Short Stories

Condescending

I hear the sharp crack as his sword connects with the back of my leg, knocking me to my knees. I let out a quiet gasp of surprise when he moves in front of me.

I dig one hand into the dirt, trying to staunch the wound in my side as the world spins around me. Varren bends down to my level and I feel a sharp sting of pain as she shoves the crown back onto my head.

"And to think you were going to be allowed to lead the whole kingdom." He snarls, standing back up to his full height as he starts to slowly circle me, as if judging me from every angle possible.

"Varren-,"

I am cut off as he presses his boot to my chest, shoving me to the ground, his sword pointed towards my neck, a condescending smirk dancing across his face. "You have no right to beg for my forgiveness." He snarls, but his face twists into surprise as I let out a hollow laugh.

"You think I would give you the satisfaction of having beat me?" I scoff. "Think again."

His face relaxes back into his normal scowl and he draws a hand back, probably considering slapping me across the face but he stops, his lip curling up into a sinister grin.

"My apologies, your majesty." He stoops to a low bow in front of me and I'm in shock, bringing myself to sit in front of him. "Ah, but I recall you trying to reject the title."

He stands to his full height, walking around me slowly, as if deciding how best to kill me. I can feel his eyes burning into my back as he stops walking, his hand snaking to grab my chin and he lifts my head up, his dark eyes glimmering with excitement.

"I feel that the grass would look better with a bit of royal blood to decorate it, hm?" Varren whispers.

I struggle against his grip but his arm tightens around my waist and I let out a quiet gasp of pain as he hold his sword to my neck.

"Varren just listen!" I beg, gasping for air when his grip tightens.

"You never speak of anything useful to me, sweetheart." He whispers, his voice smooth and pricked with malice. "Why should I even let you live?"

"Without her, who else would show up to kick your ass?" A voice laughs from behind him.

And I never got to hear the rest.