Life Isn't Fair

26

As we near the gates, I start to hear the horses as Rick suggested we would. My heart beats faster at what could happen as soon as someone rode out of those gates. My mind goes blank and I instantly tense up when the big wooden gates open to reveal two men on Gorgeous horses. "What do you need from our services?" The only thing that was throwing me off about this, was the way that these people talk. Very formal, to say the least. It pissed me off, but I bit my tongue to keep from saying something rude or sarcastic. "What is this?" Rick spoke up as the rest of us looked behind them and into the community. "We call it the Kingdom." I look in awe at the "Kingdom", and twist my fingers around each other to fidget my nervousness. "If this is a "Kingdom", then where is the King?" Daryl asks sarcastically. I would've asked that if he hadn't spoken before me. "He doesn't greet strangers at the walls. If you would like to visit the King you'll have to hand over your weapons and accommodations. We don't trust strangers who haven't been before the King. Who haven't been told by us that he trusts you." The Royal talk was getting to me, annoying me, and I finally spoke up. "Just take us to this damned King." I said, grabbing the Gentlemen's attention, along with everyone else. "That is no way to talk to people like us." The guy on one horse commented. "I really don't care. We came here to negotiate, not hear the whole life story. Now, please, take us to the King." I asked more kindly. I was quickly running out of patience. "Alright. Follow us this way, please Ma'am." I look at Rick and smirk, because I got us somewhere. Not saying he couldn't, I'm just saying he was beating around the bush and it was ticking my clock quickly. I get to the point. I'm not slow at getting what I want. And that's a good thing to have in a world like this. Anyway, as we're lead into the gates, my hand is entertwined with the other, squeezing tightly to get rid of the familiar anxiousness I was feeling. I don't know why I was feeling so tempted to run away, but the feeling was definitely there. I look around at the people glaring at me, probably thinking I was the leader, and some just ignoring me, considering I'm not part of their time. We stopped at a hitching post, to tie the horses up, and I got a good look at the place. Plants. Everywhere. Live green food. Nice clean clothes being folded and hung up in one corner of the big space, more plants and shrubs surrounding that area. A big white dome where kids and teenagers alike learned and taught school work I assume. The last part that I had a little bit of time to see was the archery station and combat area. That place especially caught me eye. Once they were finished getting themselves situated, they lead us to a alleyway with stairs and a ramp. On the way over though, I watched the children play and learn. God I missed Dallas. Anyway, we walked up a few stairs and through a few glass doors to a HUGE theatre. Many rows of seats for entertainment. But that's not what caught my eye. The big orange beast laying next to a throne which a very handsome man was sitting on, had caught me ny surprise. "I suppose you are the guests my men informed me about. Well, welcome to the Kingdom." The King, I assume, greeted. "Now, where are my manners? My name is Ezekiel and this is my Kingdom. If you need anything, please let me know." The tiger roared beside him, causing me to stare in awe and instantly want to pet him/her. "It's okay Shiva. They won't harm you, or anyone." His soft, deep voice comforted the tiger, calming the animal. "Hi there. Wasn't exactly expecting this." I look around, examining the place, with a big goofy smile plastered on my face. The second my eyes land back on the King, he's wearing the brightest smile I've seen in a while. "Almost everyone who visits informs me about that. Heh. May I have your name please?" Ezekiel asks. "It's Skylar." I informally introduce myself. "Nice to meet you Skylar. It's really a pleasure." He says, smiling beautifully at me. "So. I've heard you've come a the way here to "Negotiate"?" The King asks me. "Yes your Majesty." As soon as I say that, I cringe. I never thought I'd be talking like this, let alone in a zombie apocalypse. I mentally face palm and look down at the ground in embarrassment. "No, no please. Call me Ezekiel." I look up, glad that I didn't have to say something like that again. "Alright Ezekiel.....Yes, we've come to negotiate. Trade. We're running low on supplies, and we desperately need something to keep us going." I answer. It's strange how Rick hasn't stepped in and told him that he's Leader. "I suppose your community is strong, you being the Leader and all." I go to object, but Rick cuts me off. "Very much so. She's the best Leader anyone can have." I glare at Rick, but his eyes flicker to me as a warning to stay quiet and to listen. "I suppose you are her right hand man?" Ezekiel asks with curiosity, surprised that a woman can run such a big group. "That is correct your King." Rick says, oblivious to the stare I'm handing him with my eyes. Glenn looks at me and smiles, I can tell he's holding back a laugh right about now by the way his lips are twitching. Daryl gives a look of satisfaction, the confusion on my face giving him a good chuckle. Carl and Enid stand Idly by,and Ezekiel points to them. "You are her children, correct?" Ezekiel asks, pointing to them each. I look back at them, hoping the look on my face tells them to tell him the truth, but they look at Rick and immediately makes me feel uneasy. "Yes. Right mom? She brought us here to see you." I literally put my hand in my face to hide the fact that my face is beat red, that alerting Ezekiel quickly. "Are you okay? Your face is red Miss Skylar." I look down and laugh, not letting Rick know that I'm about to tell the truth. "Everything that they just told you was not completely true, Ezekiel. No, they aren't my children and they wanted to see me embarrassed, as well as Rick. He's not my right hand man, in fact it's the other way around. He's the Leader, not me." I explain. Getting looks of confusion and disappointment on everyone's faces. "Ah. A good joke. I get it. Nothing personal was taken here, I hope you know that. Just to inform you, you'd definitely be a good Leader." Ezekiel says smiling brightly. "Thanks. So. Trade? Or no?" I Ask, rushing to get back to my son. "Yes. Food for ammo? Sounds fair to me." Ezekiel says. "Sure. Sounds perfect." I negotiate. "Goodbye. I hope to see you back here, Miss Skylar." Ezekiel smiles. We're lead out of the Kingdom, and into our cars. "Have a safe trip. You guys are good people. Don't forget that." A guy whom I've learned is Jerry, comments to us before leaving back into the gates. "What a day." Glenn comments. "Definitely. I just want to go home now." I say tiredly. "Then let's head home." Daryl says yawning.