King | j.b

XXII

Everything seemed to happen like a flash of lightning. First, the guards. One by one they came rolling onto the balcony, their feet padding on the carpeted floor. Ariana's and Justin's lips were still moving together when the guards appeared before them. Once they took notice of their presence, they pulled away from each other.

The guards looked at the two lovers with bewildering eyes. With confusion. With hate. Their mouths were agape, their heads tilted in wonder. Their eyes darted from the unconscious King Edward lying on the ground to Ariana to Justin.

Ariana's heart was a cheetah, darting through a large field. With every heartbeat, she became more nervous. The rain proceeded to pour down from the sky. Her clothes were soaked; the king's robe ruined. There was a flash of lightning which illuminated the faces of the guards for only a quick moment. There must have been seven or eight there.

"What is this your majesty," one guard gasped in disbelief. Although Ariana was frightened, the king was not. He looked at the guards with fierce, brave eyes, not taking his gaze off them once. He slowly stood up and grabbed Ariana's arm to help her. She stumbled to her feet and hugged the king in fear. He caressed her wet hair, his own hair drooping down his face.

"Listen up," he said with confidence. "No one here will go to the Council and tell them about what you saw. You hear me?" The guards looked at him blankly, their hands tightening on their own swords--smaller than the king's but still deadly.

"I will give each of you more gold," the king started, "I'll double what you have now. You'll have all you want. But that is only if none of you go to the Council."

The guards looked at each other as if to say "Should we stay and get the gold? Or should we go to the Council and tell them about this illegal affair?"

Ariana and the king waited, side by side, for a reply. Will they agree to the king's proposal? Ariana wondered. She hoped they would.

After a long moment of silence, the guards gathered together and spoke among themselves. Ariana tried to listen but the rain and thunder blocked out the sound. The king looked at her with a frown.

"It's gonna be okay," he assured her. But deep down, he had no idea what he was going to do if the guards don't agree to his proposal.

Ariana held onto him tightly as if he would protect her from any danger. He kissed her head as he caressed her hair. She was frightened. Frightened that Justin might not be king anymore. Frightened that he might be killed instantly once the Council found out. Frightened that even she herself might be killed for having an affair with him. And as she thought about these things she held onto Justin tighter if that was even possible.

The guards then started to come apart and they looked at the king in defeat.

"Okay," one guard said. "We will accept your gold." The king smiled from ear to ear. He was about to respond when the guard cut him off. "But," he said, "That is only if you triple our income. Each and every one of us."

"Fine, done," the king said. "I'll triple your income." The guard who spoke nodded with gratitude. "But," the king spoke, "I am still the one in charge here. Anyone who tries to leave the castle for anything other than visiting the village, will be killed." The guard looked at him, then at Ariana, then back at him.

"Yes, your majesty," he said with a slight bow. The guards behind him followed and bowed as well.

"Now," Justin said. "I want a fresh pair of clothes for Ariana put in my room." One guard nodded and scurried away at his order. The rest remained still. "As for the rest of you," the king sighed, "go back to your stations. And two of you bring Edward to the infirmary. Once he gains his health back, send him away immediately. I don't want to see his face in this castle ever again." He looked at his workers with serious eyes. They all nodded and two went to pick up Edward's lifeless body. The king opened his mouth to speak again.