H̶e̶l̶l̶ Hail King || ONC 2021(Longlister)

XII. Bird food

Beating himself over the incident was neither going to erase the past nor was it going to make interactions between him and Jupiter any less awkward. Did that stop him from doing so? No, it did not. Humans could not elude human nature. They feel regret and they regret feeling.

"Sir?"

"Jupiter. Do you ever shut up?"

"It's Callum."

Edward was perched on a chair, hunched over his desk and writing the notes from the afternoon meeting. He would never do it at his own will, it was homework given to him by his father. His pen stopped for a second before he resumed as he inquired the soldier. "What about Callum? What happened to him?"

"No, I meant it is not Jupiter. It is Callum, sir."

Edward spun around and indeed it was Callum. And why would it not be Callum? He was the one to send Jupiter to his room in the servant quarters to rest.

"That is not a matter of significance here. I am more concerned about you invading my privacy and barging into my chamber without permission, soldier." Edward ensured to stress Callum's title to indirectly suggest the triviality of his name. He was petty like that.

Poor Callum did not stand a chance, that was what the King thought. Wishful thinking on his part. Contrary to the King's opinion, Callum was a man made of steel. He squared his shoulders and answered the King in his usual polite tone. "A maid arrived with a message from Sir Adam. He has requested you to join him for a private breakfast in the garden tomorrow."

"That still does not answer my question."

"I knocked a few times. When I received no response, I grew wary of your well-being and I let myself in at once. You were preoccupied with your thoughts, sir."

"That is enough. I understand. Go back to your position."

Once the sound of the door closing reached his ears, he took a deep breath. Jupiter was driving him towards insanity. Maybe it was the soldier's boldness or his droll reactions to the actions affecting him. Be it either of those or none, a scheme was required. He had a vague sense of what his next step should be. Hurrying to the door, he flung it wide open.

"Callum!"

"Your Highness."

"I surmise that Jupiter must be well-rested by now. You can swap places with him and roost yourself."

Albeit mystified due to the king's bipolar personality that changed every minute, Callum did as he was told. Moreover, it was more free time for him. He relayed the order of the king to a passing maid and waited patiently to retire for the night until his replacement showed up.

They exchanged a head nod and he went on his merry way afterward.

Ten minutes later, Edward was calling him inside and offering him the same chair where he sits when in the chamber. It was as if the chair was becoming his chair.

Edward deposited his hands on the armrest of the chair and stooped his head down at a moderate pace. When he was at eye level with the soldier, he probed. "Tell me. What is going on in your head?"

"You are suspiciously friendly today," Jupiter blurted out.

Edward noticed his rounded eyes and deer-in-the-headlights expression and inferred that the soldier had startled himself. The beads of perspiration were a clear testimony to his deduction.

"I am being extra polite today." Jupiter almost snorted at the word 'extra.' The falsity in the dialogue was painstakingly evident. "My theory is: I caught bad luck since coming into contact with you because I have never apologized so much in my life and here I am, ready to do it again. My apologies for touching you inappropriately." I did not realize it was you, he wanted to add but did not in fear of worsening the situation.

Yet again Jupiter had no choice but to accept. "You are forgiven." As the words left him, the King's aura transformed into a hair-raising one. Jupiter gulped.

"Do not think the incident meant I am into men and try to take advantage. It was a mistake. If you dare spread rumors or I hear a bird chirp about the accident, I will grate your body into the tiniest pieces, turning it into bird food. Later, I will proceed to feed you to the same chirping bird every day."

Jupiter had to put all his strength into not running away far from the king as well as the kingdom. He must admit Edward had a way with words. 'Incident' changing into 'accident' was not a coincidence and the purpose behind it was not lost on him. Terrified, he bobbed his head rapidly, agreeing with the king. He had lost his voice.

Edward turned him speechless. Jupiter wondered if he would ever be able to return the favor. If your secret is unveiled..., he shushes his mind before the traitor could finish the sentence. His secret should never come out. It would cost him everything – his career, his identity and maybe his life.