- The Prouds 44
away time after time. He really hoped that her beauty
would last forever.
The beautiful slave noticed his frequent looks and
realized that he was interested in her. The prince, too,
noticed the king’s interest in the slave, as well as his
shyness.
So the prince decided to break the ice, “My Lord, I
suggest, after the queen’s permission, of course, that you
and my slave go take a look around our house and the
outside garden.”
He paused then asked, “Do you agree?”
Yes, I agree, thought the king, but remained silent
due to his extreme shyness. He also feared that, if he
agreed, the image of the strong king in the eyes of the
prince, the princess and his mother would be compromised,
the image that his mother had ordered him to maintain at all
times. He looked at his mother, as if he was asking her
permission to go with the slave.
She smiled, understanding what her son wanted, “If
you want to go with her, go.”
The young king was very happy.
The boy and girl went out together.
The girl said, “So, you are King Matthew.”
He, still shy, nodded but he put an end to his
shyness when he summoned his courage and asked her,
“What is your name?”
“Heather,” replied the slave. “Forget the house and
the garden and let’s play. I shall hide and you look for me.”