A kingdom of Deceit and Lust

Chapter 2 (Alexander)

Alexander Vivern lay basking in the warth of a deep marble bath. So this is what unquestioning loyalty got you, he pondered as his mind recounted the days events.

Merely hours ago he had been called from his training to see the king.

This wasn't unusual given the fact that Alexander was a highly ranking General in the Kings Royal Guard.

He entered a cavernous Hall, a long wooden table took up most of the room. It used to be the headquarters of the war only a few years ago. They named the war the Battle of the Unforgivables. It lasted 25 years after the slaughter of all the magical beings of Cairn. The war raged on the borders of the kingdom between the battalions of the King and the magical creatures of the North. Eventually the Kings forces stamped them out and there hasn't been a hint of a rebellion since.

At the head of the table sat the King, looking regal yet wicked in his blood red armour adorned with glistening War medals.

What has he done to deserve those medals. He's never lifted a finger on the front line.

"Sire" Alexander said leaning into a deep bow. "You summoned me?"

"Yes, yes I did" The king murmured, his armour clanking together as he sat up straighter. "I have some news for you general"

Oh shit, does he know?

Clearly seeing Alexander's discomfort the King chuckled "Don't worry Gerneral its noting bad, infact it's rather good news."

"Do tell, my Lord" Alexander replied relief washing over him.

"As you are well aware I am sure, there is a ball oucuring tomorrow evening to celebrate 21 years since the end of the war."

Alexander nodded along. Of course he knew about the ball, the entire city has been abuzz for weeks, even the soldiers were rather excited.

I suppose they have good reason this is the night the king names his heir.

The Kings entire family had died after a small pox outbreak in the castle about 15 years ago. Although Alexander was only young when the tragedy struck he could remember the sadness that suffocated the kingdom when the deaths were announced. Mrs Waddings, the director of the orphanage, had made all the children wear black bands around one arm for an entire month. He could still feel the itch of the tight fabric.

The king continued "I have applied you to be my personal guard General Vivern so be sure to send your armour to the maids to be polished before tomorrow."

Alexander stood there stock still staring at the black marble flooring.

PERSONAL GUARD!!?? This is insane.

Personal Guard is the highest honour you can get. Its the king telling you he trusts you with his life.

"Your Honour, I am so very grateful for this opportunity and I promise to do my very best to protect you." Alexander said bowing once more.

That could have gone much worse.

~*~

The words still echoed in his mind as the bubbles in the bath began to diminish.

With every promotion I get closer to him. I can't keep up my secret much longer.

Worries flittered through his mind.

He shook his head as if to try and rid it of the thoughts. He hastily stood and grasped a towel from by the basin. He removed the plug and rapped the soft cotton around his waist. He shuffled through the oak door back into his private quarters.

A large four poster bed took up the middle of the room covered with fresh sheets. Directly across the room next to the door he had just entered from lay a silky blue chaise lounge.

Like I'd ever have the time to sit and relax.

Right above it hung a large portrait of the King that stared down at him wherever he moved. The golden frame reflected the dim candle light. On the right side of the room thick grey curtains covered a large floor to ceiling window trailing on the floor. The left of the room was decorated with merely a table supporting a few rapidly reducing candles and a tall wooden door.

It wasn't as grand as the Kings quarters but for a general this was a very fine room. This is what being the Kings favourite officer got you.

With a sigh Alexander wandered over to a small chest of drawers and rummaged about for some comfortable trousers. After much digging he found a soft linen pair. He threw his towel to the floor by the door and pulled them on. He knew the maids would clear it and there would be a fresh one in the bathroom by the morning. Ignoring the pair of silk pyjamas already laid out for him on the bed, he stuffed them in a drawer and clambered between the sheets.

His muscles ached from a long day training but despite the comfort of the clean bed he knew he would never sleep. His mind was too full of the ball and what was to come.

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