When God Closed His Eyes

Chapter 4:The King's Lie

POV: King Malakor of Aethelgard

I knew the exact second Kaelen entered my private room that my control was slipping away, and I hated him for making me feel weak.

I walked back and forth across the floor because I could not force myself to sit still. My palms felt slick with sweat, and my mouth was dry, but I refused to touch my cup of wine.

I wanted to drink, yet I worried my hand would shake and reveal my fear to my guards.

I had built this empire on fear and command, yet I felt a strong desire to run away from my own throne.

I forced my spine straight when the heavy knock rang out, and I called him inside using my most powerful voice.

A true ruler cannot show fear or anxiety, especially not to a killer whom he has built with his own hands.

Kaelen walked through the door without his black hood, and my stomach churned when I looked at his face.

He looked pale, tired, and his fingers twitched near his belt. I saw a dangerous energy in his posture that scared me because he usually stood as quiet as a dead man but now, something was different.

I chose to lean against the oak table, pretending to be relaxed so he would not guess my panic.

"Tell me about the girl," I said, trying to keep my tone casual. "Have the scouts found a trail?"

"No, sir," Kaelen replied, and he kept his eyes on the floor. "She vanished into the old sewers, and the guards are searching the lower rings."

I watched him closely, and my chest tightened as I realized he was not looking at my eyes.

He was tracking my shadow, and then he looked down at his own feet but I saw nothing under his boots. I felt a sudden, sharp urge to strike him, but I kept my hands hidden behind my back because they were shaking.

I remembered the sorcerer's warning from five years ago, and I knew the spell which was keeping his mind locked was falling apart.

"Yesterday on the execution ground," I said, stepping closer to test his loyalty. "The girl spoke to you and my guards said she murmured something right before you swung the axe."

Kaelen shifted his weight, and I caught a tiny clench in his jaw. "She was just begging, sir and mumbling nonsense, which I paid no attention to her words."

"Nonsense?" I asked, pushing him harder because I needed to hear him break. "Are you sure? She did not speak a name like Rowan? Or perhaps the Blink?"

Kaelen went completely still, and his eyes snapped up to meet mine. I saw raw recognition and pain in his glare, and my heart raced. I felt a surge of cold dread in my gut.

"No," Kaelen whispered, as he swallowed hard. "She said nothing about a blink, Your Majesty and by the way what does that word mean?" He asked looking at me curiously.

I knew he was lying to me, and my anger flared alongside my fear as he was trying to protect himself, and I realized he was going to start looking for answers in the city archives or from the girl.

I felt a dark impulse to pull my dagger and stab him right there, but I controlled myself. I realized what would happen if he discovered my secret.

Five years ago, I destroyed his life to save my own power. I stole his soul, slaughtered his family, and stuffed his broken mind into a blank shell so I could have an obedient butcher.

If he remembered who he was, he would tear my castle apart with his bare hands, and he would butcher me in my own bed.

"I.. it means nothing," I lied, waving my hand because I wanted him out of my sight. "Forget I mentioned it. You have a job to do, Kaelen. Find the girl and use whatever violence is necessary."

"Yes, Your Majesty," he murmured, and then he gave me a clumsy bow as he rose.

He turned and walked away, and I listened to his boots until the door shut. I felt like I was choking in the quiet room because right now I wanted to scream, but I bit my lip until I tasted bitterness with the rage burning inside of me.

I made up my mind right then that I could not let him live another day. My desire to keep my crown was stronger than my need for his service.

"Commander," I called out into the dark corner as three guard stepped out from the shadows.

They wore ash-grey leather and iron masks that covered their faces completely. My unseen guards were killers who handled the dark jobs, even which my public executioner could not touch, and I trusted them to finish what I started.

"You called, my King?" the leader asked, and his voice sounded raspy and thin.

"Kaelen is compromised and he is turning to be a prey," I said, and I rubbed my face because I felt sick.

"The girl broke something inside his head, and he is remembering his old life. I saw it in his eyes, and I know he lied to my face."

The three killers stood quietly, waiting for my command.

"I want them both dead," I said, leaning forward because I wanted them to hear my desperation. "Do you understand me? Hunt the girl down, but put Kaelen down first. Do not let him leave the city walls. He is no longer my weapon, and he is today's target."

"And what if he resists, sir?" the leader asked. "He is skilled with a blade, and he knows how we fight."

"Then cut off his limbs and bring me his head!" I yelled, losing my temper because I could not hide my terror anymore.

"He has no shadow, and he is a ghost! If he remembers his past, none of us will survive the night. So kill him now!"

The three assassins bowed, and they disappeared into the dark corners of my room without making a sound.

I could not stay inside my private quarters because I felt trapped.

Then an hour later, I walked down into the city courtyard, surrounded by twenty armed guards. I needed to see my people, and I needed to feel like a powerful monarch again.

I wanted to feel the pride of my rule, but my anxiety ruined every step I took.

The market square was crowded, but nobody was laughing or shouting. A nervous murmur ran through the crowd, and I saw my guards slapping wet paper against the stone pillars. I pushed my way through the peasants because I wanted to see the posters with my own eyes.

The word TRAITOR was printed at the top in large letters and beneath it was a drawing of Kaelen's face, showing his sharp sculptured face and his dark eyes. I watched the peasants whisper in horror as they recognized the butcher who had served me for five years.

They had always feared his black hood, but now they stared at his bare face with disgust and horror.

I felt a cold thrill of relief as I looked at the parchment. I had made my choice, and there was no turning back. By afternoon, every guard, hunter, and peasant in Aethelgard would be hunting him for my gold.

My survival was guaranteed as long as he died before sunset.

Run as fast as you want, Rowan, I thought, as a nasty smile touched my lips and I walked back to my castle. You cannot hide from an entire kingdom when your face is posted on every wall, and I will watch you hang.