" You hear that? " Someone asked another, as the two of them stood on a balcony overlooking the horizon and the ocean view.
" No. Am I missing something? "
" Yes. Yes you are. " The person would say.
" That is the sound— of a calm kingdom. A kingdom that knows its place, and a kingdom that knows, the hour of the dragon is vastly approaching us again. " The man would say, wearing a fancy elegant silk robe, with a tall hat.
The other would watch him carefully, as he had on very elegant and rather expensive attire. The two of them would eventually sit down again at their game of chest.
" Mmm, has it been four years already? " The younger of the two would question.
" Indeed. " The other proclaimed.
" We have decided that the festival a long time ago would no longer be yearly, since— well— His majesty has vastly proclaimed a dissatisfaction with such matters. " The older elderly man would state.
The two stared at one another before the elderly one would move his piece on the board. The younger one looked down at the board as he moved his piece, and then spoke.
" So now we do it every four years? "
" Very good. " The elder would respond.
" You see—- His majesty can be quite — picky in such affairs, which is why it is my job and sworn duty to handle all festivals and activities within the kingdom and its towns. "
" .... So His majesty doesn't have to be concerned with it? "
" Correct again. " The elder once again replied, as he moved another piece on the board.
" However— it is not that His majesty doesn't know what is going on, only that he refuses to truly care about it... from what I understand, he much rather be inside his room doing what he does best... " The elder proclaimed, sounding a bit distasteful at the thought.
The younger one felt a bit puzzled, as he didn't know what he meant.
" .... Which is ... what exactly? "
As the two started to go silent, the younger one heard a sound that grew louder, and louder as the elder was making the male pay attention.
" .... What... What's that noise.... ? " The younger one asked.
The elder would speak.
" ... His majesty... "
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Over the castle walls, as maids, butlers, and workers worked within the castle walls, along with guards guarding every hallway. Deep within the narrow passageway of each hall, loud music playing could be heard.
It wasn't unusual for them, as they heard it quite often, and it wasn't like it was bad. Though, they typically knew who was playing so lovely, as His majesty usually played often.
They could hear the loud noises and music stroking again and again, at a lovely paste that became rapid over time. The sound of his cello playing elegantly to a song called 'Paint It Black.'
Going past corridors, within the biggest room of them all, paintings on the wall, and the room being black and gold. As a man was sitting on the far edge of his massive balcony.
Having the best view in the entire castle— the ocean at a perfect alignment. The horizon met its sunset gaze, as the king had the cello in the middle of his legs, as his fingers played back and forth the song he designed.
His personal maids cleaned his room up, as they would sometimes stop and watch his majesty play the cello. The black musical instrument he had gotten from across the sea by someone dear.
His royal attire, with the jacket hanging on the back, as he sat comfortably in a chair, playing with his eyes closed, feeling the music with every movement. His multicolored hair, as the unique headpiece on his forehead.
Dazzling dangling earrings, and rings on his fingers, as he wore high heeled boots, that had brimstone in the diamonds on the bottom. Wearing a priceless necklace he had received at birth that he was never allowed to take off.
His narrow eyes, as the king looked very youthful for his position. Though he had never seen anything outside of his castle walls. Never went into the towns, or the city, but could see the entire city from his balconies as he had two of them.
Although the one he was sitting at was the only one with the entire ocean view. From below it was quite the fall, as he could see his royal garden, along with the other side the royal training fighting grounds.
Though the king played so lovely and loud, that not only could they hear it within the castle, the city could hear it also if you were close enough. Some people's homes were somewhat near the east side of the wall.
Women would sit over there just to hear his majesty play the music, as he would play the same song multiple times, or play his other favorite one he designed. All his songs sounded like despair, anguish, and fury.
His majesty continued to play until he was reaching the climax of his emotions through the song. His thoughts raced as he opened his orbs to reveal his purple orbs.
The more he played he became into it— as he moved his shoulders and his head as he eventually reached the end and stopped.
