@cherokeemoon I don't think he likes her but he may have grow some affection towards her mostly because she was ignoring her and only hearing from other people what she has been doing. He got curious and started observing her (and that's how his affection did grow).
I guess the original Chara kept harassing the king to gain his love, while the current one doesn't give a damn about what he is doing or thinking and only minding her business until the heroine comes in.
You know what they say, you are more attracted to those that ignores you than those that showers you with love, which somehow true sadly enough (not for everybody obviously)