As the passing days went along, I realized how invested I was in this mission. Always checking to see what time people would be around and where others wouldn't be. I even checked the tunnels around the Kingdom, seeing as there were so many, talking with other trainees and employees to see if they knew something more, and constantly watching others' actions. Oddly enough, I felt useful doing this. A part of me wanted to believe what I was doing was right. I'd help mom and dad retire and ensure they'd never worry about debts or money again. I'd make Uncle proud of me for once, finally doing what he's been wanting me to do forever now. I couldn't stop doing this. The need to please my parents would always come back to haunt me no matter how fast I ran. Why should I run away now if this dying need will never leave?
Deep down I knew. I couldn't escape this feeling.
News of the King's preparation for the war with Yale was spreading quickly. The King seemed to finally tell everyone in Paymor what was happening with the King of Yales. The day he announced it, most of the reactions were just to be expected. Most of the people in Paymor were women with children, scared of the thought of going to war with Yales. King Hampton was known by many, all of them scared of him. However, some of the townspeople were more than ready to fight. Despite the difference of feelings and thoughts, I, of course, had no option but to not go to more training.
I trained for patrolling, learning the basics for fighting (although I had more than my fair share back when I was younger) and what to do if something happened on your patrol. But, I suppose, I wasn't ready to fight in a war. The Paymor Kingdom had more than enough troops, but training more people would mean that they had a better chance at winning. The sounds of groaning and complaints could be heard by everyone these days. Not just by my comrades, but by me, the maids and butlers, and kitchen staff as well. No one was spared from the overwhelming situation. And naturally, Zeke was rarely seen, not just by me but by everyone.
"I heard his highness was away on some trip. Almost like a get-away from us all. Must be preparing for an attack or just for war in general, I suppose. Some generals said he wouldn't be back till next month." I overheard some of the other flirty guards and maids gossiping about the prince. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose as a throbbing headache developed. I was already in a time crunch with King Hampton wanting the assassination of the Paymor family done before the attack. I could see the look on his face when I had to tell him that the timing was bad now. The letter I sent formally, passing it on to a merchant of Yales in the dead of night, was filled with mistakes. Writing in the dark of a dirty, muddy tunnel was not a skill I was great at.
King Hampton was known for being ruthless and cruel, but he was also very well organized. He'd planned this for years after the murder of his son. My king was someone who valued family and revenge. Naturally, King Hampton wouldn't spare the neighboring king, King Jakobe, no matter how much he loved him.
Most of the time, people say they were obsessed with each other, always seen going away for a weekend to go spend time in a cabin in the winter and having tea on the patio in the summer. Their families were close too, always seen having holidays together and sitting together at any events they may have together. King Hampton was always seen with King Jakobe, no matter where they went. Actually, they were so close people thought they were having an affair. However, things change. And if there's one reason I was hired by King Hampton, it's because he wanted someone dead.
I wasn't told much about why he wanted King Jakobe dead, but it was obvious after some time. Prince Kyro, the son of King Hampton and the heir to the kingdom, was murdered.
Not much was said at first; no one knew about it until two days later. The prince was spoiled rotten, and if he wanted to be left alone, then anyone who bothered him was personally buried by him. Later, late one night in December, shrieks from maids running out of his bedroom alerted the princess. Despite the maids finding the body, the princess, Princess Delova, took the responsibility of finding her brother's body. The attacker left barely anything behind. Not only did he steal the prince's crown and his many jewels, he left him beheaded and lying on his bed. King Hampton was devastated, as anyone who loved their kid would be. What made him angry was the message left behind. No one knew what it said besides the King and investigators, but whatever it said, it was causing the King to go insane.
With the Prince gone, the Yale Kingdom was a complete wreck. The King went crazy for years, having people slaughtered if they slipped up once in front of him. Even if it was as simple as spilling a single drop of wine on the floor or being two minutes late for a meeting. Before he was cruel but had some sense left, now he was just pure evil with nothing holding him back.
Princess Delova was ruling temporarily for her father, knowing he was unfit for being a king for the time being. He was spiraling down a hole while going insane with no one to stop him. Stopping him was a way to be killed easily; helping him meant there was a slim chance for things to go back to normal.
No one knew who would've killed the Prince, and each passing moment of not having the culprit killed by King Hampton was another moment someone else could die. Before long, news reached out to King Jakobe. He was shocked, seeing how Prince Kyro was like another son to him. King Jakobe did the best he could to help King Hampton. Helping with the investigation was a no-brainer for him, but he was worried for his well-being as well.
Scheduling days to go out and golf, to drink at the local cozy bars in Paymor, or just a dinner date with each other's families. Nothing helped him though. But King Jakobe never gave up. One night, as the King's were saying their final goodbye to each other, a shiny light flashed in King Jakobe's pocket. Without any hesitation, King Hampton reached towards it, pulling it out. It was like his body moved before his brain could catch up. His eyes were wide, grasping his son's red jeweled crown. Before he could say a single word, let alone look at his longtime friend, a solid hit to the back of the head struck him, knocking him out cold.
The truth was finally out. The King of Paymor, his best friend, the only person close to him... had his son beheaded. It wasn't long after King Hampton was sent back to Yale while he was unconscious. King Jakobe could've killed his longtime friend, maybe even lover, but instead sent him back to Yales. It was a confusing mess of feelings and revenge, but even so, I never understood why King Jakobe never killed Hampton when he was knocked out. I knew better than to ask questions though, keeping silent as the King ordered me and Remy to kill the royal family of Paymor.
"Whiteman! Get your ass back to work!" Assistant General Ramani shouted at me, startling me out of my daze. I glared right at him, picking up my sword. For once, I figured the mean-spirited general was slowly warming up to me after that night. But nothing's changed. He's still cold-hearted and cruel as ever. Even more now that we have more training sessions together daily. I couldn't get rid of him now, like I once thought. I could see his cold, intimidating eyes glaring at me everywhere I went, closely watching my every move. There was never a moment that went by where he wasn't close by, judging me. After a while, it was finally getting to me.
"Good work, people. See you later." He dismissed, standing in front of everyone as we all took a water break sitting down. Most of our training was done outside now, in the scorching heat of the summer. Summer in Yales was hotter though, so it didn't affect me as much as the others.
Most of our group was now mixed with both males and females, allowing me to see Remy more often too. However, it was harder too, with assistant general pain in the ass watching us all. Most people didn't realize that Remy and I were friends until recently. "Damn! It must be nice having your best friend close by!" "Or more annoying to have to see each other daily now. You guys act like siblings, you know!" Some chuckled and said whatever they thought as we both politely chuckled and smiled awkwardly. I quickly shot a glance at Assistant General cranky standing in the corner of the training arena with his arms crossed over his broad chest.
He never spoke much, only saying what he had to, and even then it was the bare minimum. It was easy to tell, though, that family and friends were a touchy subject for him. Just the mention of family or friends makes him look away with his fists clenched and his jaw shut tight. He didn't look at anyone but me for a second, glaring right at me as if I were a fly buzzing in his ear, and he wanted to squash me.