His pet lion slowly looked up at him as it had been laying outside the balcony with him as he played. His majesty turned his gaze to look over at his pet.
" .... No. ... " He would say.
" I do not feel any better... " He remarked.
The king's voice was deep, and soothing, whenever he talked it was as if time itself slowed down. Nothing around him matters, as if it was piercing into your soul.
He also had a love for music, as it was something he had been taught at a young age. He was taught a lot and a lot of it had to do with things he would much rather never mention.
The only reason he attended the festivals was because his royal family always did them. It was also tradition for the people to see their king, as they needed hope in their hearts.
They also wanted to see him become married, as his majesty should have been married when he had turned eight and one. Though, he refused to wed a woman.
Marrying a woman would mean you'd have to lay with her, and he did not wish to do that due to his personal secret. Nor did he wish to lay with her and conceive with her for an heir which is what they wanted.
He knew if he never had an heir the kingdom would die with him, and he would allow them all to believe that. For years, his royal court has been hounding him to conceive a child.
Though, because he was the ruler of the kingdom, he did as he pleased. Most of the time, he would simply stay within his room. For the longest time, he didn't even bother to see the people.
So he had no idea the conditions that were happening surrounding his people. He left that up to the royal courts to handle, and they stated that they would take care of it.
However, it would seem that — that wasn't the only concern that feared the people. His majesty had heard about the town called hollows grave being destroyed by a dragon.
He was disappointed to hear that so many had lost their lives that day. It pained him deeply that he hadn't spoken to anyone within several months.
This marking now the fourth month he kept himself within his quarters. All he could think about was the lives lost there that day— how many women, and children were devoured and killed because of it.
The thoughts made his skin boil, as he slowly rose towards his feet, as the breeze kissed his skin. Slowly his orbs shifted down as he noticed a bunch of women, staring up at him.
They immediately felt flustered and rushed off not to get caught by him that they were staring for so long. Although a few women in particular continued to look at him and wave and bow.
It was until several guards caught them and motioned them to move along, as they were too close to the royal gates. Pushing them away, so that they could no longer see the king.
His majesty sighed, as he felt there was no need to do that. The gate around the castle was surrounded by spikes and traps. Along with tons of guards at every corner.
No one could sneak in or out of this place. That hadn't ever happened within the longest of time his majesty was born here.
Though, the royal family including those that worked within the inner circle of the family knew the secret of his majesty. By oath they were to keep it that way, which should never be spoken.
His majesty slowly leaned on his balcony, his soft firm hands touching his railing, as he looked down to see the people. They seemed to be lively and having a bit of fun.
He could see children laughing, and playing through the streets. He could see markets being crowded with people buying items. He even noticed a show that was going on that people stopped and watched.
Turning his head by the ocean bank, he could see massive ships, his ships being transported with goods and other items. Indeed, his kingdom was prosperous but yet he always felt he was missing something.
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" Your majesty! " Someone exclaimed shouting in the hallways, as his majesty sighed with a bit of an annoyed manner.
He already knew who was coming to him. He said nothing in response.
The maids were standing by his door on the inside, as he looked at them both and placed his finger to his soft moist lips.
" Shh.. maybe if I am silent he will go away... " He teased to them both.
Both of them giggled cutely at his remark.
" Your majesty! I know you are in there! I heard you playing that— that ... bango thing! " He insisted.
The girls looked at his highness once more, before he rolled his orbs and motioned his head a bit to the left for them to open the door.
One of the women nodded and opened the door for the elder as he looked at her with annoyance and the other too. They both bowed, as he fully walked into his majesty's chambers.
" I knew it! " The elder proclaimed.
" .. It is called a cello... Barclays "
Barclays gave a blank expression, as he was a roundish old man, with a bubbly voice though he was also very wise.
His majesty loved Barclays because he was the oldest working one in the royal family. He also was around the time that His majesty came into rule.
