Devil of the Imperial Family

Strike a Deal

"Are you awake?" a soft voice inquired.

A pained groan answered back..

"I'll take that as a yes," the voice continued.

The sound of light steps echoed deep through the corridor behind her as she walked closer to the cell door. When she finally reached it, she looked in through the viewing slot. Inside, a silhouette could be vaguely seen. The figure was hanging by the chains on his arms. His long, unkempt hair fell loosely over his face. Its obsidian colour, blended into the shadows. Where his eyes should have been, only holes could be found Looking closely, she saw the crooked structure serving as his nose. It looked broken, evidence of the torment he'd endured throughout his imprisonment. His face was grisly, gaunt, and his body was severely scarred. However for some mysteriously, he still carried a poise, gracefulness and regality from his previous life. Back then when he'd still been the prince of Asylus.

"Good morning, Your Highness," the lady said. The respect usually afforded to the title of 'your highness' was nowhere to be found. The sense of humiliation he felt, at being mocked by this lady who'd previously never shown anything less than utmost respect and adoration, was immeasurable.

How many days had it been? He wasn't sure, each moment melted together like candle wax.

He replied with silence. There was no point. He was better off alone, trying to remember what the sun felt like. However she wouldn't leave him to his thoughts.

"Ah, I apologise! I forgot you prefer it when I call you big brother," She giggled, "That's still the case right?"

Once again she was met with silence. Her teasing smile seemed to lower just a little, from his indifference. However as if she'd thought of something fun, her lips bloomed into a joyous smile.

"Big brother, you don't know how sad I am to see you like this," she cried, hands clenched and eyes filling with crystal tears, "You took care of me the best, so I of course didn't want you to be imprisoned here."

"..."

"I tried to convince cousi- Oh I mean His Majesty," she 'let slip' the information that he'd suspected for a long time now. Who else but that idiot would dare to sit on a throne they weren't worthy of.

"However, your crimes were too egregious. How could you? Father put his all into raising us, but you pointed your sword at him. No... It would be better if you lifted a sword and fought proudly for the throne, but you took the cowards path," her hysterical lecture paused as she took in a breath and looked deep into his hair, where his eyes should have been. He could almost hear the disgusting grin spread across her face. The derision in her eyes slathered onto his body like a cold, slimy balm. Then she spoke the words she herself knew to be untrue, "How could you poison the Emperor?"

As if devoid of sanity the man lunged forward. Even as chains held him, he tried to reach her. He did not register the strain on his shoulder. Perhaps he would have dislocated them, in his manic attempt to slit her throat. However this didn't happen after the girl's next words.

"Don't brother, you'll hurt yourself. I can't bear to lose anyone else. First mother, then father and now Liliana," she could no longer restrain herself. Even as her face was obscured by shadows, the whites off her teeth shone. Perhaps today was the happiest day she'd experienced up to this point. Far happier than being brought to the palace by the Emperor, or being doted upon by this brother of hers. Far happier than the funeral day of the father who'd never looked at her. Her smile never looked so beautiful.

Her words had their effect. Silence engulfed the dank space around them as his body stiffened. He tried to calm his heart as dread doused his back. Why was his sister's name mentioned during the discussion of ghosts? Had she already succumbed to her illness?

"Ah, don't worry brother. Our beloved sister is still very much alive," these words were a source of great comfort, relief and embarrassment. He hated that this woman now had power over his emotions. Still, if it meant he could hear news of his last treasure, he was willing to endure the humiliation.

"How... is she?" a new voice filled the surroundings. It was hoarse and dry as if no water had touched the lips of the speaker for weeks. It was far too weak, but it still managed to reveal a hint of the deep, seductive charm it once held.

"She's still breathing, but... Her condition has worsened."

"What do you want?" he asked in a gruff voice. It was obvious now, that this was her reason for paying him a visit. She was here for something... and apparently only he could give it to her. In fact, he could already guess what she wanted.

"It is said that the first Emperor was bequeathed with 3 divine treasures when the gods allowed him to found his empire. The first was the soil under his feet. So long as the empire remained righteous, these lands would never become arid. The second was divine blood. For as long as the Empire remained devout to the gods, the imperial family would inherit unmatched strength. And the third..."

"Was a map to the tree of life, where you could gain the fruit that grants eternal life... I'm well aware of my Empires mythos Cassandra. What of it?"

Silence, this time from Cassandra. However it only served to reinforce his understanding of the situation. For the first time in this conversation he had an advantage. Hidden behind his long locks of hair, he bore a fox-like grin. She should have been more cautious. He was not one to be led by the nose. No, in fact, he was feared as the devil of the Imperial family. Both for his unmatched appearance, and his wit that was often compared to the devils of legend.

"Ah, would you like to trade? The child's life for eternal life?" he asked lazily. You'd have thought he was comfortably laid upon a bed, rather than kneeling on hard stone.

"That seems like a rather skewed offer. The life of a useless, dying girl in exchange for the treasures bestowed by the gods?" his words dripped with mirth, "Besides, how could you be certain that I would know where it is? No emperor in the past has ever lived beyond 100. They couldn't escape mortality. All of them were no different from the filthiest street rat."

He couldn't see, but that didn't stop him from feeling the murderous glare on his body.

"We know the former Emperor called you privately on multiple occasions. And we know you would always take detours on your triannual patrols. Where else could you be going if not to confirm the location of the treasure? Or were you off frolicking with some commoner? Promising the world and more?"

"Haha, yes I suppose it would be impossible to hide that fact. I'll tell you, and you'll allow the child to live right? Tell that idiot cousin of mine to come negotiate the terms himself. Just so you know, I'll be expecting you both to swear on Their names."

"Of course, it's not like a half dead thing like her could be of harm to us." With that she turned, deeming the conversation over. However he still had one last question.

"So who was it? Who betrayed me?" he asked. Although the answer seemed obvious, he didn't want to doubt an old... friend so easily.

She paused for a moment, and mumbled a name before continuing on her way out. Of course with his divine body, he could hear the words as clear as day.

"Aramis"

He smiled bitterly.

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