Deal

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Killer's voice was tense as he asked, "You sure you're going now?"

Ciyan adjusted his clothes, slipping into his Seena disguise. "Honestly, I don't want to go either, but you know how it is. If I don't follow the king's orders, they'll just drag me out," he replied, pulling on his final layer of elegant fabric. "Plus, it's only going to be a couple of days, like always."

Killer's concern deepened. "Yeah, but with the turf war going on, you'd make a pretty good target for them."

Kidd, always sarcastic, snickered, "Nah, even if they did target you, they wouldn't want this twink dead. They've seen you heal us in battle. They'd use you and abuse you for sure." grabbing on him

Ciyan scoffed, grabbing his things. "I ain't a twink. And if anyone wants to mess with me, it's on sight. I'm not a boss for nothing." He chuckled, heading out as Seena, making his way to the carriage like clockwork.

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When Ciyan arrived at the castle, it was buzzing with more energy than usual. Servants greeted him warmly, many of them receiving his free healing in exchange for loyalty. He asked the Seneschal, Bertram, what was happening.

"You didn't hear? The king acquired a brand-new ship, built with the strongest wood. With your healing abilities, he's planning to go back to exploring the seas. We're preparing for a big celebration."

"Impressive. I'd expect nothing less from our king. What's my role this time?" Ciyan asked, all smiles on the surface, though his mind seethed with frustration.

"The king wants you by his side," Bertram replied.

"Honored as always," Seena curtsied, though inside, Ciyan fumed. "Disgusting pig, wasting my time. He's feeling better now, so he doesn't even let me near his chambers. The sword's still out of reach." Ciyan bit his lip but composed himself. "Just play the part. Keep the king's trust, and that sword will be mine eventually."

When Ciyan met the king, he bowed as usual. The king beamed, guiding him to the dock to showcase his new ship. It was a marvel of craftsmanship, with a carved figurehead shaped like an angel with arms outstretched —an homage to Seena, the so-called healer of the kingdom.

"See the figurehead? It represents you, Seena. All you've done for the kingdom—it's because of you that this was possible," the king said, his eyes roaming over her.

Ciyan kept his smile in place, though his mind twisted with revulsion. "This sick bastard... Is it the drugs or was he always this way?" Seena's voice, however, was light. "It's a beautiful ship, my lord."

________________________________________

Days passed with lavish celebrations, but Ciyan's mind was elsewhere. Rumors began to circulate among the servants that a massive fight had broken out between two rival gangs—his crew was involved, and he was itching to be there. But the king wouldn't let him leave just yet.

As Ciyan wandered through the castle, chatting with a maid, Bertram found him again. "Finally, there you are. There's a new mission. Come with me."

Ciyan followed, keeping his voice casual. "Where are we going, sir?"

"You'll heal the soldiers before their mission," Bertram said gruffly.

"What mission, if you don't mind me asking?" Ciyan probed, trying to sound innocent.

"Classified. Royal business." The Seneschal shut down further questions, and no amount of charm could get him to talk.

As they entered the soldiers' quarters, Ciyan overheard snippets of conversation. Something about selling weapons as a decoy. His heart raced. When a soldier muttered, "Finally, we can deal with those thugs," it all clicked.

The royal guards had sold weapons to the rival gang, setting up both sides to destroy each other. And now, with both gangs weakened from the fight, the soldiers were going to move in for the kill. They're going to wipe out my crew... Ciyan's heart raced. I can't let this happen. His friends—Kidd, Killer—were in danger.

Ciyan bolted, running toward the king's chambers. The soldiers and Bertram yelled after him, but he was faster. Bursting into the throne room, he dropped to his knees before the king.

"My lord!" Seena cried, tears brimming in her eyes. "Please, I beg of you! Don't send your soldiers. My brother is among them—without him, I cannot breathe or live. Please, if you send your troops, he might be killed alongside my friends. They've strayed, yes, but if you give me one chance, I'll bring them to work for you. I'll save them, just as I saved you. Please, with my life, I beg you—don't send those troops."

The king, intrigued by her desperation, leaned forward. "And what if they don't follow the path you set for them?"

Seena's voice trembled. "Then I will drive them out of the island myself."

The king considered her words, his eyes narrowing. "That wouldn't be enough. They've caused too much damage. If you succeed, you'll stay by my side here in the capital. You'll pay for the casualties your brother and his friends caused."

"Yes, my lord, anything," she cried.

The king nodded, satisfied. "Very well. Soldiers, cancel the mission. Let them finish themselves off for now." He then turned to the Seneschal. "Berlin, write me a letter."

The letter was written—a declaration to be delivered to Kidd. It stated that Seena would be handed over to the king as in exchange for their lives and that the gang was to be banished from the island. If they refused, they would be killed.

Ciyan was then ordered to heal those affected by the gang's criminal activities before delivering the letter...

Ciyan felt a wave of shame and defeat wash over him fake crying is so lame. He had saved his friends for now, but at what cost? I didn't think I'd have to confront them so soon, he thought as he steeled himself for the difficult conversation ahead

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