He had a gentle heart and was also very goofy about his duties, complaining about how his majesty spends his time.
" Ooo whatever it is! I heard you playing it during the royal meeting. A meeting..... I might add you did not attend... again. " Barclays pointed out as he pointed his pen at him.
His majesty shrugged his shoulders, and pretended to be shocked and disappointed.
" Oh... heavens... did I accidentally forget... oo how the time does go by I'm afraid.... "
" Why uhh yes yes and you forgot your training appointment... and your lecture appointment and let's see here— " Barclays was going on and on about, as his majesty very easily walked past him.
The maids giggling as his majesty walked away and out of his chambers as Barclays head was deep within his writing. Continuously flipping through all the missed things his majesty didn't attend.
" And there was the studying of history... the study of crypts... the study of heir procreation... and you had fencing training at two.. " Brayclays would continue to say without realizing he was gone.
His majesty by that time had made it down his hallway and down the royal steps that had many directions to go. However he already knew where he wanted to go.
Though, he wouldn't get there without being escorted as his guards followed him. His majesty turned around and looked at them.
" .... Uhh... guys, again— you do not need to follow me around the castle.... I am quite fine on my own.... " He remarked.
The guards looked at him.
" Of course your majesty, but we are under sworn duty that we cannot leave you alone at any given moment. "
" He is right your majesty, under section four point two sub-section paragraph—"
" Aah— okay okay okay ! Make it stop! " His majesty proclaimed as he turned and walked off.
The guards bowed before following behind him exactly five steps behind.
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After some time, the king managed to ditch the guards that were following him. In a panic they immediately rushed around the castle in search of him.
His majesty smirked at the thought that he had lost them, as he felt a nudge from behind. Immediately he turned to look and saw his pet lion Zimba.
" Zimba... you ... startled me... hm.. are you worried about me too? " He questioned.
Zimba softly growled as it licked His majesty's hand gently.
" Awwh don't worry about me... I just wanted to get away from all of.... Well.... This. Tch.. I mean.. noone here questions me, makes me feel.... " He was beginning to speak, as he felt himself starting to heat up.
Although he stopped immediately as Zimba came to his side rubbing himself against him.
" They just... they don't understand, Zimba... I feel... smothered... I look and feel so young, but yet.... I'm so very very old... I mean... even you shall die.. before I even know what that tastes like.... "
Zimba did a small whine.
Suddenly the sound of trumpets could be heard from the city, as his majesty out of curiosity wanted to see what was happening. He looked down at Zimba and rushed outside one of the castle doors that was left unguarded.
Quickly he rushed over to his castle wall and climbed up a nearby tree to look over the high walls. His purple eyes shifted towards a crowd that seemed to gather around an area.
They all rushed into a direction, as Zimba watched his majesty in silence. His majesty turning around and looked down at his friend.
" ... I don't know what is going on, but— it would seem someone... important ? Has come? " He asked, confused.
His majesty continued to watch carefully before he noticed massive guards marching down into the city from a certain direction. In his mind he thought it must've been from the ship docks.
Someone must've come here, for the festival that was coming soon. Though, they were commoners more like someone from across the sea.
His majesty continued to observe, as he noticed they had gold, diamonds, rubies, silver, brimstone, and dazzling clothing on. Showering the city with treasures, as they tossed them to the crowd.
" To His majesty and his people! " A guard shouted as the gold, diamonds, silver were being shared amongst everyone.
Everyone immediately dashing in to grab a handful of what they could carry. The king became a bit puzzled as he had never seen this before.
" .... What... What is going on? " He asked more curiously, as someone came outside and spotted his majesty peaking over the walls.
" Ahh! your majesty! Please! Come down from there! " A butler shouted, as guards pushed through the butler and immediately went to assist his majesty.
His majesty quickly turned around and tried to speak as the guards pulled him down from the walls. Just then, Barclays and Mahad along with Zealot came out as well.
