Uncrowned

Ch 6: 360 No-Scope

The Dark King's crimson eyes narrow in anger, hand tightening around the hilt of his sword.

"What?" He demands, voice dangerously low.

The soldier blanches, panic and fear prevalent on his pitiful face. Stumbling backwards, he rambles excuses.

"W-we tried to keep them at bay, Your Majesty."

But it seems His Majesty is not convinced, "Tried?"

The malice is so prevalent in his voice, that it is nearly palpable. It drenches the entire alley, choking the warrior with senseless apprehension.

I use this as a chance to bargain for my life once more. Simply crawling elsewhere would not be a wise idea. He would notice, and I would die. Though, in reality it is my pride chaining me in this wretched position.

My mind scans through all the possibilities present, as a single word replays itself.

Survive.

Fury exudes from the Dark King, similar to how stenches emit from trash. He barks his orders to the poor man, and turns to me in distaste. Fingers tightening around his weapon, he lifts the blade, continuing with my execution.

"Wait."

To my pleasant surprise, he does; though his face contorts with irritation.

"Your Majesty," I say slowly.

His crimson eyes narrow in disdain.

"Perhaps, I could aid in the battle at your castle."

He scoffs, "In return for your life?"

I nod, or at least try to. My shattered collarbone makes the task quite difficult.

"You are in no condition to fight."

I release a breath, and lift myself from the sullied floor. After seconds of excruciating torture, I manage to stand tall, and somewhat proud. I meet the Dark King's condescending gaze, and give him a sardonic smirk,

"Do not underestimate a desperate person."

That sentence could only say so much in regards to my situation, but I have no qualms about a tyrant's viewpoint against me.

"If I am weak, they will kill me. If I am not, then they will perish, and you shall win."

He glares at me for a moment more, before clicking his tongue in annoyance.

"Fine."

My body relaxes, however slightly.

"Ben," I call out.

Brown hair appears from the behind the bins as he peeks out, his eyes widening as he takes in my current appearance. My brother runs up to me, attaching himself to my thigh before scrutinizing the Dark King through his messy fringe.

"I don't like you," he states with contempt, "You hurt Lulu."

I hold back my laughter, as my younger brother tries to size up the six foot tyrant. The Dark King growls, as he casts us a displeased frown.

"Let us make haste, before I decide to kill you both."

Despite myself, I feel quite triumphant.

~~~~

Our army is being slaughtered and pushed back, soldiers are falling, marionettes cut from their strings.

The Dark King is leading the battle, black tendrils and long sword lashing out at dozens of enemy soldiers. I had expected him to obliterate the entire battalion with ease, but it seems he is struggling.