Uncrowned

Ch 9: Take Me in Bed

Thank you to those who read the latest chapter! It means a lot to know that you guys stuck around!
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We arrive in Alredia several hours before noon. Though it is still morning, the sun blisters, its scorching rays enveloping everything in sight. I survey my surroundings; Alredians bustle about, faces bright and mood nonchalant. It almost seems as if I have entered a new world.

Never have I seen people so care free, so... happy. Always in the Kingdom of Shadows are the people frantic and cautious, standing vigilance for any impending dangers. Their faces haggard, deprived, nearly dead. Yet, nearly a day's travel across the border are content, well-fed features moving along with a graceful ease.

My fists tighten around the rein of a stolen black mare. Hatred penetrates my heart in a flurry as I cast a solemn look at Samuel.

How much had he taken from us? How long was he willing to let his people suffer?

I never imagined of a home outside the slums, outside the dark murks of the Capital. I was too caught up with surviving; buried under the shadows of looming death.

His Majesty clears his throat, breaking me out of my loathing and wistfulness,

"I will go to the Alredian king. As you relayed, I have nothing to offer. Instead, I will take."

I cock my head to the side, ignoring the internal rush of pleasure from having been included.

"You intend to threaten him," I conclude.

Samuel nods, "I shall tell him to reject the Lucians' offer, or his life will be mine."

"What is to keep him from betraying you?"

The Dark King hesitates, mouth tightening, and I brace myself for his egotistic reply. Instead, he sighs, turning to me with watchful eyes.

"I plan to bind him to his word using my magic. If he is foolish enough to go against my desires, his life shall be forfeited immediately."

I nod, curious as to how his powers function, along with my own. But I keep the questions tucked away for another time.

"What am I to do?"

The crimson eyed man opens his mouth to speak, but quickly closes it, body tensing. I follow his gaze, shifting to the distant right.

There are simply vendors and customers.

I furrow my brows, and sift through the crowd, only to be greeted with the same view.

Samuel notices my dilemma and scoffs, "Use your magic, imbecile."

Restraining the urge to tackle him from his steed, I do as he says, and focus the raw energy around me. At first, there is nothing, but I do not allow that to discourage me. I push forward with my mind, and delve further into the abyss of hidden power.

Similar to before, a rush of cold, potent energy rushes over me, a tsunami among others. It is as strong as the General's, and perhaps more deadly. Pride drowns out the deafening energy as I follow the flickers of magic to its source.

My head shoots to His Majesty, "They're early."

Panic seeps through my voice, as my eyes widen.

I pursue the wisps of threads once more, determining their location.

"We need to get to the castle," Samuel commands.

"No," I defy, "You have to. I will distract them."

The hues of Samuel's eyes darken, "They are not the same men from the tavern nor from the siege at my palace. You cannot hold your own against them."