The Hidden King's Stolen Wife

Years Later "Princess Aurelia!" a man with graying hair called out, panting.

Even though his schedule was often filled with chores, Darius had never quite had to run around the palace as though he were playing a game of cat and mouse. At least, not until the young heirs to the Raxuvian throne had started to learn how to seemingly fly on their tiny little heels before they even learned how to walk.

"Your Highness!" Darius chided once he finally caught up with the young princess.

She cried out in surprise, squealing and giggling when Darius’s arm looped around her waist. If he hadn’t caught her, she would’ve fallen head-first into the pond.

"But Darius!" Princess Aurelia whined. "The butterfly!"

Darius stared at the butterfly toy that sat in the pond, innocently bobbing up and down in the water. He sighed, feeling insanely exhausted.

"The servants will fetch it for you, Your Highness," Darius said. "There is no need to endanger yourself like that."

As if to prove his point, several palace staff came forward. They used a long net, successfully fishing the butterfly toy out of the water without ever needing to dive inside. Within mere seconds, the toy was sitting in the palm of little Aurelia’s hands, with Darius carefully watching her.

Darius had worked all the way from the bottom of the food chain. He started out as an errand boy in the palace kitchens, and year by year moved higher and higher.

Ever since Prince Nathaniel and Princess Aurelia were born, he had been given the monumental task of ensuring their safety and daily upbringing while the King and Queen were busy with their tasks.