Recrowned

⚜A Queen's Sorrow

Four months has passed since the Battle of Nagoya and the dethroning of Krul Tepes. She still remembered the feeling of Ferid Bathory's fangs sinking into her flesh that day and regaining conscious in the dark cells deep underneath the human world. This was the first time in four months that she could think clearly. There was many unanswered questions.
Krul knew that even if she was dethroned and replaced by that youngling, Lest Karr, they would not have thrown her into the cells. What crime have I committed? She had asked herself even though she knew deep down. I've been found out. The taboo. Seraph of the End. She closed her eyes. The whispers among the other prisoners had told her how Ferid had accused her of treason in front of everyone. Humiliating, she thought.

Amidst her thoughts, the savage monster had struck again, like it had for the last months. It crawled out from within her stomach. The thirst. The hunger. The former queen tried to claw her throat but was stopped by the shackles that chained her to the wall. With barely any strength left, she didn't fight the thirst. Instead, she bit her own shoulder. Drinking her own blood, she knew, did nothing to fight the hunger or heal her wounds, but the liquid quenched the thirst. She almost smiled as she tasted the sweet liquid on her tongue and the beads of blood sliding down her throat, but she couldn't for her lips did not cooperate with her.
After she satisfied her thirst, she tilt her head to let it rest against the wall. Her arms were sore. Her legs were chained. Krul looked her side. Her long hair had been undone and her attire looked like rags. She chuckled. To think that I addressed a crowd of nobles in this dress. She chuckled again. And again. And again. Until the chuckling turned into a maniac laughter, alerting her guards outside the cell door. She heard shuffling and a few whispers before her cell door swung open and Ferid Bathory walked in.

Krul clenched her teeth and hands in disgust. He looked as lewd as ever. His sleek silver hair in a pony tail, a dull red ribbon resting on his upper chest upon his usual clothes. That sly smile never fading upon those lips.

"You look well, my queen. Oh. My apologies. Former queen." He smiled at his correction.

"I certainly do." Krul replied curtly.

"What's with the cold tone, Krullie?"
He teased. "Are you mad?"

Krul refused to answer. Never once in her long life had she lost her temper to someone of lower rank.

"Why, Krul, you must be dying of thirst. His Majesty said to feed you only when you are on the edge between sanity and insanity. It hurts me to see you in this state, but I'm so sorry that I cannot help you." He smirked. "As battered as you are, you still manage to shine like a goddess."

Ignoring his insincere praise, she asked with however much authority she can muster in her voice. "So, Ferid Bathory, you decided to betray me. Have you been secretly serving that child all along?"

"Oh Krul, how you misunderstood my intentions. I'm you humble servant, loyal to none but you." Sarcasm was heavily laced into his words.

Krul sneered. "You are merely the seventh progenitor. How dare you speak to me like that."

He smiled as if he was expecting that remark. "My apologies, my goddess. You looks much more intimidating on your golden throne than chained to this filthy wall. Your attire is in rags, you hair is all over the place, and," he slowly approached her. "Mind I remind you that you cannot do anything right now." He touched her chin gently. Krul jerked away, giving him a view of her shoulder where she bit herself. He smiled and touched the wound. "Oh how clever of you, my former queen. By using your own blood, you manage to stay sane. How I wondered how you can withstand so long without blood. I admire you cleverness."

"Be gone, Ferid Bathory. You presence annoys me." Krul said, feeling the thirst take control of her throat once more.

"As you wish, my goddess." He gave a mocking bow and closed the door behind him.
Krul released a sigh. She despise Ferid Bathory so much to the point of murder. Krul Tepes looked at the ceiling as if she can see the world above her. She wondered if Mikaela has manage to recuse Yuuichiro Amane. She closed her eyes and lowered her head. I hope he is fine. No, he must be fine. She thought. Yuuichiro Amane is my trump card. Mika must keep him safe.
She worried about her Seraphs for they were what she is in here for. She worried for those who remained loyal to her if there was any left. She worried for her brother was taken by Mahiru Hiragi and wondered if he is still alive.

"Asura..." She muttered, allowing a single tear to roll down her cheek. She had promise him she will be fine and remain strong, but she felt guilty, given her situation, for she had broke the promise. I am not fine, Asura. For the first time in my long life, I feel fear. My dear brother, Asura, I'm am not strong. I am afraid. Where are you now?