His majesty knew at this moment he was going to get a mouthful from Barclays, along with Zealot as well. Mahad was His majesty's personal guard and most trusted friend.
Though he did take his duties seriously as well, but rarely he would understand how his majesty felt at times. However, he also was under the thumb of Zealot who was the elder in charge of activities, and royal duties.
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" Your majesty! I do not need to remind you that what you did was very dangerous! You could've been killed! Or worse! Kidnapped! " Zealot proclaimed, as his majesty was being scorned in his throne room.
" Zealot is right your majesty... you must've been so careless... " Mahad said calmly in a recap.
" I know I am right! " Zealot boasted in a tone.
" However! " Mahad remarked towards Zealot.
" Master Zealot... should know his place, when speaking to our majesty.... That his tone may come off a bit....Too overpowering.... "
Zealot looked at all the others in the royal court, as they all were wearing royal clothing, and long expensive cloaks. Mahad also was wearing a necklace as well that looked like a gigantic ring with a bunch of pointing pieces.
His majesty eyed Zealot in a more serious manner though he knew Zealot very well, it did not change how sometimes Zealot could come off as if he was a father.
" I ... I meant no disrespect of course your majesty.... But your crown hangs in the balance every time you do something so.... Reckless. "
" Let us all agree that his majesty can be a bit of an adventurous man, but we are all here to make sure that his majesty is well kept. " Barclays spoke.
" Agreed. " Everyone proclaimed.
" With that being said— your majesty, from what you've seen over the wall. You have a guest that shall be coming. He had come from a far away land. " Barclays begin to explain.
Though he seemed a bit hesitant to do so, as the others looked at him, and was becoming the same way. His majesty noticed the body language in the room, as his orbs narrowed down.
" ... And what? They are here for the festival ? That is fine. " He remarked.
" .... Y—Yes your majesty but— "
" They also bring their daughter in hopes that you shall marry her as well, to unify their kingdom and ours together. " Zealot finished speaking for Barclays.
His majesty, hearing what Zealot remarked, looked at everyone else and stood up quickly from his throne. The rest of them are already getting a feeling of what is going to happen next.
" ... Oh... " His majesty would reply back, trying to keep his composer as he didn't the last time they told him this.
" Your ... majesty? "
" .... Well, you can inform their king, that I send my sincere apologies that I am unfit and unwilling to marry their unknown daughter— I do not know— nor shall I accommodate them for their travels. " His majesty stated aloud, as the letter writer wrote down his words.
" Remove those words! " Zealot shouted at the writer.
" Don't remove them! " His majesty exclaimed back as the writer stopped crossing out and then wrote them again.
" No, remove them! "
" Do not! I command it! " His majesty exclaimed once more only this time, the entire castle shook from his fury.
Which made the entire royal court remain silent and still. Mahad eventually intervened but his majesty already stepped down from his throne and quickly rushed away down the hall headed for his chambers.
" Why that little... " Zealot mumbled to himself, as Mahad overheard Zealot speak. Zealot was beginning to turn around when Mahad pointed a dagger to his throat.
" What! Why are you— "
" If you do not wish to lose your tongue... I suggest you hold your words next time very carefully..... the wrong person might hear you, and you won't be so lucky... "
" .... You dare raise your weapon at me... I oversee you! Mahad! Do not overstep yourself.... " Zealot barked.
" Indeed you do... but not when it pertains to defending his majesty against traitors.... Now tell me Master Zealot... are you a traitor... ? "
Zealot becoming highly offended by Mahad's words only grew much more infuriated.
" .....How... dare you... "
" Enough! " A woman who was also within the royal court.
" We have enough issues already, do you two wish to cause more? Let it go... " She ordered.
Zealot and Mahad both looked at her before Mahad removed his dagger from his throat and slid it back into its holder. Walking away and heading in the direction of his majesty's room.
Zealot eyed Mahad as he grinded his teeth together in anger.