Chapter 4 - My Precious King: Chapter 4 - Royal Decree

Ren's words echoed in Kai's mind as he walked home that night. "I will not let anyone keep us apart." But how could a prince, bound by duty and tradition, truly protect a simple baker's son from the machinations of the court?The answer came sooner than Kai expected.The next morning, a royal decree was posted throughout the city. It announced that Prince Ren would be hosting a series of "open discussions" on matters of trade, agriculture, and the arts, inviting citizens from all walks of life to participate. The decree also stated that Prince Ren had appointed Kai, son of the renowned baker Elias, as his personal advisor on matters of "culinary arts and their impact on the well-being of the kingdom."Kai was stunned. This was Ren's way of publicly acknowledging their connection, of elevating Kai's status and protecting him from Lady Annelise's slander. It was a bold move, one that sent ripples of shock and speculation through the court.Lady Annelise was furious. Her carefully laid plans were crumbling before her eyes. She confronted Ren in the palace gardens, her voice dripping with venom. "How dare you, Ren?" she hissed. "Bringing that commoner into the palace, flaunting your... infatuation. You are making a mockery of the royal family!"Ren stood tall, his eyes cold and unwavering. "Kai is more insightful and compassionate than anyone in this court," he said, his voice firm. "He has a unique perspective that I value. And I will not apologize for seeking his counsel.""You are blinded by lust!" Annelise spat. "Do you not see that he is using you? He wants power, wealth...""He wants nothing from me," Ren interrupted, his voice dangerously low. "Unlike you, Annelise, who has always craved the crown. I am well aware of your ambitions, and I assure you, they will not be realized."Annelise's face contorted with rage. "You will regret this, Ren," she snarled. "You will regret defying me."Ren simply turned his back on her, signaling to the guards to escort her away. He knew that Annelise would not give up easily, but he was prepared to fight for Kai, for their love, and for the future he envisioned for the kingdom.Meanwhile, Kai was overwhelmed by Ren's actions. He knew that this appointment would bring him both opportunity and danger. He would be thrust into a world of political intrigue, a world he knew nothing about. But he was also determined to prove himself worthy of Ren's trust, to use his new position to help the people of the kingdom, and to stand by the side of the man he loved, no matter the cost.