Nine Tales [BL]

4.13

The moment had finally arrived after years of hard work. Renshu stood on the bottom steps of the throne. The Khopesh's blade was firmly against the neck of the kneeling king.

His red eyes glared up at him, teeth grinding so hard Renshu could hear them.

"Times have changed, father." Renshu looked sweetly down at the man. "You have grown old and-."

"Komes." The king called out the first prince's name.

"- weak," Renshu tapped the blade against the king's neck. "It's time for the new generation to take control."

"Why?" The king's voice was low and controlled, but it was useless. His pale pallor and sweaty face betrayed his true feelings.

"It's nothing personal, I promise." Renshu patted the old man's cheeks, watching them flush in anger. "You're just in the way. I tried doing it the polite way, influencing your decisions through voices in your ears." Renshu gestured to the surrounding nobles, either buyouts or supporters of the Breakers.

Renshu's face twisted. "But you just won't enforce the Freedom Act."

"Komes."

"I'm tired of waiting!" Renshu paused, then took a deep breath before he smiled once more. "Now, I don't have to."

The king's eyes bulged as the blade drew blood.

"Know your name will be a sentence in history books while mine will live on in infamy, the king who freed the genies and killed the former king in the name of justice."

"You-!"

Renshu pulled back the blade, and with a hard swing, decapitated the king. He grinned as the king's head detached from the neck with a long slurp, rolling across the floor. Renshu turned around and headed towards the throne, the body toppling behind him with a thud.

Renshu sat on the hard throne, flexing his hands against the armrests as the surrounding nobles thumped their chest and kneeled.

"Long live the king!"

"Long live the king!"

"Long live the king!"

Renshu rested his cheek on his fist. "Long live me."

Renshu held out his hand. The nobles went quiet.

"Spread the word of a new era. An era of freedom and peace. My first act as king will be to approve the Freedom Act."

Cheers rang from the nobles.

"Let the citizens know I tried to politely persuade my father to change his rule, to care about his people, to no avail. He disappointed me when he suddenly attacked me during an argument and I was forced to slay him. Because of this, I will lift taxes for one year, in hopes the gods can forgive this unfilial son."

Renshu smiled. "It truly was a tragedy."

The nobles bowed their heads. "We hear and obey."

As they filed out of the room, Rein Nett piped up. [Your story has holes.]

Renshu scoffed and stood up. "The humans won't care. I'm pushing the nobles' agenda and the citizens don't have to pay the crown. They'll be quiet for a while." Renshu left the throne room. "Besides, I just have to worry until Rank 10. The long term isn't a top priority. What is my current Rank?"

[Rank 7]

Renshu tsked. "Still not high enough."

"After they captured Rani, the gods weren't pleased."

"Well, we fix that now."

Renshu headed towards the king's chambers. Outside the room, Rani kneeled, thin and pale. He appeared to be half-asleep, and the wall behind him was the only thing keeping him upright.

There were no guards outside the room. Renshu had sent them away long ago.

"Rani."

Rani raised his head. The bruises in his eyes seemed to swallow the light in his eyes. Rani sighed. "You shouldn't be here."

Renshu's heart sank, but he straightened up. "The king can do whatever he wants."

Rani looked up again, frowning.

Renshu smiled. "I just became king."

Rani's face went slack.

Then he relaxed slowly, a smile forming on the corner of his mouth. "Does this mean I need to change my address to you again?"

Renshu smirked. "It's been hard on you." Renshu pushed open the door.

"Now, why don't you show me where your lamp is?"

Rani led Renshu towards the cabinet, where the lamp sat inside like a trophy. Renshu picked up the lamp and rubbed the smooth golden exterior.

Renshu smiled and turned to Rani. "You know, with this, I could keep you by my side for eternity."

Rani stretched out his finger and wrapped it around Renshu's ring finger. "You don't need a lamp for that."

Renshu blushed before huffing, "I don't approve of slavery, anyway." He sat on the bed. "What should my three wishes be?"

Rani sat down beside him. "Whatever you want."

"Hmm..." Renshu played with the lamp. "I wish the citizens look favorably upon me."

Rani cocked his head. "I can get those who accept your rule to support it wholeheartedly."

Renshu nodded. "Second wish. I hope you can minimize the citizens' negative thoughts about genies."

Rani inclined his head.

"Third." Renshi tapped his chin and stared at the ceiling. He glanced at Rani. "I wish for you to return to peak health."

Rani froze, looking up at Renshu.

Renshu looked away.

Rani smiled, grabbed Renshu's hand, and kissed the back. "Your wish is my command."