Robert adjusted himself in his new royal garb. A large cumbersome cloak blanketed his shoulders, and stylized armor covered his entire form.

“Your Highness.” An attendant bowed to him.

Robert groaned at the formality of it all, but stood from his carriage-like mode of transportation. It was an extravagant block of stone that essentially slid across the terrain, powered by the Dunamis of half a dozen Dae-Voh. He looked at what would be his new home, and sighed. The last time he was here was with Turak in the dead of night, undoing a plot by the former queen to undermine Alektor’s plans for invasion. It seemed so long ago to him as he approached the palace.

“Queen Athica is waiting for you, Your Highness.” The attendant said, ushering him past dozens of guards and gawking nobles. Athica had insisted that she leave first, to arrive beforehand and soften the shock of the return of a new King. Especially one of his unique standing. Alektor had agreed with her wisdom, but cautioned Robert to return to Thule or Vul De Rah if anything were to look suspicious to him.

As they approached the main gate to the palace, a large group of nobles was assembled before it, blocking his entrance. Robert glanced to his left and right, looking at his six Rexunii honor guardsman who had not said a word to him throughout his travel. He took a deep breath and pressed forward.

A yellow-skinned Dae, wearing fine clothes and with guards of his own, stepped from the crowd and bowed his head to greet him.

“Your Highness, it is so good to finally meet you.” The man said, his voice calm and calculative. “I must say, we were quite stunned to hear that our beloved queen had married royalty, let alone one of the Spirit-Sent. Please let me be the first to welcome you to Pontos, the capitol and jewel of our clan territory. I am Lord Pilyur, of house Mohe’.

Robert didn’t bow his head; he just nodded at him, showing as little respect as possible. This is what Alektor had advised. His reasoning was that the Visgo clan was far more political than most others in Eleutheros. Lords and nobles had great sway with the common folk, and there had already been several queens who had been deposed in the last hundred years or so. This brought severe uncertainty when dealing with them, as you could never quite rely on their promises. “It’s nice to meet you Pilyur. As you know, I’m uh… King Reku of house Roh.”

“Yes, I can see that you still wear the colors of your home clan.” Pilyur said, standing up straight to look Robert in the eye. “It would be in good standing to perhaps change that as soon as you are able, your Highness. We are a proud people, and do not much care for the influence of foreign clans.”

Robert glanced at his grey cloak and smiled. “Well, if it means getting out of this oversized blanket, then point the way.”

Pilyur’s eyebrow raised at the strange change in direction. He was clearly expecting a different response to his slight jab. “Of course.” he said, standing aside and gesturing behind him with his hands. As he did, the rest of the crowd parted, and a path was cleared.

Robert kept his smile and casually walked forward through the main gate. He made his way through the same winding halls from before, until finally walking into the familiar throne room. It was much like he remembered, a bit brighter now. He looked up to see Queen Athica perched on a beautifully decorated throne, her face a mask of happiness, but only through great effort. One look at her, and immediately he knew something was amiss. What did these bastards say to her? He thought, his mind flaring with anger. Something was definitely wrong here. Further observation of her body language told him she was under a great deal of stress. Twitching fingers, sweat on her face and neck. He hadn’t known her for more than a few weeks, but still. This woman was his wife now, and he felt obligated to protect her.

“King Reku! Of house Roh!” an announcer shouted from beside him, bringing applause and cheers from the nobles present.

Athica stood from her throne and stretched her hands out. Her elaborate gown glistened in the light. “Welcome, King Reku. To your new home in Pontos. We are so very pleased to have you.”

Robert smiled, but his temper boiled. She was speaking in a strangely monotone and almost robotic voice. Great… what the hell am I doing here!? These damn people. He thought. He walked forward and made his way up the stairs to her elevated platform. He reached out and embraced her, bringing his face to her ear. “What are you people hiding?” He whispered. She said nothing to him in response but pulled out of the embrace, smiled again at him, and gestured to a smaller throne beside her.

