Assassination
1030 Words
The royal guards bowed down and opened the doors. A jolly sight and lively music immediately engrossed me.
All the guests were seated appropriately at the long tables. In the the centre , the rulers shared a round table with a vacant seat beside Queen Megaris, awaiting my presence.
Most of the castle servants stood at the sides with their backs against the wall.
I find Delias positioned near king Ozer. She was staring so cruiously at the Shaadhan King that she didn't even notice my entrance.
'Delias once told me she was of Shaadhan descent. She must be dying to talk to King Ozer.'
Delias soon noticed me. Imminent joy spread across her face as she caught my gaze.
Duke osmont and the council started mingling with the guests as soon as I entered into the hall.
At my table, I was warmly greeted by the ruler of the four kingdoms.
"Greetings, Queen Ellaire."
"Well met, King Leoric.
"If I may, Queen Ellaire, the way you answered the council questions was remarkable. You truly are as wise as you are beautiful."
"King D' Mario is absolutely right, Queen Ellaire. I was in awe with your intelligence."
"Perception--just what I expected from a Terspia Queen."
"I'm honored by your kind words, your Majesties. "
Soon, the hall quieted down as the servants starts serving the extravagant food dishes they had spent morning preparing.
A wine maid place golden chalices before me and the rulers. Then one by one, she poured something clear and water- like into each chalies, starting with mine.
A refreshing, yet intoxicating floral scent immediately filled the air around me.
"Mmm...this must be the renowned Terspia Nectar."
The Maithan king took an enthusiastic sip from his chalice.
"By the spirit! This taste is heavenly! I have yet to taste one as rich and flavorful as this one." King Leoric exclaimed.
King Leoric took another sip of the Terspia Nectar. Instead if swallowing it at once, he closed his eyes and let the wine roll around his tongue.
"Such sevine savor...I must ask your blessed wine maker for this recipe, Queen Ellaire."
"Thank you, king Leoric. I made this wine myself with a bit of herbs mixed within. Not only does it taste better, the combination of the herbs I added will also soothe winter coughs." I explained happily. I love to talk about herbs.
"Your skills in herbalism is rather impressive, Queen Ellaire."
"Thank you, king D'Mario. I have dabbled in the art of healing and medicinal herbs."
Bit by bit, the leaders finished their wines to the last drop. The wine maid returned with a new jug of wine as I continued the conversation.
After filling my chalices, she lifted the jug up and moved towards Queen Megaris. A light clink sounded from the bottom of it.
'Something is inside that jug'
My eyes locked cruiously on the jug as the wine maid proceeded to replenish Terspia Nectar for the Queen of Xael.
The gurgling sound deemed down with the chalice filling up. I couldn't help but notice the wine's maid hand shivering.
Suddenly, she reached inside the jug of wine, and within a flash, she was swinging a silver stiletto at Queen Megaris!
I charged towards the wine maid with all my strength and knocked her off Queen Megaris.
"Ha-yah!"
The assassin lost her footing and tumbled towards king D'Mario.
The well trained Rajahilian king took control of the chaotic situation by tackling the wine maid.
The dagger in her hand dropped onto the marble floor with a clank.
Almost instantly, a stampede of alarmed royal guards and Xaelian attendant surrounded my table.
Wyatt snaked through the crowd and, like a stone tower, stood protectively before me with a shield in his hand.
"My Queen!"
"I'm alright."
Captain Gillot quickly seized the wine maid from the floor as king D'Mario rose from the ground.
"We are in your debt,your Majesty." Gillot said, voice filled with respect.
"Think nothing of it. Things like this happen rather often." King D'Mario replied.
Duke osmont brushed past me and hurried to the Xaelian Queen. His body arched into a half bow with his arm graciously accross his chest.
"My deepest apologies, your Majesty
Are you hurt?"
"I am not. Thanks to our tenacious Queen of Terspia."
The Xaelian Queen turned to me.
"You have my thanks, queen Ellaire, and my respect."
"You are very welcome, Queen Megaris."
Duke osmont returned his attention to the captured wine maid on the floor. Under Captain Gillot restrain, her head was lowered with hands bound behind her back.
"Who sent you, Assassin?"
The Grand hall fell into dreadful silence with every pair of eyes fixated on the wine maid's drooping, unmoving head.
Getting no reply, Duke osmont gets annoyed.
"Look at me!"
Captain Gillot grabbed the wine maid's hair and jerked it backward. "Answer His Highness! Who gave you the order to--"
Ear-splitting screams echoed all around. With my stomach churning, I forced my legs, which were half- paralyzed by the horrifying sight, forward to inspect the lifeless assassin before me.
Black blood were oozing from her wide-opened eyes and mouth corners. Even in death, she filled the hall with a menacing aura.
Tentatively, I took two steps forward and looked inside her mouth.
"There's a small pouch of death needle in her mouth!" I Muttered but in the quiet hall it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"It must have been hidden under her tongue. Upon being captured, she released the toxin by bitting it in order to avoid being interrogated. Such cowardice!" Treasurer Xavier said in a fustrated tone.
"We will get to the bottom of this, your Majesty. You have my word." Duke osmont said to Queen Megaris.
"An Assassin who's determined enough to give their life for a mission often leave no loose ends. It's quite all right, Duke osmont. Many have tried to claim my head; none have succeeded so far."
'Many have tried to kill Queen Megaris? But why? All because she's the Queen of the most powerful kingdom in isrion? If this is what it means to rule a kingdom, I ought to be prepared.'
- Writer
