Traitor

Part 2- Traitor

He was so tired.

Darian sighed quietly, leaning back in his chair, gently rubbing his forehead. The arguing in the council room hadn't shown any sign of slowing down, despite the hours already spent discussing the same issues. A dull headache pounded at his temples, worsening with each passing minute.

"The problem is the lack of centralized leadership." Councilman Laimond's face was red, his frustration evident. "We are scattered, and the enemies of our country are circling closer. Without a single leader to represent us, we will be invaded and our country absorbed before the year's end!"

"You are exaggerating!" Councilman Berant stood up, pointing a finger into his opponent's face. "Fighting against a corrupt king is why we rebelled in the first place! Or do you not remember why we marched on kingdom and exterminated the royal family?"

An awkward silence fell.

"And now you want to enthrone a new tyrant?" Berant spat on the ground, disgusted. "I'll have no part of it."

"What about you, Darian?" Laimond looked up at him with a hopeful expression. "Out of all of us, you played the biggest part in our rebellion being a success, as well as helping us set up this council to rule. Do you agree that we need a king?"

Darian considered the question quietly, wishing he were anywhere else. It had been three years. Three years since they rebelled, taking the king's life and setting up a council instead of a monarchy. Three years of politics, backroom deals, betrayals and partnerships. Everyone around him had an agenda, and a way to use him to achieve it.

He was just so tired of it all.

There was no one around him without ulterior motives. Who could approach him with clear eyes and conscience. No one he could trust.

...

No one since her.

He could still see her when he closed his eyes. Princess Ellandra, but she went by El. She never insisted on her title or for others to treat her as royalty. She was friends with everyone, no matter how low or high their social status was. She always trusted him, drinking poison just because he gave it to her.

Darian sighed again. He wondered some days if this hell was his punishment for betraying her.

I wonder if she's doing okay.

Before he could follow that train of thought too far, he was interrupted.

"Councilman." Laimond called out, irritated. "What is your answer?"

Darian was tired. "I will follow the wishes of the council. "

Berant snorted. "Doesn't hurt that if we have to appoint a king, you would be top of the list, right?"

"Well who else would it be?!" The two councilmen stood up, shouting at each other, and Darian took the opportunity to slip out.

--

"Your coat, Councilman." As he walked through the door, a servant stepped forward, holding his outer coat with a smile.

"Thank you." His thoughts still on the past, he hardly noticed that it took just a little too long for her to help him put it on. That the servant girl's hands lingered on his arms, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Their eyes met, and Darian flinched at the motive hidden in her gaze. He backed away slowly, shaking his head.

"No, that's all." He ignored the disappointed expression she showed and walked away quickly. Since Darian had been involved in setting up a new government after the rebellion, he had noticed that many people's attitudes towards him were different but none more than those of women of marriageable age. The difference concerned him, made him suspect every glance, every accidental meeting, every kind word.