Game of Royals

04 The Drive

I was too stunned to speak, so I let the silence hang.

"I know this is hard to accept so just please give me a moment to explain the rules of "The Game."

I needed more information about what I was getting myself into.

"This game is held by the chairman of Skydorm Enterprise."

"What do you mean by the prize of ultimate power?"

The old man just chuckled.

"My master decided to marry his one and only daughter to the worthiest man, the man who wins the contest."

Skydorm Enterprise, is by far the largest and wealthiest company in the world. They make everything from eco-fiber toothbrushes, to satellite weapons.

"Then tell me more about 'The Game.'"

He cleared his throat and continued his speech.

"Ten competitors, one prize. The last one remaining wins."

"And do you mean by killing?"

"No, but accidents do happen." Behind the dark shades his eyes gleamed like a black cat.

"And how long is this going to take?"

"The Game?"

"Yes."

"You will find out more yourself at the ceremony tonight."

I was quiet for a moment; I still couldn't quite believe what I got myself in.

"You must be wondering why you are part of the competition."

"Yes."

"That ring you have there, it could not be taken by force only given."

"The prince gave it to me."

"Yes, we saw everything."

Security cameras, of course, the royal family members were under 24/7 surveillance.

"Why haven't you told the public about prince's death yet?"

"It isn't time for the common people to know yet. But eventually his death will be announced globally."

"So the ring I have here; it's my proof that I am in this game?'

"Correct."

My left hand went for the ring on my right finger ring, but the old man's speed was surprising. His grabbed my left wrist in an iron clutch.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. The moment you take off that ring, you are out of the game. Would you defy the prince's will? You have already became citizen and swore loyalty to the queen. Taking that ring off means going against the monarchy, which is all the nobles. The name for such a crime is...treason. All that gets you is a noose, but defying the game is denying power, and for that you will be severely punished. Do you understand me?" To make his point clear, he shook my wrist again before drawing his hand back. It hurt but I didn't show it.

"Let me call someone."

"Whom?"

"That's none of your business."

"Go ahead."

I dialed the number; it rang for a moment before the other end picked up.

"Professor, I can't come to the special training."

"Why?" The professor was wisest person I knew. He not only taught me philosophy, but also odd things a normal professor would never teach such as: combat parcore, hand against gun or accuracy training while blinded.

"I am in a little trouble right now."

"Tell me about it."

"Sorry I can't. But I am just calling to let you know that I can't come this week, and maybe the following week."

"What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself in? Please tell me."

"I will be fine professor. I swear I will make up for those lessons."

"You don't have to. You are way ahead already." he chuckled. I appreciated his positivity, if only he knew what I had gotten myself into. He would have thought twice before picking up the phone.

"Just one more thing, tell Breaker I am fine."

"As you wish, little prince." He chuckled on the other end.

"Yes my old man." I smiled, my tone must have betrayed me because he started laughing and I heard the sound of a slap on his knee.

"Alright next time."

"Next time." I said and hung up.

"Who was that man?" asked the old man again.

"None of your concern. And do you have a name?"

"Certainly, but you can just call me Tinker."

The rest of the trip was silent, until we stopped before a pair of black iron gates. The gates opened inwards and we entered its long winding driveway at the top of the grassy hill. Outside the dark window I could see a beautiful meadow spread out as far as my eye could see. I could almost imagine myself, lying on nature's carpet and enjoying the aroma of the elegant blue scilla, the burning red roses, the humble orange lily and so many other flowers I could not count. The sea of color was too much for me to take in, so I had to turn aside to keep my visual mind overflowing.

"Beautiful isn't it?" Tinker said resting his thumb on his staff.

"Indeed. One could not absorb such image all at once."

"A flower is like a lady, pretty to look at. You have to nourish it, and grow it. But once it reaches a certain age, it will shrivel up and become hideous to look upon. No one keeps hideous flowers in their vase, so the discarded flowers goes back to where they belong, the trash. Where everything shall eventually go."

What he just said was disgusting, but partially true.

"People are not things," I said, "they are living beings with souls. A man marries a woman not because of their appearance, but the love between them. Love is a relationship, and it is the strongest bond." I was quite surprised with myself for saying such a thing.

"That was a truly deep and amazing speech. You must be a poet, or a great literature writer. I am sorry you have to be part of this competition, you will find no love in it."

"I never said I would try to find any."

The car stopped.