Robert clenched his jaw but did as she instructed and sat. The crowd cheered and applauded as he did so. He scanned their faces, until landing on Lord Pilyur; who was smiling at him with an almost sinister intent. Dio. He sent a mental message to her. Should I be worried?

Several moments passed before her small voice echoed. “Yes…”

After several more announcements of returning warriors and news from the war in Lokkadonia, the queen stood to excuse herself, and dismissed the remaining nobles to their tasks.

Robert stood as well, but noticed that she had already made her way out through a back entrance behind them. Robert grabbed one of his guards and pulled him in close. “What’s your name?”

“Lieutenant Malak, your Highness.” He said, through his bone helmet.

“I think something’s wrong here.” Robert whispered, “Be ready for anything.”

“Absolutely, your Highness.” He said, no hint of hesitation in his voice.

Robert walked through the rear entrance, brushing past the guards there and hurried to catch up to Athica. As he saw her entourage, he sped up, glancing to see his guards close behind him.

“Athica!” He shouted, causing the group to stop and look at him.

Athica turned, her smile now gone, and worry displayed openly on her face. “Reku, I am very busy at the moment. We will have to speak later.”

“No.” Robert said, forcing his way past to stand before her. “We need to talk right now.”

“I’m afraid it will have to wait, Your Highness,” Pilyur said, placing his hand on Robert’s shoulder. “The Queen is very busy, and we have important clan matters to attend to.”

Robert let his fury show in his eyes as he stared at Pilyur. “Who are you exactly? What is your job here? Or duty or whatever.”

“I am hand to the Queen.” He spoke with pride.

Robert nodded and looked at all of the faces around him, glaring at him with mistrust.

“Well, I’m sure whatever it is you have to discuss, it can wait.”

“No.” Pilyur said, now with more force in his voice. “It cannot.”

Several royal guards stood in between them, and Robert took a tentative step back.

“These men will escort you to your quarters, your highness.” Pilyur’s smile deepened. “We will send for you, once we’re ready.”

“They will attempt to capture you… Robert.” Dio’Mar’s voice whispered to him. “We must get to the Queen…”

Robert’s right hand lifted toward the guards who now blocked his path and black smoke began to pool around him.

The crowd gasped and leapt away in terror, Pilyur included. Robert used his ability to disappear, dashing between the confused guards, and grabbing Athica before they could react.

Robert was running with Athica in his arms, and his guards following closely behind. Dashing into an open study, they all piled in and closed the door. In an instant, Robert used his Dunamis again, creating a mirage in the hallway, making it as though the room they entered didn’t even exist. After several seconds, they could hear shouting outside and an alarm being raised.

“What have you done!?” Athica yelled, slapping his face. “You are going to get us all killed!”

“Enough!” Robert yelled, lifting his hand toward her. Her eyes widened in fear and the color drained from her face. “I knew there was something wrong when Alektor set this up. I knew you people couldn’t be trusted. But to attempt to put me back in chains the moment I arrive? That’s some bullshit.” Robert’s heart thrummed in his chest. His fury and rage pouring off him. “You think what I did to Mundiri was bad? I could smother this entire palace without breaking a sweat. Raise their corpses from the ground and wreak havoc on Visgo!” Memories of his torture and mistreatment from the Dae started to resurface, causing sweat to pour. “I won’t let it happen again. Do you understand me!? I’ll tear this fucking place to the ground if I have to.

“Reku!” Athica’s voice was strained and overflowing with fear. “Please! I had no choice. The politicians of Visgo are the ones who control everything. They ascend royalty to help them maintain control. They always have. I was selected, against my will! You must believe me. I thought I could fight them but… They’re too powerful.”

“Who’s they?” Robert asked, his breathing beginning to slow.

Athica shuttered and shook her head. “Pilyur and his nobles. They ascended me to the throne after you exposed Mundiri in her plot. Embarrassing her in front of the entire court. I was only put here to further their goals. None of which include Alektor remaining as High King, or you, as King here.” She sat down on a large chair in the study and rubbed her eyes. “I thought I could convince them, to show them that Visgo could still prevail despite their plan failing. But they turned on me instead. There was nothing I could do.”

