H̶e̶l̶l̶ Hail King || ONC 2021(Longlister)

VI. Obey

This is fine. Safe.

Standing behind the cushioned chair of the king and observing the surrounding was fine. In this way, he could soak up the magnificence of the vast flowery garden without withholding himself. It was home to many plants - roses, lilies, orchids, peonies, daffodils, hibiscus, and sunflowers. However, the garden boasted a wide array of vibrant tulips. Having a variety of flowers made the site look like a mass mess of colors, a pleasant mess nonetheless.

He was certain that there was a pond or a fountain located in the northern part of the garden. His eyes had caught sight of four ducks flying from that direction so far. On a free day, he would be delighted to go and see for himself.

"Art is a hobby of mine and nothing more."

The word 'art' had Jupiter's ears perked up. Curiosity tugged at him. What connection would these high Lords have with art, apart from the intention of showing off?

"You are being modest, my Majesty." The words - with a hint of transparent jest - were directed at the king. "We have heard about your knack for art."

Ignorant King Edward had a knack for the depths of art? The notion was laughable but not impossible.

"A hobby."

Lord Ellington - another ally of the kingdom - raised his hands in surrender. "If you insist, but we would at least like to know this: What do you create?"

"Problems."

Jupiter did not mean for his tongue to slip and speak his mind but to his misery, exactly that happened. No matter if it was a barely audible mumble, the formation of letters has left his cursed mouth. He dreaded the distress that was to come his way.

At that time, he was an atheist praying to a God he didn't think existed.

"What did you say?"

Jupiter gulped, frightened out of his senses. The king was wynorrific - a rare type of handsome accompanied by a sardonic look on his face. 

"Nothing, sir. It was...a fragment of my inner thoughts that escaped unintentionally."

Edward turned back in his seat after mouthing the only word of communication between them - Obey.

The four-letter word had an immediate impact on Jupiter. Yet another time, his lips sealed with an invisible glue and numbness filled his core.

The tea party - as Jupiter dubbed it - was soon over and he was once again left in the king's care. As gathered from the records, King Edward was not a good caretaker.

"Sentry, come with me."

With his heart hammering inside his chest, Jupiter obliged. A relieved sigh escaped his lips after realizing that they were following the path to the king's bed-chamber. The relief was short-lived; the king left the door open in his wake and said a firm "Enter."

"But Sir Renard..."

"Told you my room is off-limits. I am aware. It is that way because this is my sanctuary and I prefer not to be disturbed unnecessarily while I am here. Now, will you please come inside, Your Highness or are you not done with questioning my authority?"

Embarrassed, Jupiter rushed inside and closed the door at the king's say.

Edward did not like the soldier a bit. He was letting him off the hook only because he had already begun the search for a new sentry. This one did not stand a chance once his search brought in good results.

Jupiter was not given the time to explore the king's bed-chamber with his eyes as he was given yet another order.

"Bring that chair from near the dresser and sit."

Jupiter obliged his king's wishes.

The King too settled down on the bed with his feet up and stared. He kept his eyes hooked upon the soldier until the poor man was squirming in his seat, crossing and uncrossing his legs. In the beginning, his eyes were still, gazing at the carpeted floor. As time passed and he did not relent with his mischievous ministrations, the man's eyes began darting left to right and back. Edward was thoroughly entertained.

With a jerk, Jupiter sprang to his feet. Anger boiled in his eyes which were then piercing Edward with a deadly glare. "Stop leering."

"You have so much sass filled in that tiny body of yours." Indeed, Jupiter was tiny as compared to Edward. Where the former was 6'6", the latter was 7'2". Jupiter did not grace the king with a reply. The fact that he was no more in the glare of the King made him relax.

Edward was giddy. The entertainment provided by his newest toy was of top-tier quality. Hence, he decided on playing a little more. Slowly, he began to unbutton the garment covering his upper body.

Jupiter's brown orbs turned wide as saucers and his face acquired a red hue. With the undoing of each button, his cheeks got rosier. Edward was trying his best not to release a mocking chuckle.

"You look warm. Your skin has gone red. Are you fine? You are resembling a tomato."

"Stop tormenting me." The clenching of his fists did not go unnoticed by Edward.

"You are a man yourself, yet you shy from another man's body like a new bride. Are you sure you are a man?"

"No. Yes. I mean it is not that. In camps, we change among many others but it feels intimate when there are only two people present."

"You will grow used to it."

"I still respect privacy," declared Jupiter and swiveled around.

"Turning your back on me the first day, sentry? Reverse your action immediately."

Since it was an order, Jupiter had to listen and obey. Although, it did not mean he could not find his way around. He shut his eyes after veering back to his previous position.

"You are a nuisance."

"I did not disobey."

"What if my next command for you is to open your eyes?"

"Don't do th-that."

"You lied. What is the real reason?"

"I am in-into men."

And Edward laughed, amused and carefree.