Red To Black

Chapter Four

Rows of servants stood before him, all bowing as he appeared. The lines stretched almost as far as he could see, ending at the grand marble entrance of the Vantian Courthouse. It loomed in the distance, as ominous and cold as the piercing wind gusting around him. He stepped down out of the coach with as much grace and confidence as he could muster.

Chin up, he started down the long stone pathway, without checking to see if his guards were following behind him. He could feel all eyes on him. He knew the part he was to play, and even his own soldiers were watching to see him play it well. Chin up, back straight, sure steps, he repeated inside his head. Straight face, shoulders back, gaze steady. He drilled himself endlessly. One slip up, he warned himself, and everyone will know. That I'm not a King yet, that I've never done this before, that the strong, tough leader they've heard about is all a ruse. And then I'll be ruined.

Reaching the great stairs of the Courthouse, he silenced his thoughts and carefully climbed them. A young servant dressed in a black suit opened the door for him, and Blake stepped past him and into the marble castle.

His first thought was, what an ugly room. The interior was completely white marble, from the floor to the ceiling and across every wall. Velvet sofas and antiques filled every inch of the room, and Blake had to carefully keep his straight face from morphing into one of disgust. What sort of man flaunts his wealth like this, so frivolously and vacuously? I'm sure I'll soon find out. The emotional coldness of the castle made him long for his own, but he shook it off and focused on the task at hand.

A slim figure descended slowly down the overly ornate staircase. Blake had never met the Mayor before, but he knew in an instant that the man drawing near was him. He wore a new-looking gold suit, a sharp contrast to the room around them. Surprisingly, the older man walked steadily on his feet, his stride not betraying his age.

Blake, remaining in character, bowed to the Mayor, just enough to show respect but not enough to show submission. "Thank you for accepting my request so early, Matthew."

"Of course, Blake. Though I was surprised to hear back from you so quickly, it's a relief to know this matter is just as important to you as it is to me." The Mayor bowed his head to him, though Blake couldn't help but notice how shallow the sign if respect seemed to be.

A young servant boy rushed forward to take Blake's overcoat, bowing deeply before reaching out to take it from him. The lad took it carefully and turned to hang it on a silver hook. As he started towards the hanger, his right leg gave out beneath him.

Blake instinctively caught the kid before he slammed into the hard marble. He set the boy on his feet before hanging up his coat himself. Crouching down, he asked the lad, "Are you alright?"

The Mayor stepped forward and, taking the kid aside, backhanded him. "NEVER fail to do your duty, especially when in the presence of a King. I'll be speaking to you later." He turned to Blake. "I apologize for the actions of my servant. I assure you, he shall be rightfully punished later."

Blake, knowing his place, simply nodded his head. He didn't miss the look of fear in the young boy's eyes, however, as he regretfully followed the Mayor into the next room.

This room was less extravagantly furnished, but still expensive enough for him to sense an ulterior motive to the decorations. There were three armchairs in the room, one being slightly taller than the others. Of course, the Mayor seated himself in that one, motioning for Blake to join him.

He obliged, sitting in the soft red chair next to the him. This is it, he told himself. Don't screw it up. He waited politely for him to start the conversation.