Play The King: Act Two

CHAPTER LXVII: Shots Fired (Castiel)

CASTIEL

IF I had a gun with me, I might shoot without any warning, as long as I deemed my target worthy of being shot. Why warn someone that something was coming their way when you could surprise them instead? Yet, for some reason, I opted for the opposite. I gave a warning before taking aim.

It had been weeks since I resumed presiding the LEXECOM sessions. Masyadong na-enjoy ni Alaric the Prick ang pagiging chair pro tempore na akala niya yata'y sa kaniya na ang upuan ko. He could have my swivel chair, but the gavel remained mine. Thankfully, I did not need to ask him to vacate. Siya mismo ang kusang tumayo at bumalik sa upuan niya.

As a precaution, I disinfected not only my chair, but also the gavel which had been handled by his dirty, blood-soaked hands. I feared his touch might infect me with bacteria that could devour what little remained of my soul.

When today's session concluded, I remained seated in my small throne. I instructed Daphne, who accompanied me here, to return to the USC office ahead of me. Everyone at the decagonal table and in the gallery departed, except for one person: Alaric the Prick. He asked his partymates to leave without him. Like me, he stayed in his seat. Neither of us stood or moved for a minute or two.

My left hand trembled as it grasped my left leg, a surge of pain shooting through it. The intensity grew now that I was alone with him. Those aware of my beef with this prick would have never advised me to be in the same room as this guy. Mas gugustuhin nilang may kasama ako rito. But the conversation that was about to take place would be best conducted between just the two of us.

After another minute of silence, he swiveled his chair backward and stood. His smug expression, ever-present, adorned his pale face. My left eye twitched more intensely as he approached. I raised my head and met his gaze as he stopped to my left.

"How may I assist you, Mr. Vice President?"

"Oh, please." I scoffed. "Drop the act, Alaric. We're alone here. No audience, no cameras. No need to feign respect."

He perched on the edge of the table, his arms crossed and his cold silver eyes fixed on me. If I were susceptible to intimidation, his stare would have sent shivers down my spine. "I have classes at six. If you have something important to say..."

"Before the impeachment trial, you were so merciful and benevolent that you offered us a way out," I reminded him, retrieving my cane from my right side. Dapat handa ako sakaling kailangan ko siyang hampasin nito. "I considered returning the favor."

"Favor?" His lips curled into a smirk. "Could you elaborate?"

"Reject your party's nomination for USC presidency and repent your sins." I stared directly into his eyes. "Otherwise, prepare to face ruin."

He met my gaze for a moment before bursting into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty session hall. I remained unamused, waiting for him compose himself.