Coreopsis 14 c

   Michael followed Juliah down more endless corridors. His stomach was on fire. He wanted to beg her not to torment him in such a manner. But he dared not speak. All of a sudden there lay before them a great room. There was a strip of red carpet in the center of a sea of white carpet.  

   “Look up,” she instructed.

  Above them was a large diamond chandelier. He couldn’t stop staring at it. It was amazing. The only furniture in the room was two chairs on a platform. It was six or so inches from the floor. The chairs shined like gold and were cushioned with blue satin. As they walked down the red carpet toward the platform, he lowered his glance. A man entered but Michael didn’t raise his eyes to look at him. He sat in the first chair on the platform. Juliah curtsied while Michael knelt on one knee as he was instructed. 

   “What can I help you with my child?” This man had an authoritative but gentle voice. She walked up to the chair, kneeling before it. 

   “Father, today I am 22. You and I had an agreement.” She pointed to Michael. “Father this is Michael.”

   Michael lowered his head even lower, and then raised it slightly. “Sire.” 

   “Stand!” the King commanded. He did as he was told. “Turn around.” When Michael’s back was turned, the King nodded at Juliah in agreement.

   A short, slim man walked in, “Michael.” Juliah directed his attention to the guest. “This is Dr. Carter go with him and do what he says.” She was now standing beside the King.

   When they left, the King spoke, “my child, is he really the one you want?”

   “I think so, sire.”

   “Does he meet your physical requirements? Is he tall enough?”

   “He is only two inches taller than me. That’s just right.” She grinned.

   “He has muscles.”

   “Over his entire body.”

   “He is blond.”

   “Hmmm,” she moaned.

   “He has dark skin. He almost looks like an islander.”

   “Tanned to perfection with blue eyes.” She sighed. “But I will know more when Carter is finished.”

   “Where did you find him?”

   “Father, you would not believe me if I told you.”

   “The dressmaker?” The King asked laughing.

   Juliah was surprised. “How did you know? Oh, father I shall leave you now. Carter is to bring him to my chambers when he is finished.”

   “Of course.” She gave her father a kiss then started to walk off. She stopped, turned toward him, “sire.” She fell to her knees, “am I to choose a husband tonight at the dance?”

   The king rose, went to her side, and helped her up. “My child what made you ask that question?”

   “I don’t want to be unhappy.”

   “Where is this coming from?”

   “Concern.” She sighed.

   “Concern over what?” James was confused.

   She frowned, “Father, Orion is so miserable. I want to be happy. I want to feel the joy of love.”

   “What makes you think love is a joy?”

   “You and mom.”

   “Thank you child.” He smiled. “Orion has been duty bound since the day he was born.”

   “Does that mean he’s going to have to be unhappy the rest of his life?”

   “We will have to learn the answer to that question together.” He kissed her forehead. “Tonight is for your enjoyment.”

  “Thank you father.” She kissed him and started to leave.