Peacebringer

Chapter Forty - The King's Realization

Gairadon paced in his study, replaying the events of the past few hours over and over in his mind. One daughter, killed by his own guard for intruding. The other, back from the dead. He was simultaneously full of hope and despair.

While he mourned Valda, he hoped to have the opportunity to know Asha, and to reunite with Raza. Raza.

Even though their marriage had been arranged, their love for each other ran deep. They had built a beautiful life and family together before all of this started. Their days in the castle together had been happy ones, full of fairy tales and laughter. That was before the war.

All of this, thought the King. When did this start?

It had been fear. He had been afraid of what would happen if the magic users rose up against him. They could so easily take over if they wanted to.

But why were they? Why was I so afraid? He slowly realized that he didn't know why. There was no logical reason for being afraid of the magic users. While they could be powerful, Kardans magical and non magical had lived in peace for four hundred years without issue. My senseless fear drove away the love of my life and my infant child. The thought made the corners of his eyes prickle. How many of Asha's important moments had he missed?

You fool, he said to himself. You missed all of Valdas and she was right here in your home. He wondered how many birthdays he had forgotten. Valda had practically lived her life in isolation. It's no wonder she joined the resistance.

The heavy door of his study slammed open and Darkwater rushed in. "Sir, we need to act now," She said it like it was an order. "There has been a BREAK IN. We need to attack, stronger and-"

"No."

"No? NO? How can you say that? Your own daughter attacked you in your own home!"

"Daughters," He said wistfully. Now a tear fell down his face.

"Daughters. Your own children are rising up against you."

"Maybe they are right to do so." The King turned to face her. "Why did we start this war to begin with?"

"Because the magic users were going to take over, they attacked your wife-"

"But clearly they didn't, as Asha and Raza are alive." The King's eyes grew wide as he realized something. "It was you.:

"Me, I-"

"YOU were the one who told me the magic users were going to fight against me." The King stood up straighter, rising up to his impressive height, even more impressive in comparison to Darkwater's elfin frame. "It started with you. You drove Raza away, probably told her it was for her own good. You had her take Asha with her. You told me they were dead, killed by fire spinners. And I am willing to bet my life that YOU ARE THE ONE WHO HAD MY DAUGHTER KILLED TONIGHT." The Red King roared. He had felt so numb for so many years that anger felt foreign to him. He felt alive for the first time in a decade. All the anger that had been hiding so deep inside him was let free.

"Sir I would never-"

"NEVER KILL HER TO GET YOUR WAY? YOU HAD HUNDREDS IMPRISONED, VILLAGES ATTACKED, MY OWN FAMILY FORCED INTO HIDING, YOU-"

"IT WAS FOR THE GOOD OF THE KINGDOM." Darkwater's voice was shrill, expressing both anger and fear.

"IT WAS FOR YOUR PERSONAL GAIN." The King turned his back, unable to look at the woman he had placed his trust in for so many years. "You used me. You used my own people against me, and me against them."

Darkwater was motionless. She knew that there was no turning back from this. She had lost her power over the King. She had to get out.

"I want you to leave. Within the hour." Gairadon said softly, but firmly. Darkwater was secretly relieved. "I have a funeral to prepare in the morning."

Darkwater left the room silently, heading swiftly back to her chambers. Matthews was waiting there for her, which was a grave mistake. She grinned, eager to have something to take out her frustration on.

"Miss Darkwater, I can-"

"What, EXPLAIN?' She hissed. "Explain how you mistook the princess for your TARGET?"

"It was dim, and I saw movement and I just-"

"I told you there were two! I TOLD YOU THERE WERE TWO AND YOU KILLED THE WRONG ONE. How much of an idiot can you be?"

Matthews started shaking.

"It's a good thing the other one will work, as she is still an heir to the throne..." Darkwater mused. "I can use her...I just have to get my hands on her."

"The other girl...she's the lost princess?" Matthews quavered.

"Yes, you imbecile."

"So...everything is alright?" Matthews whispered hopefully.

"Well for me it is, for you..." Darkwater pulled a dagger out of her waistband and slit Matthews throat in one swift movement. She watched as he struggled for air, relishing in his fear. She breathed deeply, the metallic scent of blood playing over her senses. The metallic scent rejuvenated her.

She waited until he had stopped twitching to step over his lifeless body. She took a step into her chambers, taking stock of what she would need to take on her journey. She packed a few essentials, leaving the bulk of her possessions behind.

"I'll be back," She said with a devious smirk. "For now, it's time to reunite with my people."