H̶e̶l̶l̶ Hail King || ONC 2021(Longlister)

V. In the restroom

Jupiter was appalled at the decree that very casually left the king's mouth.

"I don't follow, my king."

"You seem like a smart person, I am confident you can understand a simple command by your king."

Praying that the king would go back on his command went in vain. The smug upturn of his lips proved he was out to torment. It was clear as day that His Majesty was not a people's person and the soldier was more than an annoyance. In fact, Jupiter was a ripe blister, ready for a merciless slash by a knife.

Only a few handful of times had Edward felt as content as he was feeling at that moment. Finally, he succeeded in throwing the soldier off the grid. Perspiration made up of anxiety collected at the side of the soldier's head and flowed down in the streams of indecision. Hopefully, he would learn to stay within his limits now. While searching his face for more signs of discomfort, Edward's gaze unintentionally moved to his lips. They were a perfect pair, rosy red and plump. Even their shape was perfect; they formed a cupid's bow. They resembled a woman's. How odd! On second thought, his whole face looked feminine. Edward was going to have a lot of fun in the future pointing out that fact.

"Are you mute now? As far as my memory serves me, you weren't a minute ago. Now, listen carefully. Do not run your mouth next time and obey, because the next time you talk about serving me," Edward leaned forward and into Jupiter's personal space before delivering the last blow. "I have other ways to have you serve me." The last words were spoken in a low, threatening voice.

When Edward saw Jupiter freeze in his place, he threw a sarcastic smile at him. "Are you waiting for me to put on a show? Yes? No?" The King's features contorted into something much darker. An ominous aura took over his face and his eyes no longer held humanity. In a menacing voice, he whispered - "Scurry off, kid."

Jupiter felt numb to the toes. What did I get myself into? Only one way to know – stay and see.

"I ca-can't. This is a public place."

"Yes, and it is empty," Edward deadpanned. "And what did we just discuss? Obey."

Without responding, Jupiter spun around to give the king privacy. The said king's anguished groan can be heard in the empty place.

"Follow me, we have a gathering to attend. Remember – Listen and obey."

Jupiter mutely chaperoned the king. They went through a series of corridors and doors to reach their destination. He can see a garden behind the glass doors they were heading towards. One of the two guards stationed there pushed open the doors. Honestly, he had no idea how to define the place except for calling it beautiful. Beautiful was his word for the best things in life. All his life, he had described his mother as beautiful.

"King!"

And his attention was diverted from the scenic garden and set onto the owner of the voice. Thankfulness filled his being. For a moment, he had forgotten his duty. It was easy to forget as his duty had never been important and it never demanded focus. He was just a soldier who stood on the sidelines while his seniors gave him orders to fetch drinks and food as he was young and that made him less, according to them.

"Ah, young soldier!" The same voice from earlier struck a conversation. It was a thin man with an equally thin mustache, beady black eyes, and a teasing smile. Jupiter braced himself. "I hope the king is not keeping you on his toes. Surely, he did not let you sleep last night."

Disgust replaced the feeling of gratitude from earlier. Each one of them laughed at the man's perverse insinuation except a lady – the only lady – and the king. The lady looked unimpressed and the king looked amused but not enough to laugh.

"Take a seat, all of you. I decided an introduction should be made first; my sentry should know people who are closest to me." Jupiter peeked at the king. "Ladies first! Lady Koyal – a reputed minister in my court, an expert in crime investigation and deducing facts by having a look at anyone."

Lady Koyal bowed her head slightly at the king.

"Sir Albert – minister of crops and agricultural reforms."

Bow.

The process of introduction and bowing went on until the last person in the group.

"Lord Caspian – an alley from the neighboring state of Piasi."

Before each introduction, he glanced up and after each, he turned his eyes downcast. The sheer masculinity shining in the eyes of these men and the will to prove it made him want to stay away from them. And if it meant obeying the king, then he would obey the king.