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“Go on… why would they send you to deal with Alektor. Knowing full well he planned on ascending to High King? Why send armies to support the war in Lokkadonia?”

Athica hung her head, “They were… planning on betraying Alektor. Once his forces were spread thin… But he called the moot too quickly. He pushed the Lokkadonians back too far… and the Sabree were too loyal to his cause. So, they decided to bide their time. They knew that you were the key to the war effort. So, they asked me to procure you.”

Robert snarled. “Procure me? Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“When Alektor offered me your hand, I thought it was in accordance with their plan! So, I agreed. I didn’t know what they planned on doing with you, Reku. I swear it.”

“So, they want to use me as a bargaining chip with the Torre’. Over my dead body.”

“Reku… please. I’ll help you escape. I’ll—”

“No.” Robert cut her off. “You can’t do anything. You’re a damn puppet.” He lowered his hand, but Robert’s mind raced. There’s still a way we can pull this off. We just need to take these nobles out, he thought, before continuing. “But you can still be useful. Tell me how intricate Pilyur’s hold is. Are they officially recognized by the court?”

Athica blinked. “No… but his influence is vast. They control our entire economy. Our labor, nearly every aspect of our clan is influenced by him. We would collapse if...”

Robert closed his eyes, thinking of Alektor’s words. Royalty is no match for power. He thought. I’m a member of house Roh. Like what happened when Turak and I first came here. They must fear me. He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve. “Alright.”

He fixed his gaze on her, pouring his determination and anger into the act. She flinched back suddenly.

“Please… Reku, I am… We’re.” She whimpered.

“You’re going to help me take this clan back from the bureaucrats.” He turned to Malak and the rest of his guards. “Prepare yourselves for a fight. We’re taking all these bastards out, right now.”

Malak nodded. “As you wish, your Highness.”

Dio. Robert called for the little spirit with his mind. I need you to pick out every Noble who is a part of Pilyur’s cabal. We can’t miss any of them.

“I’ve already done so…” The spirit answered. “There are hundreds… you can’t destroy all of them and expect the clan to stand afterward… Make an example of the leaders…”

Robert turned his attention again to Athica. “You are going to follow my lead. Got it?”

She seemed confused, but nodded. “I will… What are you planning?”

“This is all going to be brought out into the open. When we leave here, act as though everything is normal. The guards are clearly looking for us. We get to the throne room again. Assemble as many traitors as possible, and rip the heart out of these parasites.”

~

Robert walked out of the room slowly and casually, holding Athica’s arm in his hand. They were alone and looking as though they were having a normal conversation. Several palace guards ran by, and nearly fell over in surprise at seeing them.

“My Queen!” One said, “Are you alright?”

Athica looked at him in annoyance. “Of course I am you fool, what is all this about? Why are you running through these halls? You could have run into us!”

The guard knelt before her. “My apologies your highness, we were told you had been abducted by the demon. The whole palace is searching for you.”

Demon… these bastards. Robert fumed.

“Watch your tongue! That is the King you’re referring to. I am quite well, tell your superiors that I was spending some quality time with my new mate! The arrogance of you all, I wish to see your superiors at once in the throne room!”

“Yes, your Highness!” He said, scrambling to stand and dash down the hall.

Athica let out an exasperated breath.

“Easy,” Robert said, tightening his grip on her arm. “Just do what I told you, and we’ll all come out of this alive.”

“I know… I’m sorry.”

Robert nodded, and they walked through the halls toward the throne room. Many nobles and guards were stunned to see them, and again she repeated much of what she said to the first palace guards they had come across. Once they entered the throne room, dozens of warriors lined up, facing the throne. Athica was calm as she sat and looked at all of them. Robert stood behind her, looking over the faces before them.

“It has been brought to my attention that Lord Pilyur has sounded a false alarm throughout the palace.” She said, “This seems to have been in error, as I was spending some much-needed time with my newly mated King, Reku.”

