Title: Vanquisher of Light
Word Count: 574
Rating: G
Fandom: Rise of the Guardians/The Guardians of Childhood series (AU, using characters in "Midnight" series)
Pairings (if any): Pitch/OC (technically)
Warnings (Non-Con/Dub-Con etc): N/A
Summary: In order to regain the glory of his kingdom, His Royal Highness Kozmotis Pitchiner—otherwise known as Pitch Black, the Vanquisher of Light—decides to take on a queen. (Medieval-ish Alternate Universe.)
Author's Note: This is the prologue. You may notice it's in second-person. It's the only part of this story that is in second-person; the rest is in third-person. This was written as part of a challenge in my LiveJournal writing community, WriterVerse.
The rule of Kozmotis Pitchiner was absolute, powerful… and dark.
You had made it so.
Your men stood guard in intimidating armor the color of the deepest night to match the flag that flew over the battlements. Your servants ensured the peasants never dirtied the carpet when they groveled at your feet. The noblemen that remained within the castle walls simpered and flattered you, the rightful king of all the lands.
It was unfortunate, then, that the kingdom had fallen into such a state.
There was once a time that it had reached every mountain and every shore, and any charlatan of a king or queen had bowed down to your might. The rebels had called it the Dark Ages, but you preferred to think of it as the Enlightened Era. When everyone had understood that you were the one and only king. Before the rebels had put a familiar face as the head of their efforts, and chipped away at your borders until they could scrounge up an army to combat you with.
Who would have thought they would succeed?
Now, your empire has shrunk to a measly plot of land in the northwest, its only saving grace being the immense, daunting mountains that made invasion too dangerous. If it weren't for that, the rebels might have swooped in and stolen your crown entirely; as it was, they had taken most of the surrounding lands and left you with a mockery of a kingdom to run. As if you were playing house.
Not any longer.
No, you've had enough. Enough lurking in the shadows, enough cursing the man who rose from the lowest of dirt to steal your lands and your people. No, you were going to take back what was rightfully yours by force. The world wouldn't soon forget the return of Kozmotis Pitchiner. It wouldn't be long before the Tsar Lunar remembered just why you had been given the name Pitch Black, Vanquisher of Light.
The Nightmare King.
But first, you had your reputation to consider. Even though you are loath to admit it, your advisers had a point: You haven't even bothered taking up another wife, after the death of your first—and your daughter. No, the thought had never crossed your mind; you were far too busy conquering nations, and later being forced to retreat from them. But sitting in the dark, plotting, has made you realize that your people expected you to, and this has sat heavily amongst your thoughts for the past fortnight. If you really want to win the people to your cause, you must concede that point.
And so, you have cast your eyes onto the noble families you house—because no other nation would offer their women, even if you had wanted to send an inquiry. Everyone is lacking when compared to your power, but some are less desirable than others. If you have to take on a queen, she will do exactly as you say and uphold the inspiring image of a great yet sympathetic woman in power.
After many weeks of silent deliberation, you make your choice—and send a servant to collect the head of the noble Braith family. There will be no need for negotiations; your rule is absolute, and the man will be eager to please his king. You must simply deal with the wedding preparations… then you will be one step closer to regaining the glory of old.
Prompt: Marriage Without Love
-Dragon
