The Reason

Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Marik

The door to the lavatory nearly flew off its hinges when Hans kicked it open, heading straight for the toilet to empty the contents of his stomach.  He spent the night in a drunken stupor to hopefully banish the horrendous memories of holding his mother's lifeless body in his arms.  It may have worked in the moment, but was painfully followed by a hangover produced from the strong wine. 

He spat into the bowl to rid his mouth of the bile before bringing the ring of Solomon, glowing red, to his lips. 

"Come here."  Sweating he leaned against the bowl in some vain attempt at cooling his forehead as he waited.  He could feel the air begin to tighten, like cushions that were beginning to smother him, before a final release, followed by a voice.

"Bloody hell.  What is that ghastly smell?"  Hans did his best to blink away the tears, seeing Landon standing over him with a handkerchief covering his mouth and nose.  "Tell me which cave you crawled out of so that I may avoid it like the plague."  Landon helped Hans to his feet and led him back into his bed chambers, throwing him onto a nearby couch like dirty laundry. 

He then went to the doors and flagged down a servant.  "Darling, a glass of water for the prince and get a bath running with some fresh clothes.  Thank you."

Hans' voice was hard and rough from vomiting.  "Since when do you care about my appearance?"

"Just because you're on a bender, and an ass, doesn't mean you can't be somewhat presentable."  The servant returned with a glass of water and a pitcher to refill it. 

She placed them on the table in front of the couch.  "I'll let you know when the bath will be ready—"

"Whatever," Hans grabbed the water and slowly began to guzzle it down.  The mousy servant bowed her head and slipped from the room.  "How are the arrangements for my family's funeral?"

Landon wrinkled his forehead looking around to be sure the question was for him.  "Are you daft?  When you asked me to see to the details, I thought you were joking." 

Hans glared through bloodshot eyes.  "This is my mother's funeral.  I wouldn't joke about that."

Landon laughed.  "You remember I'm a demon right?  And funerals take place in churches?  Dealing with priests?  Houses of god?"  Hans still appeared lost, and uninterested.  "I can't go into a house of god you twat, and priests make me twitchy."

Hans felt as if a vein was about to burst in his forehead, but thinking more about it, he let out a long sigh.  "Very well.  I'll just have to have someone else do it.  Everything should be ready by the time we return from Arendelle."

His demonic slave snorted a laugh.  "Still holding on to that pathetic 'assassins from Arendelle slaughtered your family', bit?"

"Whatever I have to do to get the people on my side."  He leaned back on the couch, allowing his body to fully relax as he sank into it's comfort as he emptied the glass of water.  "You may not be able to handle churches, but how is my army doing?"

Landon spoke through clenched teeth.  "Per your instructions they worked through the night to get your ships ready.  The fullness of your army will be ready to mobilize by day's end, if not by morning."

A smile ghosted his lips.  "Excellent."  Hans noticed that the air around them began to constrict again, similar to when Landon had appeared a few moments earlier.  "What is it?" he asked when he noticed Landon looking around.

His answer was quick and simple. "We have a guest."

The air released.  "Good morning your highness."  Azkane strolled to the table and set down a large vase filled with many exotic and beautiful smelling flowers.  "My condolences for your loss."