MISTAKEN
1127 Words
King Savghor´s amorphous frame was lazily slumped on a teak garden bench the size of a twin bed. His round buttocks barely contained within its cushioned area while a few rebellious flaps of his flesh still spilled slightly over the edges.
-You definitely are a little troublemaker, aren't you, Kai? – The monarch mockingly said as he fished a greasy piece of sausage from the rich assortment of food displayed in front of him with his plump fingers and threw it into his avid mouth, wetly chewing the meaty treat as he curiously inspected the youngster that had just been escorted before him by two royal guards.
The newcomer remained standing silently against the breathtaking landscape of sparkling waters that stretched for miles on end across the realm, and which the ruler was especially fond of admiring at this hour of the afternoon. The warm light of the setting sun cast shades of pink reflections on everything they touched, including the youngster's scarred face.
-And you mustn’t be very bright either if you are willing to tempt fate after escaping a gruesome death by the skin of your teeth – The King observed – I just witnessed you get away with literally the stupidest offense, so why on earth would you turn to Xiblen of all kingdoms and become Yarinthza's pet?
-Oh, I am afraid that you are terribly mistaken – The visitor calmly announced – Although I am here to speak on Xiblen's behalf, I serve at the pleasure of King Dahro, not the former Queen's, as you've been wrongly led to believe, Your Grace.
-Interesting – Savghor hoarsely mumbled, once he had recovered sufficiently to utter a word. His forehead wrinkling with a concerned frown – Well... I don't know if I care enough to ask how that could possibly happen, but I surely want to learn why you have come to Midland's gate.
-Because we have an offer to make – Kaionte told him, nodding at him with optimistic conviction – And we think you should listen...
-Let me guess – The monarch abruptly interrupted him, dismissively waving his hand and sending speckles of grease flying all over the place – The kid wants me to join forces with him and support his demented expansionist cause. Let me save you some time. I won´t.
-It is not like that – The outsider heatedly debated –He already has a plan, and plenty of supporters… We just need a little kickstart!
-No, you don't. What you need is an army and more guns, not a pat on the back – The Midlander acrimoniously scoffed – But why do you kids seem to think that I am the right person to give you that?
-Because you understand what it is like – Kai vehemently remarked, purposely glancing at the obscene quantity of food that was piled on the table– After all the crap that you've been forced to swallow over the years, you must be craving some payback.
-And that's where you are sorely mistaken as well, my child – Savghor calmly retorted, grabbing a fistful of baked sardines and gobbling it down with the help of a loud chug of wine – I have no interest whatsoever in being part of another pointless revolt.
-I understand why you might feel that way, as you have been let down in the past – The outsider heatedly argued – But this is not a simple revolt, and I assure you that we will succeed this time.
-Yeah… Elande said the exact same thing back in the day and look how well that ended – The ruler bitterly snarled – So, you must forgive my skepticism this time. It is a lovely offer and all, and I appreciate the invitation, but I think I'll pass.
-That's a shame to hear – Kai murmured with a strong hint of insistence in his tone – I had thought that you would like to have your throne back.
-Oh, I do. But I've also learned from my mistakes, and I know my place now – Savghor gloomily conceded, gesturing at his fluffy seat – I would hate to lose what's left of my position, as it is still a fairly comfortable one.
-So what? You give up your power and let them walk all over you! – Kaionte furiously spat in disbelief – You let them treat you like s**t and do as they please just because you are afraid to starve?
- Well, yes, in summary I am – The monarch plainly admitted, staring defiantly into his interlocutor's eyes – And who isn't, uh? There is no shame in trying to save the remains of one's house.
-By surrendering? – The youngster angrily muttered after stealing a cautious look around – By handing your crown over to the council and letting them rule while you uselessly sit back?
-By waiting for the right time to act – Savghor corrected him with a condescending smile – There is more than one way to reign, my child, and you'll save yourselves a lot of pain and disappointment the sooner you and your master learn that fact.
-I see – Kai deduced in sudden realization, slamming a palm on his forehead and knowingly squinting his eyes at him –You have plotted your own little scheme here! Of course, you are hoping that your eldest son will let you guide his hand once he ascends the throne next year… How cute!
-I am – The Midlander starkly agreed, scrunching his nose at him – And I would appreciate that you didn't try to interfere.
-Ah, don't worry, I don't think there's any need, Your Majesty – The visitor chuckled, visibly amused – I'm just curious… What makes you think that the kid is going to willingly roll with it?
-Because he isn't an ungrateful bastard like your master is – Savghor confidently responded, shaking his hand with disdain, then raising a single finger to one of the guards in a wordless command – You can go ahead and tell that dirty brat that I won't finance another traitor's crusade. Now please, do yourself a favor and leave.
The sound of his defeated steps as he descended the stairs of the palace's entrance ringed in his ears like a reminder of his failure as he reluctantly made his way to the gates while he tried to figure out what to do next when a cold hand unexpectedly clutched his arm and his startled yelp turned into an effusive cry once he turned around and found a familiar feminine face hiding under a maid's disguise.
-Elhyna! – Was all he could cheerfully exclaim before her palm forcefully covered his mouth.
- Writer
