The servants bustle around me. Trying to fit the dress that they've been working on for the whole month that we are on the sea. We can see Pitchford on the horizon and we'll arrive within the day-which means that Theo's subject will see me for the first time.
As per Harbin, the instant the boat anchors on the dock, we will need to leave the ship, and the Pitchford citizens will welcome us back.
I check myself. I am nervous even if Harbin had prepared me for this. Theo has no close relatives, so at least, that's one less thing to worry about. However, Theo has twelve Generals, one from each of the other human kingdoms. And out of those, I have only met Brandon Stine. There are still eleven more.
I touch my chest and take a deep breath. Harbin watches me. "You'll be fine," he assures me.
I look at my dress in the mirror. I'm wearing a light blue long dress that hides my ankles-perfect for hiding the bruises whenever Theo tightly holds on to it in a fit of passion. White flowers decorate the dress, not too many so that it won't crowd the clothes. My sleeves are puffed and have a straight neckline.
My hair is let loose, cascading along my back, but pinned so that it will be in place. I run my fingers along the diamond necklace that Theo had given me the night before. It twinkles in the room's light.
I sigh again. I am a picture of innocence and purity, even if everyone in the boat knows that I am not.
"You are striking. The citizens will not dislike you," Harbin adds.
I swallow in consternation. "But they won't like me either," I say.
The door opens and Theo comes in. Like me, he is garbed in his ceremonial clothes. Dark blue pants and leather vest, with a white shirt underneath. He is wearing a blue sash with thirteen white symbols, each symbol represents the human kingdoms. He also dons a white cape and a sword hanging around his waist.
He looks stoic and regal. Different too. In that attire, he looks more like a respected King. He stands before me and under his gaze; I feel smaller. The image of an unknown, below-average wench on a horse with the dazzling, handsome king appears on my mind. And somehow it makes me more nervous, knowing that it's me.
Theo offers his hand to me and I look at it. He's wearing white gloves. My shift goes to his face. He gives me a reassuring smile, but instead, I look away.
"Should we really do this? You know I am fine at the back of the entourage," I say.
"Sooner or later, they will know that I have chosen a lover. It will be strange if they don't see you now."
I clench my jaws and stare at my reflection. Like Theo, I look different. It's as if I am not the same Kaiya who is trying her best to survive at that hunting park. I can no longer see that wild, grungy girl.
Theo takes my hand and encloses it in his. "Kaiya, you will thrive here. I am certain you will."
"And if I don't?"
"I haven't thought about it, because I'm sure you will flourish."
I gaze into his eyes. He really believes it even if I don't. Is this trust also a by-product of the mate bond?
Theo caresses my cheeks and whispers, "Besides, don't worry too much. We are a new Kingdom."
I reach for his hands and place a kiss on his open palm. I peer into him to see the fire in his eyes. "My King, you should not look at me that way. We have an entourage that we need to wrap up. And you've been gone for too long. I'm sure you have a lot of responsibilities waiting for you."
He smiles. "That must mean that you are now willing to ride on my horse."
I look away. "Only because I don't think I can escape this."
"I can't wait to show you my castle," he says and places a quick kiss on my lips.

*****************************
The cheers of the people are deafening. They are also throwing confetti at me and Theo. I hear the giggle from girls and the unmistakable jealousy of the women.
Just behind us are Harbin, Klevon, and Brandon. Harbin is stoic. Brandon gives a smile to one or two. And Klevon is very open to everyone. He waves and girls giggle in delight. I understand Klevon's popularity with the girls though. Right now, he is a picture of a strong, thirty-year-old man coupled with his rugged looks and muscled built, which is sure to attract women.
"Who are you looking at?" Theo whispers in my ear.
"No one," I say.
I withdraw my eyes from Klevon and focus in front. The road was cleared of any obstacles and I can see a line towards the castle. The ground is cemented and there are stalls at the side of the road. There are also huge buildings and different establishments.
As we approach closer to the castle, the gate opens, and fanfare resounds. It must be to herald the return of their King.
"While you are gone, who manages your Kingdom?" I ask.
"My other generals," he answers. "But mostly, it's my friend, General Waluyo Djambek with the help of his older cousin, Aditya."
"From Djambek kingdom?" I ask, remembering that the Djambek's are patrons of arts.
"Yes, Waluyo is kind of a middle child."
"Why 'kind-of'?"
The portcullis opens, and we pass beneath it. I notice incantations around it, probably to ward off magic attacks.
"Because there are twelve in his family. He's somewhere between sixth or seventh."
"That's a lot of siblings," I say.
"It is."
Once the portcullis goes down, Theo disembarks from the horse and reaches for my waist to lift and put me down.
"How was your first entourage?" he asks. His hands still linger around my waist and my hands are still on his arm.
"Not bad. The citizens seem to like you."
He grins. "I fail as a King if they don't."
On my peripheral, I notice two humans coming towards us. Silver hair, brown skin, and shining black eyes, like an onyx. The two kneels in front of us.
"My King, the rooms you requested are ready," the silver-haired guy says.
"Rise, Waluyo. No one is around except those that already know you."
Waluyo raises his head and rams himself towards Theo. Waluyo is short, only about five feet. And the difference in their height and frame is even more pronounced when they are standing next to each other.
"Welcome back, my friend," Waluyo says. "I hope you finally found what you are looking for."
"I did," Theo says and pulls me closer to him.
"Hello," I say. "Nice to meet you. I am Kaiya."
"Kaiya?" Waluyo asks.
"Pitchford. Kaiya Pitchford," Theo supplies.
"Ah! So you will take the Pitchford name."
General Waluyo looks at his cousin, "My cousin, Aditya, offers to show you to your room."
I look at Theo and he squeezes my shoulder before he lets me go. "I will find you tonight," he says.
I watch the two men leave and the woman named Aditya comes closer to me. I look at her. Curly silver hair and as tall as I am. She makes a slight bow and says, "I am Aditya Djambek. The King had told me about your arrival."
She is beautiful and I wonder what else the King had told her. Is she already under his services when he's not yet a King?
"If you will follow me," she adds.