The Beast Within Us

Chapter 2: ⑄ Serell

⑄ King Serell paced about his chambers like a caged animal, thinking deeply and going over his plan again and again. He pondered it madly, as though it would disappear if he shifted his focus for even a second, but for a plot such this, the young royal's paranoia was not misplaced.

Conquering the next kingdom over was no easy task after all.

Serell smirked at the errant jest, chuckling softly at his own humor. It relaxed him slightly, and he ceased his pacing to thumb at the ring in his grip. While small, the silver band and lion head setting were thick and slightly weighted. Its amethyst gemstone gleamed when the light hit it, and Serell stared entranced for a few moments longer before putting it away in the inner chest pocket of his robes.

It was his father's ring.

Being reminded of his predecessor brought a small frown to his face, but any brooding that might've begun was snuffed out as a small knock echoed through the mostly empty room. Serell may have been king, granted access to many luxuries and frivolities, but he kept his personal quarters sparsely decorated (if one could call it decorated at all).

"Your majesty?"

"What is it?" the king responded gruffly, letting annoyance seep into the tone of his voice and making the guard aware of his displeasure. While the knock had not displaced the frown drawing in his features, it did shift his train of thought to another matter. Perhaps for the best. Serell's thoughts of his father were rarely pleasant, and the royal had an ugly habit of taking out his anger on others.

"The Lady Wheiler is almost to the throne room, your grace. I was tasked by your advisor to retrieve you."

Well, others aside from one.

Serell gave a pleased hum at the information, all ill-will towards the unfortunate messenger dispersing at the prospect of Yara's arrival. The royal made his way to the door, opening it abruptly to the surprise of the guard on the other side and stepping out of his chambers. He gave the adolescent a pointed look, as if he were asking what the hold up was despite having been the one impeding progress only moments ago. No further time was to be wasted, however, if Serell was to avoid keeping his betrothed waiting.

The two walked through many hallways and doors before they reached the throne room, the entire journey traveled in silence. This was equal parts due to the fear and respect of the soldier and the king's disdain and disinterest in his subject. There were better things for the young royal to focus on, such as whether his hair looked well enough or if his beard or mustache seemed disheveled in any way. It would not do to appear before his future queen as anything less than perfect.

Upon arriving in the throne room, King Serell took his place on the throne, sitting upright in his seat and looking down his nose in that regal way kings do at times. However, this stance only lasted for the first five minutes, after which he slouched with another frown. His fingers drummed against the armrest of the chair and his chin lay on the knuckles of his other hand for the next few minutes. Only when he began making mental plans to have the guard from earlier fired for poor time management did the Lady Yara arrive.

Serell waited for the announcements to end before rising from his perch and standing before his love. Yara kept her eyes low, and he smirked at the respectful gesture, flattered, but displeased that she took more interest in the floor than him. Gently, he took her chin between his pointer and thumb and raised her lovely face so that their eyes met; frosty blue to coal black. His gaze was soft as it took her in,and he sighed with a small smile before speaking.

"Never take your eyes from what the future holds, my love, lest they linger elsewhere and lose sight. I will do the same." The words were spoken softly, so that only the two of them could hear as if it were a shared secret, and King Serell wanted nothing more than to kiss his betrothed in that moment. She was gorgeous as she always was.

And she was his.

Tender moment passed, the young royal figured it would be best to get to the heart of things. Perhaps the two would have time to spend together afterward. Serell's gaze hardened, though not at anyone in particular, as he spoke again.

"I called you to the throne room today, Warden, because I need your assistance in a matter concerning the safety of the kingdom." His words were accompanied by the click-clack of his shoes as he walked about the room, hands clasped together behind his back. "This time of peace my parents created has been prosperous to every citizen and family under my rule, but our armed forces are suffering from our lax living style. No new recruits have joined our army, and the knights are in need of new squires to train up for the future. This would be less concerning if relations between Audor and Briniel weren't quite so tense at the moment."

The two kingdoms were a bit at odds currently. A series of border scuffles had occurred, leaving their respective hackles raised against each other and more than a few feathers ruffled. Briniel had increased it's defense along their eastern border, sizing up for a more serious fight if it came to it. What most didn't know, however, was that Serell had initiated most of the conflict. His greed set his eyes on the trading opportunities obtained by gaining access to the coast, not to mention the warmer climate for crops and other things. Conquering Briniel would be no easy task....but Audor was up to the challenge with the aid of it's Warden of the North.

"This is where you come in, my dear. There is a group in Briniel interested in joining my armed forces, but they need correspondence and escort to our capital. At least, their leader and his warband do. No one else I could send is as equal to the task as you, my Warden, nor nearly as trusted. And of course," Serell paused with a rather dashing lopsided grin, "there are rewards that await you should you succeed. In fact, before you set off, I shall give you the first half of your spoils on goodwill."

The king preened as he waited for an answer, rather pleased with himself and how he had handled the situation as a whole. His gift would surely please Yara, and she would see him in an even better light than she did now. It was a win-win. ⑄