Aftermath

"..."

ugh, my head is killing me...

Light filtered through the window, shining into my eyes. I slowly opened them, blinking a few times while staring up at the ceiling.

Is this my room?

"Rrmgh..." I groaned in pain, trying to prop myself up.

"Sern? Sern! Don't move... You need to lie back down." Malti rushed over.

Turning my head, I could see Malti kneeling next to my bed, covered in bandages.

I let out a weak sigh, laying my head back down. "So... we did it?"

Malti nodded enthusiastically.

"Kassim has been ruling for two weeks now."

"Two weeks!?"

I quickly shot up, but immediately winced in pain, lying back down.

"You've been out for a while... Kassim and I visited you every day, though."

Two weeks, huh?

Rolling over, I looked out the window, letting the sunlight wash over my face, drifting back to sleep.

Kassim

I sat on the throne, cross-legged, my head resting in my hand. Zagan stood on my right side, and Aella on my left. Two weeks have passed since becoming king. Delegations from across the continent had come to congratulate me, bearing gifts.

I worked hard to make the transition of power appear smooth.

Though I offered amnesty, some of Rasen’s loyalist nobles and generals had to disappear. I needed to reward those who had supported me. It was... convenient, replacing them with my own.

"Emmisaries from Llanes now entering!" a guard announced.

Three men, dressed in formal attire, approached, stopping at the foot of the stairs. Kneeling, they presented a gift.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. A gift from King Flavus Llane."

A saber, gilded in gold, was presented to me. The refined craftsmanship was visible to me, even from where I sat. I gave a slight nod, signaling a guard to take the gift.

"Hm. Send your king my regards." I said, waving them off.

"If I may," one began, "could we inquire about the ongoing conflict between our kingdoms?"

I knew they would ask about this.

This war has been long and costly for both our nations. Unable to negotiate with my father, he now sees me as an opportunity to create peace between us.

"All know how peacable, kind, generous, intell-"

"Please," I cut him off, "enough with the flattery. Get to the point."

"Well... Seeing as you are now king, King Flavus would like to open negotiations for peace."

I leaned back. "I'm sure he would have rather liked to see Amir swallowed into a long civil war between my brother and me."

The emissary nervously laughed. "No, no! Not at all! King Flavus was confident that you'd secure the throne quickly."

I rolled my eyes.

However, I knew ending the war would be beneficial to me. My position is still not solidified. Bringing the army home strengthens the capital and stops the bleeding treasury. The debt of revenge has long been paid. There was no benefit to either of us continuing this... At least for now.

"Perhaps we do end this conflict so that we may gain stability." Zagan leaned down, whispering into my ear.

I adjusted myself, sitting up. "Very well. I am willing to open up negotiations."

"Excellent, Your Majesty. We will inform King Flavus." The emessaries bowed, exiting the room.

The doors closing, I let out a sigh, signaling for a servant.

"Water."

She bowed and hurried off. Finally, the last of today’s visitors.

But I would have no true rest.

"Your Majesty..." Zagan stepped out in front of me.

"We have news on Rasen's widow and child..."

His words froze me.

I knew exactly what he was implying, and he knew exactly what he was asking of me. I could feel both Aella's and Zagan's eyes on me, watching what my answer would be.

"Your water, Your Majesty." The servant girl held the cup out.

"..."

I simply stared at it, waiting.

"...Ah, sorry." She took a sip, then held it out again.

This time, I accepted the cup, swirling the water around in the cup, thinking.

I hated my brother... But to do this to an innocent woman and child... A decision that would haunt me forever...Yet if I spared them, they could seek revenge. They could try and take the throne from me, like I took from Rasen...

My throat tightened. I took a sip from the cup before handing it to Zagan.

Looking straight ahead, I gave a slight nod.

"Understood, I will take care of it." Zagan stepped back, turning around to leave the throne room.

I had just ordered Zagan to do something unthinkable on my behalf. I clutched the throne, digging my nails into the gold exterior. I couldn’t bear to look at Zagan when I gave the order.

"You made the correct choice, Your Majesty," Aella said smoothly.

"How comforting," I replied, voice laced with sarcasm.

Aella just smiled at me.

"Watching you these past two weeks… I’ve come to admire how capable a politician you are."

I narrowed my eyes. "What is your point?"

"Well, if you recall from the ball, you promised me a position in your council and other considerations, to be determined once you took the throne…" He trailed off.

"Yes, I remember. So, what is it you want? Territory? A city? Someone removed?"

He laughed, covering his mouth. " No, no, nothing like that. In fact, I want you to add someone."

I tilted my head. "Add someone? Who?"

"My sister, Selene."

I blinked.

"You have not chosen a wife yet, correct?"

So that’s what this was. That’s what he wanted all along. But… he could’ve made this offer to Rasen. Unless... wait. Was Rasen married at the time?

I looked up. Aella’s smile had twisted into something darker.

"You betrayed Rasen because he wouldn't marry your sister?" I questioned him.

"..."

"Did Rasen insult you at all? Did Rasen even force himself on your sister? Or did you make it all up?"

"What would you like me to say?" Aella bowed, hand to chest.

I grabbed my head, leaning back, laughing hysterically.

"You are a fiend. A schemer. A villain worse than me."

Aella looked up at me. "And yet... Who better a wife than Selene of the House Calais? With the two most powerful houses united, no one would dare challenge your rule."

All of this... just so House Calais could enter the Royal line...

“I know you have feelings for that Ular girl of yours. That’s fine. Take her as a lover, if you wish. As long as Selene becomes queen.”

He stepped back. “I don’t expect a decision now. I’ll give you time to consider it.”

"Your Majesty." Aella bowed slightly before leaving the throne room.

I sat in silence.

He planned this from the beginning.

His proposal is not a bad one. I get the House of Calais's backing just for marrying Selene.

But Sern… Sern will despise this.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

Sigh...

Being king was all I ever wanted.
But it’s truly... dirty work.