The gasps and murmurs that had died down were reignited. There were whispers from the villagers, questions from the knights to themselves.
Everyone wondered. Even his wives were in shock.
Why? Their king had never done this before. Even if all his decisions had always been bad, he’d never done sothing like this before.
A duel? It wasn’t like he was strong. They all knew their king was weak, totally weak!
He’s never had any training because he was a spoiled brat. So from where did he get the confidence he could fight a duel?
And that too, with a knight!
Amid the confusion, only the vice captain understood what was going on. Because he was there the night king Sestrus and Koul excused themselves.
He’d known king Sestrus to be cunning and knew there was sothing fishy when they excused themselves to talk.
He clenched his fists behind him, veins bulging across his arms.
This cunning—
He couldn’t bring himself to curse a king even if it was inwardly. But he knew very well that king Sestrus was seeking to humiliate Koul.
And he knew there had to be sothing beneath it. Because no matter how foolish their king was, his pride and arrogance would never let him obey anyone.
Although he could be tricked once or twice by provocation, the vice captain knew it wasn’t any of that.
Just what did they talk about last night?
He wondered what dirt king Sestrus had on Koul. But then again, he shook that thought off.
Because their young king was a shaless one that would wear the dal of all his bad deeds like pride.
He couldn’t be blackmailed. He would even help spread the rumor, so he scratched that thought.
Then..... a deal? he thought. But on what?!
Looking at Koul, he could notice the heaviness on his face. Koul wasn’t pleased or happy to do this.
He imdiately went over to him, and offered to help him change into fitting clothes for the duel.
The vice captain and Koul walked away and while he dressed him, he decided to bring up the matter.
At first, he was hesitant because Koul could be overbearing at tis.
"My Lord, must you do this?" He asked.
Koul didn’t say anything at first. He remained silent, letting the knight fasten the ropes of his trouser.
It was a brown top adorned with intricate buttons, neatly tucked into a slim black trouser, paired with sturdy boots.
His long hair was styled neatly. Braided into one and pinned up.
"Your majesty, if you’re being forced you can—"
"I’m not," Koul cut in.
"I’m doing this because I want to. There’s no other reason behind it. So do your job and keep shut."
The vice captain continued swiftly, not surprised at Koul’s harshness. He’d already known him to be this way and was expecting this sooner or later.
But still, he really wanted to help Koul if he could.
Recently that he started noticing his changes, he’d been drawn to him.
Before, he didn’t really give Koul much thought and just did his job, which was protecting the kingdom.
He obeyed his orders, carried out his duties and lived with no care for him. But now that he’s been forced to notice him, he couldn’t quench the desire to help him.
Because deeply considering it, Koul was still just a child.
Maybe I should have drawn near him from the start, he thought, feeling a bit guilty.
The knight escorted Koul back to the coliseum where everyone’s eyes fell oppressively on Koul once more.
But he didn’t mind. He had a reason for this. A reason to endure such humiliation.
In sharp contrast to his disgrace, King Sestrus shone brighter, his happiness unmatched.
The knight Koul happened to be facing was king Sestrus’ knight. A re coincidence.... or not.
The herald announced for Koul and his opponent to take their positions, and as he walked away, the vice captain cautioned.
"Please be careful."
They all already knew how it would end. No one saw a future where Koul won.
As they sat there, they weren’t waiting to watch how the duel would turn out. They were waiting to see how bad Koul would get beaten up.
Foolish was how they judged his actions. But who were they to voice out their opinions on a king?
They could only keep silent and watch quietly.
Koul and the opposing knight faced each other, both ready with their wooden swords.
The opposing knight was tall but not so tall to completely overshadow Koul. He was just a few inches taller.
The herald raised his flag and after so seconds, brought it down in a sharp whoosh, signaling the start of the duel.
Unlike most duels where they charged at each other or one person took the initiative to move, neither Koul nor the opposing knight moved.
Though they did approach each other to close the distance, they didn’t yet charge.
"Should I be honored that a king deed worthy to duel with.... Or should I feel ashad that a weakling like you thinks you can withstand in a duel?"
Staaaaareee.....
Koul simply stared at the knight, calm and unbothered at his insult.
The knight’s brow twitched, a bit confused why Koul didn’t react at all.
Even though he’d never known Koul personally, the rumors had painted him as soone hot headed.
By the rumors, Koul should’ve lashed out and imdiately used his power and authority to punish him.
And if this were to happen, the knight was confident his king, Sestrus, would help him. Hence why he talked so disrespectfully to Koul.
Koul raised his sword, pointing it directly at the knight with serene composure.
"Is it with your mouth you hope to put down?"
.....
"Raise your sword!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)