King of Darkness and The White Flame

“Ever since I gave the order to get rid of the symbols and posts around each faction, I’ve noticed a lot of the servants giving me attitude.” I spread some jam on a slice of toast, while Asher paced the room. “Well, what did you expect? None of us know why you’ve had a change of heart. Our values are based on being able to do what we want, when we want, and here you are, changing up the rules and GIVING us rules. That’s not what we do here.”  I knew where he was coming from, but I couldn’t exactly tell him why I had a change of heart. If he knew, he’d have me committed for sure, or worse, kick me out to live with The Wilds or The Chosen. I throw the slice of toast back down onto the plate. “You need to change it back.” He says.  “You know I can’t do that Asher.”  “No, I don’t know, because you refuse to tell me!” Asher slams his hand on the table. The pot of fruit goes flying. The loud crash startles the birds on the window sill and sends them flying off. “Was that necessary?” I stand up and go towards the window, I sprinkle some bread crumbs on the sill and hope they come back. Birds were rare. Animals in general were rare. Most of them were killed in the fire - with the rest of the population - we were only a handful that were left behind.  “I’m sorry Your Highness, I only fear a rebellion against you. There have already been talks.” Asher looks ashen and a little reluctant to say too much. I wonder if he fears what I might do to him if he says too much. I look a lot like my mother, perhaps that’s why.  “What kind of talks?” I ask.  “I’ve heard people say that you’ve become soft. That you’re nothing like your parents and that it might work against you.” He looks away and looks almost ashamed.  “Who has been saying these things? Find the person who has said this and bring him to me” The shock on Asher’s face is laughable. My stomach turns that I’d even uttered the words, but I need to get my reputation back. I already regret the request. I can’t take it back however.  Asher leaves immediately to put in the order. I hear the servants scurry like rats in the castle. I sit down heavily on my bed. My head sank. Soon I’d have to be as ruthless as my parents to some helpless person, who’d merely spoken a few words about how soft I’d become. Which is true. And all because of a stupid dream. It felt so real. I could have sworn it was. The heat of the fire, the soft gentle voice. I knew, when I woke up, that those symbols had to go.  A loud knock on my door brings me back to the present. “Enter.” I called. Asher has returned, my stomach twists, hoping he hadn’t returned with the man so soon. To my surprise, he’s holding the hand of a girl instead.  “Let go of me.” she says as she struggles against him. He let’s her go but not before giving her a little push, which sends her to the floor, at my feet.  “What is this Asher?” I demand. “A gift Your Highness. To welcome you back from your momentary lapse in judgement.” He smirks and leaves, closing the door behind him.  “Look!” the girl stands up and backs away from me. “I know your type! I have brothers. If you hurt me, I will let them know and they will come for you. Regardless of your royal status!” Her face is indignant. I chuckle at her naivete. She looks confused and backs up even further. She turns to run to the door and tries to open the handle but it’s locked. Asher must have locked it from the outside. I put a hand to my face.  “You have nothing to worry about Miss. I have no interest in what you have to offer.” I say. I walk to the table and pour myself a cup of water.”  “Ugh, you wish! I have NOTHING to offer you.” She exclaims. I just shake my head. I know it’s going to be a long night ahead. Might as well try and get to know her, set her at ease before this night feels longer than it has to.  “What’s your name?” I hand her a cup of water. She takes it, smells it, then drinks. “Thank you. I’m Lilith.” I nod my head “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lilith. You can rest assured, nothing will happen here that you don’t want to happen. Please, have a seat. We are unfortunately locked in for the night, so you might as well make yourself comfortable.” She doesn’t look very happy, but she moves closer to the table. “Are you hungry? Here’s plenty of food for the both of us.”  I hand her a plate and she helps herself to the chicken, rice and potatoes. “Which faction are you from?” I ask her. With a mouthful of food she responds “J” I nod and leave her to finish her food before asking any more questions.  When she finishes, she yawns. “Tired already?” I ask. “Yes, sorry. It was a long walk till here.” “Walk? Why did you walk when Asher has a carriage?” I asked. “I meant the walk from The Chosen. I was here, in The Skulls, when I was picked up by your servant.” Did she say The Chosen?  “What were you doing in The Chosen?” I ask “I live there. I told you, Faction J.” I always forget the faction that is part of The Society but not part of our way of life used to be called Faction J. We just refer to it as The Chosen now.  “What’s it like over there? Sounds like a killjoy.” I snort in contempt. “All those rules and not being able to do so much.”  She lifts an eyebrow and I have a feeling she can see right through me.  “It’s not as bad as your people seem to make it. In fact, we live quite well. There seems to have been a scarcity in meat lately and clothes lately but otherwise, we all do well in getting along. I’d say, only from what I’d seen this afternoon, that it’s much safer there, than it is here too.” She doesn’t have a trace of judgement in her voice as she says this, which surprises me more than what she’s said.  “I’ve never been over there.” I admit out loud.  “How Come?”  “My parents never allowed it while they were alive. They’ve always told everyone about how boring it is and how the way we live is just so much better. Nobody has ever even requested to go over there. To be honest, I didn’t think there’d be anything significantly different than here.” “Well it is. Significantly different.” She says.  “Can you tell me a bit about it?” I ask. We’re both sitting on the bed now. Legs crossed, facing each other. Now that she’s this close I can see how beautiful she is. Her hair is perfectly smooth and as dark as the deepest part of the river, her face flawless. She has natural pink lips with a natural gloss. Her eyes are the colour of the sand along the shore. She doesn’t look like any of the other girls from the factions. As she talks, her hair bounces and her hands move, twisting and flicking her wrists. “So, you see? It’s not like here, where I had to run from someone who whistled behind me after I’d greeted him and he’d wanted to attack. If it wasn’t for Asher, I might have ended up in a much worse position than here. Which, by the way, thank you for not doing anything… but also, why?”  “I don’t believe in just taking what I want.” I answer. “But isn’t that what your kind is about?” She asks.  “Yes, but, I just… I don’t feel okay doing it.” She smiles, nods and then yawns again.  “So, how are we going to do this?” she asks. My eyebrows shoot up and she laughs. “I mean, how are we going to sleep? I wouldn’t feel comfortable sleeping in the same bed as you.” She’s right, even though all I want to do is feel her close. “The couch pulls out.” I mention, gesturing towards it.  “Great. Here’s a pillow for you.” She says and hands me the pillow. She lifts the covers and gets into my bed. I’m standing and staring at her, hugging my pillow and dumbfounded by her audacity. She just seems too innocent to yell at, so I admit defeat and pull out the couch. I get a few blankets out of the closet and make myself comfortable. As I lay there, in the dim light, I cannot take my eyes off her. Her sleepy body rising and falling with her breathing and her face is so at peace. Something I’d never known or seen anyone experience before.  Early the next morning, I hear footsteps on the stairs nearby. I also know that Asher will give me a long lecture and most likely lead a rebellion himself if he doesn’t find me in bed with this girl. So I get up, hide my blankets under the bed and gently lift the covers where Lilith is still sound asleep. Just as I get under, I hear the door unlock and Asher comes bursting in.  “Rise and Shine Lovebirds!” He shouts as he enters. Lilith gives a little scream as she shoots up and hugs the covers close to her chest. She turns to see me laying next to her and looks confused, but says nothing. Asher looks victorious.  “Time to get up and go,” he says to her.  “Rude.” she huffs. But quickly puts on her shoes and runs out of the open door. I instantly regret not asking her sooner, where I could get in contact with her again.  “Good news, Sir.” Asher says. “We’ve found the blabber mouth. We have him in custody. His head will be yours momentarily.”  I feel the blood in my head drain and the twist in my stomach return. Too late to back out. I have no idea how to get this right. My dad was better at leading this kingdom.  “Great.” I say bleakly.  “I thought you’d be happier.” Asher observes.  “Who said I’m not?” I challenge him. He doesn’t respond, but I can tell by the look on his face that he doesn’t believe me. “Well, we have bad news too. Turns out, word of the rebellion has spread even further than just The Skulls.” I snicker for a minute, “You cannot believe that The chosen would rebel against me.” But Asher deadpans. “Not The Chosen, The Wilds. One of the cities hasn't sent their monthly income.” What is happening? Has word about me removing the Symbols spread so far already? And why would The Wilds care what we do anyway? “Why wouldn’t they send their provisions?” I ask. “Apparently Mesha believes you’re not as tough as your parents or your brother Aziah.” He raises one eyebrow and struggles to hold back a smirk.  “Mesha. Of course it would be Mesha.” Mesha was King of Mole City.  “What are you going to do?” His question; a direct challenge. I can see the wheels turning in his head. He is waiting for me to mess up. One more screw up and I’m toast. He’ll lead the people to overthrow me the moment he gets a chance.  “We’re going to war. Get the soldiers ready.” This both shocked and clearly pleased Asher.  “Right away, Sir.” He smiles and walks out with a new bounce in his step. Once again, I’m sitting with my head in my hands and my stomach in a twist. I can already see our defeat or worse, I might kill a lot of people and I don’t think I want this life anymore.