ROME
Rumours spread fast in Bale and most times, these rumours had the truth hidden deeply in them, although, it would take careful dissection to uncover these truths. This was no news to citizens of Bale, especially not to the King of the Bale, so when he heard from the footmen that there was an uproar at the southern borders, he wasted no time rushing there.
The trouble on the southern borders had taken days to deal with but unlike the rumours, it was hardly an uproar. The Blackfoot’s seemed to have honour for the King of Bale but really, this king was one who abolished the slave rule so they had no choice but to. If not for him, they would still be fighting a lost battle with the slave masters.
They thought it important to inform the king of others rumours which they swore were true; that slaves were still being kept and sold illegally.
Who dared go against the king’s decree?
All these issues could be sorted out some other day. This one was special to the King. He smiled as he tapped the pouch at his side that held the gift of phantom jewels he had purchased for his beloved.
He was starting to get impatient as the carriage that transported him to his castle seemed to slow down. He urged the horse to move faster as he had a mission. A mission of the heart.
Oh, how he had missed his dear Queen.
King Rome couldn’t wait to see the joy that would break out on her lovely face when she’d behold the phantom jewels he’d brought to be carved into her crown. Erika was the love of his life and nothing in the whole of Bale and the seas afar could make him shiver in delight like she did.
The horse slowed down as they approached the castle and it hardly halted before he swung off, hurrying into his section. He knew Erika would not be expecting him home so soon which made the surprise even sweeter.
As the King bolted into the grand castle, he bumped into someone. It was Teriel, his most trusted Advisor.
“Your Majesty!” Teriel bowed.
“Teriel!” Rome smiled. He was bubblier than usual but he couldn’t help himself.
The king had heard Erika talk about phantom jewels and how they increased fertility because the moon goddess had blessed them when she first awoke from slumber. It was one of the most expensive and rare jewels in all the continent. Teriel had to approve.
The Lycan bowed instead showing respect but instead of his usual easy smile he looked uncomfortable, his pale face flushed.
“What’s wrong, Teriel?”
“The staff have been given the day off, sir. Just a few guards around the mansion,” he said, his striking brown eyes not meeting the king’s.
This was not an issue. Erika would sometimes give the staff the day off to deal with their homes and come in the next day. She had said they needed time to be with their loved ones too. She was the kindest angel, Teriel knew this too.
“I’ve got her phantom jewels,” he tapped the pouch.
“Oh, Lovely, Sir!” He said in feigned excitement. His wandering eyes avoided the king’s
“What’s wrong? You almost seem uninterested,” he said, walking into the mansion’s back door, and up the stairs.
“Apologies, Your Majesty! I’m sure the Queen is worth such priceless jewels.” His smile was flat.
Teriel didn’t utter another word and that was odd. He was supposed to belt into a poem that praised the phantom jewels.
As they approached his wing of the palace, Erika’s voice could be heard softly. But who could she be talking to? The staff were in their quarters and others sent off to their homes.
“Oh, f*u*ck! Just like that!”
“My Lord!” Teriel whispered, holding the king’s arm lightly.. “I need to tell you something.”
“Not now, Teriel.”
His grip loosened and he gave a sigh. Rome’s curiosity piqued. It was sounding less than a conversation.
**
He increased his pace, walking faster yet avoiding the sound of footfalls being heard. He stopped short in front of the slightly open doors to his chambers and his blood ran cold. They say the Lycans were higher beings but that point Rome felt like a little ant being brushed away.
The world seemed to spin a whole three hundred and sixty degrees. His lungs constricted and he could feel the temperature drop. He stepped back lightly unable to determine if this was a dream or he was seeing clearly.
There on the royal bed – the one who his fore father’s had used, was Chester, his second in command, lying atop Erika the Queen…
..
The slapping sounds from both their bodies slamming together filled the room and poured into the corridors.
No wonder she had let all the staff go. No one could hear or bother them.
Chester was like family. They had grown up together. They shared all his new year’s together and spent their youth hunting boars in the woods of Ashkelon. If there was anything worse than betrayal, this was it. It felt like a knife had been pushed deep into his heart and twisted.
“Oh Chester! Fuck Chester!” Erika moaned and Rome’s blood began to boil. Hearing her moan like that with another male’s name in her mouth was the greatest pain. His hands trembled at his sides as he watched them, still in shock. The pain hurt worse because it was Chester.