Suddenly the doors to the throne room slid open, and Pilyur stormed in with another group of warriors. His face was twisted in anger as he stopped before the throne.

“My Queen.” He said through gritted teeth. “You will follow me out of here to my estate, and give your guard orders to not protect the King as he is apprehended for treason.”

Athica swallowed hard, but lifted her chin. “No, my Lord, you are in no position to make demands here. I will be the one to decide who is guilty of treason.”

Pilyur lifted his finger toward Robert. “You are to surrender yourself to us, here and now, demon. We will not hesitate to destroy you if you refuse.”

It was then that Robert’s eyes found a set of familiar ones, cowering behind Pilyur. Espi-Arl… you… mother… fu—”

“Do not resist!” Pilyur shouted.

Robert stepped forward from behind Athica and let all of the rage he had, billow out in a torrent. All of which was focused on Espi-Arl. “So, they called you up here to collect me, huh? Arl?”

Espi-Arl reeled back. “You- You’re surrounded, demon!”

Robert barked a laugh, gesturing around him. “You’re threatening me? Really? You? Do you know what I am? What I can do?”

Pilyur’s eyes narrowed, and the warriors behind him tensed.

“I came here once, to your city! I stood where you are now and stared your former queen in the eyes; she begged me to spare her daughter! I was too lenient with her. I won’t make that mistake again. Now, I stand here, defiant against your treason!” Robert raised his hand and pointed it at Pilyur. “My brother, Alektor, is High King of Visgo, whether you like it or not. Any action against me, is action against him. And any action against him, will be met with swift and brutal retaliation.”

Athica stood then and pointed at the warriors around Pilyur. “You are all complicit as well, as traitors to me as well as the High King. Guards!” She shouted, prompting the dozens of palace guards to turn and face Pilyur and his warriors. “Place Lord Pilyur under arrest, and kill any who prevent it!”

Pilyur’s eyes widened at the command, and he took several paces back. “You wouldn’t dare!”

Two guards walked forward to apprehend him, but in an instant were cut down by the warriors surrounding him. Blood sprayed as they fell to the stone floor below and the room erupted into chaos. Palace guards leapt forward, slashing weapons and blasting their Dunamis into Pilyur’s warriors, who in turn, did the same.

Robert stood firm, feeling the same familiar pull of fear in his core. The sickening hesitation and debilitating numbness that came from a threat to one's self. But at this point in his life, after all he had seen and endured. He swallowed and steeled his resolve. The effort brought his mind for a split-second back to Daniel, his former companion. The man always seemed to be in control of his fear and his emotions. Be strong, He thought. They must fear you.

“Reku!” Athica called, standing in fear. “We must get out of here!”

Robert’s eyes scanned the bloody conflict. The palace guards were being cut down faster than he had expected. “Malak!” He yelled.

The air around them shimmered, and six grey clad Rexunii warriors shimmered into existence. As one they raised their hands and blasts of elemental energy vomited into the battle. Warriors around Pilyur were swept away by fire and lightning, along with blades of water and wind. Massive spikes of earth plunged into the stone surrounding him, with two stabbing through both of his legs. He screamed in agony and grasped at his wounded limbs.

Robert held his own hands up, and a stream of black wind blasted into the fray as well. Dae screamed as the strange power draped over their eyes like a blindfold. Within seconds, the warriors against the palace guards were swinging and blasting their Dunamis seemingly blind. The palace guards halted their fighting to stare on in complete horror.

“Finish these traitors!” Robert shouted, “I want Espi-Arl and Pilyur alive!”

The guards quickly regained their composure, and charged in to slaughter the helpless and blind warriors that remained. In the end, only Espi-Arl and Pilyur remained alive. Blood pooled and drenched the now destroyed throne-room.

“Spirits curse you, Demon!” Pilyur screamed, grasping at his ruined legs.

