A Crown and A Curse

Chapter 16: Will Fall

Kian

Zora smirked at me with bright eyes as she took her place beside me.

I'm impressed, she seemed to say.

I shrugged, subtly. What can I say? I can't fight with weapons, but words work just as well.

Meh, I'd rather punch my problems away, she smirked.

I turned back towards the crowd, as it quieted. I told them everything that I'd told the council, the atmosphere grew more intense with each new revelation. As I finished, the room erupted in noise. I held up my hand, demanding silence. At that moment, I had to look the part of a king.

"I know that this information is a lot to take in, but I'm not finished. I have a plan. I realize that many of you have concerns. It has been said that these events have changed nothing. Well, these events are not just events, they are hope in motion. And hope changes everything. We have hidden in the shadows for too long. Do you know what is happening to those who have nowhere to hide? The magic wielders are slaughtered, rebels are tortured and killed in the squares for public viewing. The people are starving in crumbled houses with only rags to warm them in the winter. Boys are taken from their parents to serve in the king's army as soon as they turn eight. We cannot forget about them, they are still our people, still my people. And we are still Drimorians. This revolution will not be Drimore's destruction, but its birth," I said, relishing in the horror on my advisors' faces. Stailon stood next to Kendry, a huge grin across his face. Kendry looked on the verge of tears.

"Cast me out if you will; call me a dreamer, an optimist, a lunatic. All I can say is that I cannot rest whilst thousands of innocent people lose their lives endlessly. My freedom lies in theirs. I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees," I paused, taking Zora's hand. If this shocked her, she didn't show it. "My people, history has its eyes on you tonight. Each of you was broken once and came here because you believed in me and in your country. You were dreamers. Tonight I ask you: are you done hiding? Will you follow me into battle?" I questioned them.

Pure wreckless joy filled me as the room echoed with the words of my people. "I was," they whispered. "I am," they cried out. "I will," they promised. I grinned, raising my and Zora's joined hands.

"Let the sky fall down upon us! For when it does, we will stand together and shatter it with our might!"

I sat on my bed, head propped on my hands. Now that the initial feeling of victory had worn off, stress had set in. I had no idea how to organize a rebellion, how could I lead these people when I needed leadership myself? A loud knock sounded on my door.

"What is it?" I sighed.

"So, I know you told me you refused to take any visitors, but I thought you might make an exception for this one," Stailon answered from where he stood outside, refusing to leave his post. he insisted that some of the advisors were angry enough to attempt an assassination.

My door flew open suddenly revealing a smug looking Zora next to an exasperated Stailon.

"Plus, she wouldn't take no for an answer," He continued with a sigh.

"It's fine, Stailon," I said, and he eagerly left the room. Zora plopped down in an armchair beside the bed.

"Why so pouty? You just stirred an entire crowd of people to stand behind you," She said, propping her feet up on the edge of the mattress.

"I guess I just now realized how difficult this is going to be. We're going to war, Zora. It's inevitable and I don't know if I'm going to be strong enough to get everyone through this."

She smiled gently at me, "Kian, you may not be physically strong but I don't know anyone else who could've spoken as well as you tonight. Look at all you've risked for your people, you can't always be strong but you can always be brave."

"I just hope that courage will be enough," I exhaled.

Zora leaned forward in the chair, her elbows resting on her thighs, "It will,"

I chuckled softly, "That sounds like wishful thinking,"

"It's called hope," she said with a smirk. "and you should know that after how often you throw the word around."

I laughed, I had never met anyone quite like Zora. Yes, Hestia could be a spitfire, but Zora carried with her a weight similar to mine and I had not once seen it bring her down. In fact, it made her stronger. She wasn't sharp and quick to a temper like Tyri, instead, she put her ferocity into serving others.

"You're one of a kind, Zora Stone," I said.

"And don't you forget it," she winked, standing up and making her way to the door. "Goodnight, Kian."

"Goodnight," a part of me ached to watch her go. I assumed it was because she had helped me take my mind off of what was to come. So instead of dreading the journey towards Stockgrove that was to come, I focused on hoping Zora would get her revenge on those who had cast her out and called for her death.