A King, a Peasant and a Witch • ONC2020

Chapter Two: The Young King Elijah

Elijah's POV

"He's 18 now. It's about time he started acting like it. He's not 17 anymore. He needs to start taking responsibility and acting like a king. Not running around the kingdom grounds like some stupid child, " Madeline blabbed.

I rested my elbow on the arm of the chair and placed my chin on my palm. My eyes moved to the tall window at the other side of the bright room as I ignored the pair as they carried on fighting. The sound muffled as my mind played a scene of me running towards the window and throwing myself out.

Do it. What have you got to lose?

Oh, how I could have done exactly that. Raced to the window before tightly closing my eyes and letting my body fall two stories to my death. Anything but listen to this lot.

"Elijah, are you listening?"

If I somehow magically survived, I could have made a great escape. I could have run off, got away from this kingdom, got over the wall and ran.

"Elijah?"

Maybe I could do that tonight when everyone is asleep. I could take one of the horses and go. No one would notice me.

"Elijah!" Madeline shouted, slamming her palm down on the table. My head snapped in her direction. They sat at the far end of the long dining table, their angry eyes piercing into my narrowed ones. I challenged myself to hold the stare, but I soon grew uncomfortable. My body shifted and I looked to the thin red and white cloth placed on the table.

"No, " I cheekily responded and daringly glanced up at Madison. She had that typical stern look that was usually printed on her small grey face. Wrinkles formed on her forehead, making her appear older. Her dark eyes glared at me and she bit on her bottom lip to prevent herself from screaming. Her arms folded across her navy dress, which was tied to her waist with a small white ribbon.

I shifted my stare to Frank who too had the same annoyed expression, which was not like him. He had very little light brown hair left on his shiny scalp and he wore a black suit, his shirt buttons ready to burst. Frank was the one who let me get away with trouble. He understood that in reality, I was still just a kid at heart.

Usually, when people turn 18, they celebrate. After all, you're officially an adult. Nope. Not in my case. Instead, the title king is stuck in front of your name. Then the fate of an entire village is in your hands as a form of punishment for something you did not do.

"I don't see what your problem is, " I scoffed, crossing my arms.

"You snuck out again last night and when the knights found you, you ran. They had to chase you around the kingdom for an hour." Madison snarled, her slim cheeks turning red with anger.

I chuckled, a smirk formed on my face.

"What's so funny?" She gritted her teeth.

"It's just you keep saying kingdom." I tilted my head.

"Well, that's because it is a kingdom."

I dryly chuckled.

"Kolombia is hardly a village, never mind a kingdom. We don't even have a castle anymore. We don't - Forget it. I'm done with this conversation. I'll be in my room if I'm needed, " I said and stood up from the tall dark wooden seat. It was my seat - the king's seat. The only seat out of the other 11 that had a red cushion embroidered on the back. Of course, it was the grandest seat in the whole village. Which was why I hated it so much.

"No. We are not finished talking. You can't keep walking away from your responsibilities," Madison shouted as I stormed out the room, my long black cape flowing behind me.