I curiously peeked through the portal to the King's chamber, his personal guards too eyeing me in a similar manner. Tentatively, I stepped through the door, looking about. No matter how many times I was in here, it always ceased to amaze me. The room was large, quite so, and was full of intricate crenelations and fancy statues. Pillars were lined up symmetrically, sconces dotting them and the walls, leaving areas shadowed, seemingly claimed by the darkness.
I took a few more cautionary steps, turning my gaze to the King, who sat perched, slouched, upon his throne in the center of the room. He returned the stare, albeit curious and accusing.
"Took you long enough. What in the world were you doing for it to take this long?"His now stern, accusing gaze fell over me, admittedly making me a bit uncomfortable. I stood in front of him, about seven feet away, keeping my eyes to the floor. I really didn't want to make eye contact; he scared me, though I didn't want to admit it.
"Walking here, your highness." I wasn't sure why he was accusing me of dilly-dallying, what would I be doing besides walking?
"Don't be smart with me." Was I being smart? I tried not to roll my eyes at him. Rolling my eyes wold of been smart, and I was tempted to do so when this occurred to me, but that would be proving him right. "Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I called you here." I looked up, now meeting his gaze. "No doubt you've heard rumors regarding the current Captain, yes?" My heart jumped. The Captian? Why was he being brought up? Was I being promoted? I nodded my head, eagerly awaiting the King's reasoning. I bit my bottom lip as our eye contact solidified, grey-blue eyes meeting brown ones. "I called you here to debunk that rumor. The Captain isn't going anywhere."
My eyes fell once again, trying to hide my disappointment. A sick smile spread across the King's features, obviously enjoying, relishing even, in my mildly saddened expression. "Is that all?" I asked, after which the King began to laugh. He covered his eyes in his fit, rolling back in his seat, the sound of his laughter echoing about the room.
"No, no, I lied," he spoke in between bursts of laughter, making me strain to comprehend his words. "He's retiring. You may be promoted. There are several candidates, you just happen to be one of them, so don't get your hopes up." This man, in my opinion, was rather insane. He lied to my face, and then laughed, loudly mind you, in my face. Needless to say, I was happy I was even considered for the position, but the manner in which he presented this information to me was less than desirable. "You have one week before the final decision. I expect you to be on your best, you will be watched closely starting tomorrow."
"Yes, of course, you highness, but, may I inquire as to why I was chosen as candidate?"
"Are you complaining?"
""No, just wonderi-"
"I can easily choose another for your spot, Jamian." He spat my name, intentionally using my first. I got no respect from this man at all. "Now, put your hat on boy, and leave my presence. I have better uses of my time." He waved me away, resting his chin oh his hand, placing his elbow on the arm of his fabulous throne. I bowed, trying to be as respectful as possible, and turned away, walking quickly out of the room. "Guards! Get me a sandwich and a woman!" I heard him shout as I slipped out of the door, safely into the hall.
Standing on the other side of the door, my back to it, I took a deep breath as the stress of bing in front of the King faded, and the fact that I may be Captain settled in. Me, of all people! I was so lazy, I would really have step up my game.An excited smile crept it's way onto my face, and I rubbed the brigde of my nose. The smile remained for only a short few steps, though, before it vanished, as I was confronted with a problem. This problem looked me square in the face, clearly just as surprised as I was. A short figure stood in front of me, stooped in a sneaking position. My hand went to the little-used sword that hung at my hip, gripping the hilt tightly as I slid it out of the sheath.
