"What time is it, Isabel?"
Harry Hulk asked without looking up. He wore glasses, legs crossed, eyes fixed on a document as he sipped his coffee like a man with all the time in the world.
"Six minutes past eight," I said. My hand curled at my side. I hadn't meant to be late—the traffic had been unbearable—but with him, explaining was pointless.
"Hm."
He nodded. That was all. He didn't look up. He didn't say another word.
A few seconds passed. Then he stood, tossed the paper onto his desk, and walked away.
"Sir..."
I barely got the word out before he paused, lifted a hand, and said coldly,
"Stamp every document on my desk."
~~~
Walking into the King's chamber and seeing him lying on the bed, memories of my days as his PA surged through me. It didn't matter that he didn't remember me. He was still the same man—and I still felt the same anger.
Morning light spilled through the swaying curtains, brushing the smooth line of his jaw. He lay on his back, both hands resting on his stomach.
When Matilda brought me here to clean, I hadn't expected anyone to be inside. I rolled my eyes and picked up the bucket and linen by the door. A lazy King. The sun was already up—why was he still asleep?
"A slacking King isn't fit to rule a kingdom," I muttered.
I walked toward the side of the room where a table stood, holding a lantern, stacks of papers, ink, and feathers. Across from it loomed a mahogany wardrobe, large enough to fit my entire future bedroom.
"Wow", without realizing it I dropped the bucket and ran my hand on the smooth wood. It was shining and well polished, I must admit the architecture in this world is one of a kind.
My hand moved until it got to the knob of the wardrobe then a wide smile spread on my face, "Right, my bag and phone"
I turned back to the bed, the King's eyes were closed, thank heavens he was still in his sleep, turning back I pushed the handle open to find luggages and robes neatly placed inside.
"It has to be here", I whispered, pushing clothes aside.
There might be no signal but I have to find something in my phone that could bring me back, there must be something in it that could connect me to my world.
At first I searched every part neatly until frustration hit right to my bones and that was when I began throwing everything apart, "It has to be here, where did he tell the guards to place it", I whispered shakily.
It's the only thing I've got aside from my clothes that reminds me of where I am from, I can't be here, I don't belong here.
My heartbeat accelerated, even in the middle of searching I kept glancing back to make sure the King was still sleeping.
After minutes of searching, I managed to push all the clothes back without arranging them properly.
"It has to be here", I said, getting up and scanning the room. It was mostly empty, just the bed, the wardrobe, and the reading table.
My gaze sharpened on the bed, "Right", I walked toward it, ignoring the fact that the almighty King could wake up at any time, I had to find it before he did.
I clicked my tongue as I reached the bed, staring at his handsome face, damn was I meant to serve him all my life?
I shook my head and knelt down, "It has to be under his bed", I murmured, peering underneath and pushing aside luggage, but I found nothing, huh? He better not have destroyed it.
"What are you doing?"
The deep thundered voice shook every living cell in my bones. Sweat filled my palms as I slowly raised my head.
He had sat up, hands crossed over his chest as he glared at me. I must admit he looked way too sexy compared to the man I met yesterday. I had never seen Harry Hulk's hair this messy, almost covering part of his eyes, and did his eyes always look this sleepy-sexy when he woke up.
"I asked a question"
He clicked his tongue, eyes narrowed.
I quickly shook my head, looking away from his handsome face and slightly bowing my head. He is not Harry Hulk, Isabel, and this is not your world, one single mistake could send your head rolling on the floor.
"I… I…"
"Finding what to give to Melbourne?"
Mel what? Who was that? And how could I… oh, that spy commotion.
I raised my head, my lips twisting into a frown, "I told you I wasn't a spy?", suddenly my voice was slightly raised, my eyes meeting his and that made his eyes widen, subtly, but it did widen.
"Bold", he said, his lips curving.
I shook my head and bowed it again, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, I was assigned to clean your room"
"I see"
He murmured, then I heard the sheets move. Slowly I raised my head and caught him standing up, just like yesterday he had on a robe draped around him, but thankfully this one wasn't so open, although it did show part of his chest and that made me gulp.
"Get up"
"Oh… yes, Your Majesty"
I got up as instructed, my hands clasped together, but instead of bowing my head I stared at this tall, handsome man who had begun walking toward me from the other side of the bed. I should have stepped back, but instead I stayed rooted to the spot, my heart beating so loudly.
He paused in front of me, hands crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed, "Why are you here, Isabel"
Huh… he remembered my name? When I had only said it once?
"Well I, I, you said I would start work today, remember", I grinned, "Well here I am, trying to do as told"
He frowned, and when he did, he looked like a cute little baby you just want to poke on the cheek.
Suddenly he pointed toward his wardrobe, "What were you looking for?"
I was caught, one I couldn't even escape from because the minute he opened it he would find out that I had turned his clothes upside down. Huh, how did he know? I had thought he was sleeping.
I shook my head, taking a step back, "I need my phone and bag", I suddenly blurted, not caring if that would put me in danger.
"Pho…ne", he frowned, brows creasing together, "What is that?"
I rolled my eyes, of course he doesn't know what that is, "What you took from me yesterday"
"Ahh… weapon"
"What?… no, that is not a weapon"
He did not seem to understand, instead his eyes darkened and he took a step forward while I took one step back. It continued, him walking forward while I was walking backward until I missed my footing and started falling, but before I could hit the ground with a thud I felt strong hands wrap around my waist,holding me steady.
I turned my head and caught the King's face inches from mine, and I felt my breath hitch.