The Rival of Gods

Chapter One: A Meeting of Kings

Narcissa made her way through the palace halls, glad to be out of her armor. The black shell that she wore into battle protected her. But she preferred the black leather outfit Zigildrazia would have her wear. Having her legs, arms, and stomach covered was something she'd gotten used to, but she didn't enjoy it. And she didn't look nearly as good without cleavage.

Looking good was necessary, even if Sahshir didn't fully understand why. It wasn't that he was repressed, just... different. Sahshir didn't treat life like Narcissa did; she'd learned to accept it.

At last, she came to the library.

It had only recently been founded, with books from elsewhere to fill it. Many ancient tales and stories were being compiled across the land and brought in. Sahshir had decided that he wanted the culture and wisdom of East Kalthak recorded. You had a ceiling carefully designed to keep out the rain. There were three different book shelves imported from Dinis. A gift from King Nagos of Chaminus, alongside some of the books. Others had been taken as plunder.

Within, she found the masked king sitting at a table. The librarians had been dismissed, and he was reading a scroll. His eyes were scanning over the writing. They stood out all the more, given the plagued flesh around them.

"What are you doing, Sahshir?" asked Narcissa, brushing a strand of her blonde hair from her face. She wished Sahshir would notice more than who she was as a person. Not being judged for your body was a weird experience even now. "You've been locked in here for three hours."

"Reading," said Sahshir.

Narcissa sat down, surprised he had no harsh statement on virtue. "Reading what?"

Sahshir set the paper down. "It's a list I had Alkela draw up, though I'm uncertain why. A list of Princesses of marriageable age?"

"What do you need that for?" asked Narcissa before she could stop herself.

Sahshir set down the paper and shifted the Sword of Order in his iron hand. The blade gleamed, and the light reflected off his hand. "...My valor in Zigilus proved my worth as a warrior. And my triumph in wars against Sorn has proven me an able leader. My focus has been wholly on ensuring the proper operation of this Kingdom. I believe I have succeeded.

"Tensions are low, empty lands are being filled, and the people are in good spirits.

"In such a time of peace, aside from maintaining it, I must ensure the succession. So I requested your sister look into the matter for me since the people of Zigilus keep such good records."

"Um, Sahshir-" began Narcissa. No one would ever want to marry him with his disease and-

"I know," said Sahshir.

"Ah, right," said Narcissa.

"I don't know why I did it," mused Sahshir. "I have been so focused on performing all that I must have forgotten myself. I had forgotten the disease that was killing me.

"And so I fail."

"...It might be possible to find a cure, Sahshir," said Narcissa, trying to bring in some hope.

"How?" asked Sahshir. "Laevian put this curse on me, and the God of Healing is her ally. Elranor is the archenemy of my people."

"So what are you going to do?" asked Narcissa.

"I can't do anything," said Sahshir. "My uncle, Asim, will inherit the throne after me. Then he'll immediately roll back everything I've done. There will be a civil war, and eventually, Sushaki will pick up the pieces. Or, Western Kalthak will intercede and be granted the rule of this land.