha, no... but I'm happy for you." He beaned at her with tenderness.

"I'm going to the castle! I'm going to the castle... in three days!" The redhead hopped with joy and overwhelming excitement, so much that she just threw herself and clung to Malik's neck and kissed him.

Poor Maik froze, muted after being kiss. It was not as he expected, not that he didn't wanted to, or liked it, but they've just kissed.

Am touched her lips right with her fingertips realizing what she'd just did.  "Maik, I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to do that. Well, yes I meant it, but... Oh God, I'm so embarrassed... and confused. I was so happy for what just happened... I..."

"Am. It's fine... I understand. Look, this is more than I ever wanted, but I know it was all this situation that moved you... Let me tell you that you are free to do it again if you want... I'll be here for you to kiss me again... for now, let's just keep it as a secret... come on, let's go to the kitchen. That cured ham smells awesome", Maik held Am's hand taking her to the kitchen with Jocelyn and Thai. "But remember, we have a pending conversation, lady Amalthea." He smirked.