Short stories

Damen prince of Emir (continuation of kingdom story)

I walk down the aisle, feeling the stares of the onlookers around me, trying to get a look of their new, strong king.

My breathing speeds up, so does my footsteps. I cross the long aisle faster than I should, and kneel at the feet of the preacher in front of me.

"Hold your hands up and take the royal sword." I do as I'm instructed. He places a long, shiny katana in my shaking hands. It feels oddly heavy, and my arms feel, as usual, weak.

"Will you serve this country with your life, guiding your people to prosperity and success?"

"Yes."

"Will you take your people and protect them with strength and courage?"

"Yes." My voice starts to shake, I can't keep this up for much longer.

"Will you steer them away from anything supernatural and lead them in the right direction?"

"Yes."

"Turn to face your new people."

I do, turning slowly, trying not to shake, and to hold myself upright.

"Do you, Damen, of the royal Janig line, pledge to lead this country as rightful king until you can't any longer?"

"Ye-" My throat closes, and I start openingly trembling, thrown into a coughing fit. The taste of blood enters my mouth, and I fall on my hands and knees.

I look down at the katana that has dropped onto the floor. I see my blue eyes staring at me in fear, my own blood I coughed up distorting my face in the shiny metal.

I breathe heavily, and see the feet in front of me. I know what's coming next, but I look up anyway.

"Your a disgrace to the country son."

"Sir, sir!" I gasp and wake to a young, frightened servant boy at my side, attempting to wake me from my nightmare. "I-I'm sorry to disturb you, but you started shaking and coughing and yelling-"

"It's alright, I'm fine." The servant boy bows, still wide eyed from disturbing royalty. "Thank you." 

The boys eyes widen even farther at my words. "Yes of course your majesty." He exits the room, almost running to get away from me. Can't linger too long otherwise its considered rude. I mentally roll my eyes at the fact.

Now that I'm alone, I notice the tang of blood in my mouth. I really must have been coughing in my sleep.

I get up, and stumble to the bathroom, my legs feeling weak from the terrible sleep I got. I reach the counter, and splash water onto my clammy face.

I get out and get dressed, a nice looking button up shirt with a black vest and black pants. Have to dress nicely being a prince, even if all I want to do is pull on a t-shirt and trousers.

A knock on the door tells me it's time to go. I open it to an unexpected face.

"Desmona!" My sister smiles at me from the other side of the doorway as I embrace her. I haven't seen her in months, father sent her away to find potential husbands to bring more wealth to the family name.

"Hey Deman." She hugs me back.

We let go and I look up at her. She's taller than me, she always had been. She's also much better looking than I am, full lips, curly, brunette hair frames her face. Walking past citizens, you can see the men eyeing her, while eyes pass over the small, sickly looking prince who will one day take the throne. Or maybe someone will assassinate me before then.

That's why I didn't go out in public much, not until I could find a cure.

"How are you?"

Her eyes brighten. "Great, there were so many possible suitors, and it was almost embarrassing how many of them would be completely fine with just getting married with me the next day."