A Curse that can't be Broken

All is fair in Love and War

Athos stood respectively at the edge of the room, keeping his eyes sharply upon the young king. Coal moved about the little wooden figures on the table. His eyes and mind focused on his moves and actions. He would move a few pieces before moving them back, and then would move them about again in a different manner.

"You do not need to be here." Coal finally broke the silence.

Athos shrugged as he leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "And you should be guarded." He stated as he let his eyes shift over the room.

Coal felt a slight headache forming over Athos' words. "I am well guarded." Coal stated. A slight ring of attitude struck in his voice.

"Is that so?" Athos questioned. He removed himself from the wall and placed a hand on his sword. He slowly took a few steps around the room, keeping his eyes on Coal. "Who would protect you if the enemy was here?" Athos slowly started to make his way towards Coal. Coal still had his back towards the musketeer, showing no signs of even thinking about defending himself.

Athos gripped his sword tighter as he inched closer. "What if I were sent by the enemy?" He asked as he paused in his step. He was about four feet away from Coal. Such a small distance and yet, he could throw his sword and kill the young king. Yet Coal showed no signs of even paying any attention to him and his warning words of attack.

Athos narrowed his eyes, angered over the lack of guards, but still. He felt this young king needed to be taught a lesson. He took another step and went to draw his sword...

Bam!

Athos hit the ground hard with something strong and heavy on top of him. He was meet by a disfigured face with long red braided hair and one brown eye. His mangled teeth were clenched together as he snorted heavily through his nose. A large hand pressed hard onto Athos' chest. He dared not to breath in the fear of his chest collapsing from the weight being placed on him.

Coal looked up from the table and looked over his shoulder. A soft frown came across his face as he turned around and leaned on the table. "You can let go of him Quasi." Coal stated as he folded his arms.

Quasi looked to Coal before looking back to Athos. He snarled at the musketeer before releasing him and stepping away.

Coal and Quasi both watched as Athos scrambled to his feet. His eyes locked on the monster before him. Fear struck in his eyes.

"Athos meet Quasi, Quasi meet Athos." Coal stated.

Athos looked back and forth from Quasi and Coal, till he finally landed on the young king. "This! This thing is your body guard?" He asked in utter shock.

Coal shrugged nonchalantly at the words.

"You let a monster protect you?" Athos took a step closer to Coal. His words sounding angered.

"Who are you calling a monster?" Coal leaned off the table. His voice rising to the same level of anger. "If anyone here is a monster its you." Coal stated as he locked eyes with Athos.

"A child king and monster for a guard dog." Athos stated as he motioned to Quasi. "No wonder why this kingdom is falling." He looked Coal up and down.

Coal narrowed his eyes at Athos while silence took the room.

"Get out." Coal stated flatly.

Athos rolled his eyes as he held back a forced laugh. "You're kingdom is a joke." He stated.

"You're just mad because my 'friend' here got the better hand over you." Coal snapped. "If anyone here is acting like a child it's you." He pointed out. "Quasi has been a long time friend of the family and has always been my protector." Coal shook his head slightly. "I will not stand for some stranger coming into my home and calling him a monster." Coal gritted his teeth.