King's Kou: Do not awaken the knight in the beast

Chapter 20: Use your name in vain

Kou woke up from the jarring noise coming from the brute force that the guard made just to open the cell door.

"Rise and shine, freak!"

He slid the tray of mushy brown grub on the floor, spilling some of the contents on the ground. It looked like leftovers from last week meant to be fed for pigs. There was a fishbone sticking out and a partially eaten chicken leg. The bread had seen better days. Mold was starting to thrive on its surface.

Kou was still half asleep but his first response was to look for Kasel. He was the only one in the cell.

"Excuse me."

The guard grunted. "What?"

"Where's the other prisoner with me?"

"What other prisoner? You're the only prisoner here. And if there was another one, we would have put you in a different cell."

He had the same opinion with the guard, however, Kou was certain that the man he was with last night wasn't just a figment of his imagination. The king's paladin was about to stand but caught the glimpse of a cold bun on his lap that was lying on top of a folded paper. He opened the letter, a small smile growing on his lips. Kasel's handwriting was a lousy cursive. It was the same as a child practicing how to write in a fancy way.

Dearest Kou,

The guards will give you pig feed in the morning so better eat the pork bun I left on your lap.

Yours truly,

Kasel.

P.S

Your king is alive, I'm sure of it.

Kou folded the letter, slipping it into his pocket and patting it fondly. He broke the pork bun in half, smelling its savory scent before taking a bite. He took his time. This was a gift meant to be appreciated at every chew.

The guard returned with a few more men with him, including Rorik and Salem. The seal was broken into shards with a mere flick of Salem's middle finger, causing the convict to stop a laugh from coming out. The guards scowled, perceived to be offended by the mockery.

"What are you keeping down here, a squirrel? Who made that seal?"

Salem opened the door, a squeak following its movement. Holy strings tied around Kou's wrists together. Salem jerked his hand back, hauling the viel to stand up. The guards clasped bangles around his neck, wrists, and ankles that regulated his powers.

"Follow me. It's time to tame you."

Rorik had steeled his gaze. He wasn't the soft and apologetic cardinal from last night. Kou wasn't at all surprised anymore. He should be used to the change of hearts overnight. After all, the City of El' Azar collapsed because of bad faith.

He was taken to the coliseum behind the temple. The huge and circular stadium had three floors that had arched entryways acting as windows. The hallway leading to the battle ground was dark, yet Kou could hear the loud cheers of the spectators.

"This could all end if you just submit to the prince, you know?" Salem pointed out without sparing him a glance.

"You know where Kou's loyalty stands, Sir Salem."

The doors to the main grounds opened, bright sunlight welcoming Kou to witness his spectator's thirst for bloodshed. With his hands still tied, he looked around, spotting the king, the queen, and their son sitting on their thrones. The king was wearing a mesh to keep his face hidden. Salem stood across him, holding his umbrella as one should with a sword staked to the ground. The queen stood, the crowd was silenced.