Chapter 65: The Tyrant King
The sun had just set, but the palace of the Ossi Kingdom remained dimly lit.
It was a lavishly decorated room, adorned with animal furs and mounted heads of ferocious beasts. The floor was paved with colorful ceramic tiles imported from the Elven Kingdoms, some inlaid with precious stones. Yet, despite its opulence, only a single oil lamp illuminated the room, casting long, flickering shadows that danced across the walls.
A warrior, clad in full plate armor, knelt before a large table piled high with documents, a sleepy parrot perched on a stand beside it. Behind the table sat a imposing figure, his features similar to Princess Givia’s, but sharper, his eyes colder, a hint of cruelty in their depths. This was Kevin, the undisputed king of Ossi.
“Your Majesty, we have discovered the body of another maid. She hanged herself in her room,” the warrior reported, his voice steady, his head bowed, not daring to meet the king’s gaze.
“Has her body been properly handled?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. She has been buried, and her family will receive compensation within a few days.”
“Good. You may leave if there’s nothing else to report.”
Kevin nodded, leaning back in his ornate chair, draped with a bearskin.
“Your Majesty… I dare to request permission to investigate the nightmares plaguing the palace staff. Perhaps you’re unaware, but three maids have already taken their lives due to these nightmares,” the warrior said hesitantly. “I fear that if this continues, these nightmares might threaten your safety as well…”
“That won’t be necessary, Captain of the Guard. Your duty is to protect the palace. Nothing more,” Kevin interrupted, his voice dismissive. “There’s been some unrest in the palace recently, causing anxiety among the staff. I’ll send someone to console those experiencing nightmares. Once their minds are at ease, the nightmares should subside.”
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?” the Captain of the Guard asked, his voice laced with concern.
“My orders are absolute. I shouldn’t have to repeat myself,” Kevin said, his voice tinged with impatience. “I don’t see the need to waste time on a few maids having nightmares. Is that clear enough? I’m tired. You may leave.”
The Captain of the Guard, not daring to argue, stood up, his head still bowed, avoiding eye contact. “Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll ensure the palace’s safety.”
“Good. Return to your post now.”
“Return to your post! Return to your post!” the parrot squawked.
Kevin dismissed him with a wave of his hand. The Captain of the Guard, bowing respectfully, backed away towards the door, opening it slightly and slipping out, closing it softly behind him.
He let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
He considered himself a loyal and dutiful servant, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread whenever he was in the King’s presence. Kevin was known for his violent temper and his tendency to execute those who displeased him. The Captain’s question had clearly annoyed him, and he had been dangerously close to incurring the King’s wrath. He had narrowly escaped death.
As he turned to leave, he saw a thin figure approaching.
It was Apos, a pale, clean-shaven eunuch who wore thick white makeup. He was a close confidant of King Kevin, who seemed to prefer the dimly lit environment. They often held secret discussions, but no one knew what they talked about. Those who had accidentally overheard their conversations had been executed.
Apos glanced at the Captain of the Guard with a cold, dismissive look, then brushed past him, heading towards the King’s room.
He knocked gently. “Your Majesty, it’s Apos. I have a report.”
“Enter,” Kevin said, his feet propped up on the table, his eyes fixed on the door.
The door opened, and Apos entered, his movements quick and precise.
“Your Majesty, the Dream Seer has returned with news. Princess Givia’s caravan has left Lavoisier City. Their wagons seem to be loaded with potions, likely intended to counter our army,” Apos reported, standing before Kevin’s desk. Unlike the Captain of the Guard, he seemed to have the privilege of meeting the King’s gaze.
“Anything else?” Kevin asked, nodding, his voice indifferent.
“The princess’s carriage seems to contain the individual responsible for the previous Dream Seer’s madness,” Apos said, his voice tense. “It seems Princess Givia has found a powerful ally. We didn’t dare conduct extensive observations this time. We only peered into the dreams of one soldier in their caravan, and only for a short time. We beg your forgiveness for our cowardice.”
“Do as you see fit,” Kevin said, his eyes closed, as if resting. “Just bring me the information. How are the Shadowlings?”
“They’re ready to attack. I’ve placed them along every route Princess Givia might take. The mission is guaranteed to succeed,” Apos said, his voice filled with pride.
“Don’t fail me. Instruct the Shadowlings to destroy as many of those potions as possible,” Kevin said, his voice devoid of praise. “If anything goes wrong, you’ll be held responsible.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I’ve considered every possibility. There won’t be any problems,” Apos said, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes, but his expression remained impassive. “These Shadowlings are resourceful. They’ll cripple Givia’s rebel army.”
“Good. You may leave. I need to rest.”
“You may leave! You may leave!” the parrot squawked.
Kevin remained impassive.
Apos bowed respectfully and left the room.
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