A Royal Evil
Zoya rounded the corner, black hair flying behind her, as she marched up to the king's quarters with purpose. She hadn't bothered to hide the bruise on her cheek or the angry cuts on her arm. There were a lot of thoughts going through her mind right now and a moment before she'd taken a second to collect herself. But, now it was time to address this and she was not going to give herself any more time to back down.
The guards outside Nikolai's quarters raised their eyes only just. Appearance aside, she was also due to have been here an hour ago. Even so, surely rumors had started circling about why and one the guards dared advise, "You shouldn't be in there alone."
"Do not presume to tell me what I can't handle," Zoya snapped, lightning coursing over her hands.
The guard bowed his head, opening the door. "Of course. My apologies."
Nikloai was lying on the bed, still chained. He looked more bedraggled than usual, from his hair to shredded clothes. Even not accounting for the fact he was covered in blood. He raised his head and said tentatively, "You're late."
Zoya didn't answer him, just stared with her mouth set in a firm line.
Nikolai took a deep breath, suspecting, "Who was it?"
"Sir Thomas." She answered tightly. "You killed him, Nikolai." She shook her head, suddenly more angry at herself. "And I couldn't stop you. I let you down."
"You let…?" Nikolai replied in disbelief. "No, Zoya. It looks like you did everything you could. It's I that let you down. And Sir Thomas." He sighed. "Admittedly, I can't say I liked the man."
"He did nearly knock you off your horse in the last tourney and proceed to boast about how great a swordsman he was to "best" the king."
Nikolai gave a small smile in spite of himself. "Ah, yes. A rather loud and pompous fellow, but I suppose that's somewhat understandable." He frowned. "Certainly no death sentence. We will have to call on his family and see they are well cared for." He hung his head. "It's not enough, but…"
Zoya nodded agreement, but was staring at him almost as if she looking at a stranger who frightened her.
Nikolai supposed that was warranted. Still. He sighed, lifting one hand gently against the chains. "It's me, Zoya. And we can't do damage control from here."
She stared at him another minute, seeming to debate with herself; but, she nodded and walked over. She unlocked just one around his wrist, as was customary to give him the choice, and placed the key in his hand.
Suddenly seeming unsure, Nikolai didn't move for a minute. He frowned, taking in the dried blood on his clothes and the wounds on Zoya. "Then again, perhaps I should stay here."
"You can't fix this chained to a bed," Zoya demanded, having made up her mind. "Get up."
Later that day, Nikolai had cleaned up and was the picture of a confident royal as Zoya and he rode out, to anyone who didn't know to look closer. For in his eyes was the ghost of knowing what he had down at the hands of the demon the lurked just below the surface. He turned to her. "This is ridiculous. I feel like an imposter, offering condolences to a death I caused."
"You'll keep that quiet," Zoya whispered intently. "The only other option is your head on a spike. Besides, we both know you do grieve for them."
Nikolai nodded and quelled all doubts as they approached the house. Sir Thomas's widow came to the door, bowing fervently, as her two young children peeked out behind her. She ushered to them to do the same as she addressed. "My king."
Nikolai dismounted, bowing to her in return. "Please. Cassandra, I believe. It's I that pay you my respects today. Words do not express how sorry I was to hear of your loss. Sir Thomas was a brave knight."
She nodded appreciatively, but admitted. "Though he certainly could have his moments."
Nikolai granted. "Don't we all." He turned to the kids behind her. "And leaving behind two beautiful children. Tell me, what do you want to be when you're grown?"
"I want to be the king, just like you," the boy answered.
Nikolai looked bemused. "Ah. Good to know who to watch for usurping me. What name should I be mindful of?"
His mother apologized. "Please don't mind him. He's just always admired you, as have I."
Nikolai shook his head. "I'm flattered, but I assure you the king is not without his faults." He knelt down to look at the boy. "And ambition for big dreams can take you far. Tell me, what is it about being king you like so much?"
"It's Christopher, my king. And, well, you get to do whatever you want," the boy smiled, "But more than that, you get to protect the people you care about. And you're in charge of what's best for the kingdom."
"Hmm," Nikolai replied. "Well, I don't know about doing whatever you want, but you're certainly not wrong about the rest. How would you like to train as your father did when you come of age? I'd grant you personal sword training and if you find you're still serious about ruling, you'd be invited to observe several council and court meetings. Of course, if your mother allows it."
The boy's eyes went wide in excitement and his mother replied eagerly. "You honor us, my king. He would love nothing more."
Nikolai nodded and addressed the girl. "And what about you?"
She glanced down and hugged a stuffed cat she was holding. "I'm Annabelle. I don't wish for much, my king. I simply hope to marry a kind husband one day and, perhaps, be able to care for any animals that may be in need."
Nikolai beamed. "I can tell you have a gentle soul. Never let anyone make you feel ashamed for that. I'd be happy to assist you in starting an animal refugee. And should the day come you're unhappy with suitors that have come your way, perhaps the royal court would provide assistance."
The girl looked at him like he had just crowned her queen. "Thank you, my king!"
The mother addressed him. "You are very generous. But, what ever have we done to deserve such favor?"
Nikolai replied. "My dear Cassandra. I know the pain of losing someone you've devoted your life to. All the more so if we love them. Sir Thomas may not have been the grandest knight, but knight he was. More than that, though, I would not see any family fall into hardship due to a death that was nothing more than a man doing his duty. This is a small token I hope to grant any family in need."
"We cannot thank you enough."
"And what of you, Casandra? Is there a way we can be of aid to you?"
"You have promised to secure my children's futures," she replied, "There is nothing more a mother could wish for."
NIkolai smiled and offered her a hefty coin purse. "Well, perhaps at least an offering to help cover burial and plenty of food in the near future. I know it does not replace your loss in the least, but I hope it helps ease some of the strain."
"My king," she bowed, along with her children.
