The Dark King of Kotalis

Chapter 4

With his dutiful Soulfang hidden in his collar and dark stone in hand, Callum enters the throne room with what he hopes is some level of elegance and poise. Apparently the assembled council doesn't agree, gasping at Callum's appearance. Opeli is the first to speak. "Your Highness, you're awake!"
One of the other council members adds onto that. "You look... different."

Callum nods at them both. "I am, and I do. I'm a whole new man, a new king even." He looks around at the council. "Speaking of, who thought to call this meeting without me?" All eyes turned to Opeli and Callum frowns. "I see. And I notice that Lord Viren is also absent. Tell me," the dark stone glows brighter while the Soulfang twins hiss, as if reacting to his anger "should I be worried?"

The council stumbles over a dozen variations of "no" and "of course not" before quieting down. Callum turns to Opeli with narrowed eyes. "I suggest you explain yourself Opeli, before I jump to... unsavory conclusions." Soul-vester and Soul-via come out of his collar, bearing their twin sets of fangs.

The cleric's eyes widen in fear at Callum's sudden change in demeanour. "No, no! Nothing like that, Your Highness. I merely thought it prudent to discuss... options when you fell ill this morning."
He raises an eyebrow, Soul-vester and Soul-via quieting down slightly. "Options?"
Opeli suddenly finds the table incredibly fascinating. "Regents, My King. We were discussing regents."

Callum shakes his head with a dissapointed sigh before turning his attention back to the council. "Tell me, does she speak for all of you?" There's nervous shuffling, which is answer enough for him. "Alright then. Opeli, I believe it's time for you to take a vow of silence." He holds the dark stone high as it glows bright, his eyes turning black. "Eciov eht laets." Green smoke forms in his palm, extending over to the shocked Opeli and crawling down her throat and pulling out a ball of light before retreating back into Callum's palm. Before the light can escape, Callum closes his fist around it, trapping it.

Opeli opens her mouth in protest, but she can only make raspy gasps, shocking everyone in the room. Callum only smiles. "That's much better. Now, does anyone else have any issues, constructive criticism, friendly feedback? No? Then get out."

The council stumbles out in fear, Opeli being the last to look back. "Don't worry. You'll get this back. Eventually." Not very reassured, Opeli takes her leave. Callum moves over to a guard. "Hold out your palm." The guard does as ordered, their arm shaking slightly. All Callum does is put Opeli's voice in his hand and closes the guards fingers around it. "Go put that in a jar and leave it in my quarters." As the guard leaves with Opeli's voice, Callum sits in his throne, but he does it differently to last time. He leans over to one side and props the opposite foot up on the throne. It's much more comfortable than the ramrod straight way. The dark stone is set on one arm rest while Soul-vester and Soul-via come out of his opposite sleeve to curl up on the other one. "It feels good to be the king."