“Me?” Robert asked, stepping down the steps, closer as he continued. “I came here as your King. I came here as a gesture from your High King, of friendship and unity with the Visgo. And again.” He turned around waving his hands at the throne room. “You traitorous bastards tried to pull something. To send me back!?” Rage rose in Robert like a volcano bubbling its lava to the surface. “To send me back to the Torre’? To the Espi-Dae!?” Robert lunged forward. Grabbing Pilyur by the throat. “Well, I’ve got news for you, asshole. I’m gonna root you all out. Don’t worry; no torture is required. I have my own ways of figuring out who all your buddies are. I’m gonna root you out and shove you all in the deepest, darkest hole we have here in Visgo. If there isn’t one deep enough, I'll make it.”

Pilyur gasped, struggling to speak, but gurgled out. “You can’t… our people will never submit to.”

“No one is asking for you to submit, you piece of shit,” Robert said. “Athica is your queen, and that’s it. I’m not some great political mastermind. I’m a hammer.” The words brought a level of certainty and pride in himself he hadn’t felt in years. Alektor’s rubbing off on me, He thought. “And everyone who stands against me or those I care about, are nails.”

Pilyur screamed as he was roughly picked up and dragged out of the throne-room. Robert’s eyes fell on Espi-Arl. The Dae was shivering in fear between the two Rexunii guards who held him. “Now.” Robert said, walking up to him. “You and I have some unfinished business. Don’t we?”

“G-great Spirits! Protect me from this d—”

“Don’t say it!” Robert punched the Dae across his cheek, snapping his head back. “Don’t fucking call me a demon, you piece of shit. You degraded me and tortured me for God knows how long in that cell. Now let’s see how you like it.”

“No…” Dio’Mar’s voice rang in his ear. “Do not… become… the thing… he thinks you are…”

Robert paused in that moment. Slowly looking around the battlefield. There were dozens of dead warriors and a multitude of wounded. Crawling and moaning on the stone floor. His senses began to clear and the red that blanketed his eyes faded away. God… I… I think I went a bit… overboard. What’s happening to me?

With a shake of his head, he refocused on Espi-Arl. “Take him to the dungeons. I’ll figure out what to do with you later.”

“He will suffer…” Dio’Mar said, a softness in her voice. “But you must proceed carefully…”

Silence ensued once Espi-Arl was removed. But after nearly a minute, Athica finally spoke. “What… will you do now?” her voice was still wrought with fear.

Robert looked at her, then to Lieutenant Malak. “You did very well today, Malak. I’m glad Alektor thought to tag you along with me.”

Malak bowed his head but said nothing.

“As for what to do now?” He continued, “We take back your clan from these assholes. Alektor did something similar in Rexun when he came to power. They either bow to you, and give you their loyalty, or fight. And trust me when I say they aren’t going to want to do that.”

“I’ve…” Athica said, “I’ve never seen power like that before Reku… I heard stories… of the night you nearly killed Thalassa, Mundiri’s daughter, right in front of her, but I wasn’t here to see it.”

She looked at him, a strange mix of emotions in her eyes. “What do you wish of me?”

“Go to your quarters. I have to speak with Malak.” Robert said, waving his hand at her dismissively. “For now, just stay there and stay safe.”

Athica nodded and after a small pause, walked with several Royal guards to her chambers.

Dio, Robert said, using his mental connection to communicate. Did you find any turncoats in the guard?

“Of course…” She said, her little voice bringing ease to Robert’s nerves. “They are marked… all of them…”

With? he thought to her.

“They all have a cross burned into their cloaks… on their backs”

“Malak.” Robert said, turning again to the Dae. “I want you to assemble the palace guards after this. Find any with crosses burned into their cloaks, put them in chains. If they resist? Kill them.”

“Yes, your Highness.” Malak said, bowing his head, then turning to accomplish his mission.

“A man of few words.” Robert said out loud to Dio’mar.

“I like him… He is strong… very strong from the looks of it… he will serve you well… I’m sure.” She appeared on his shoulder, and rested her little head on his cheek. “We are in a dangerous place now, Robert… we must be careful… I did not expect them to move against you so quickly… or boldly…”

“I’ll watch your back if you watch mine.”

She floated in front of him and her small mouth curled into a smile. “Of course…”