"A year...a full year of this madness. Blast it all!”

 

Dethyius threw one of his wife's teacups against the wall. Satisfaction oozed from him while watching it shatter and scatter into pieces her polished floor. That bout of joy left him shortly after as a sigh escaped him. He rubbed his face, exhausted.

 

He followed a simple plan in his quest to rule overall. Invade a kingdom, marry a royal of that kingdom, then find a reasonable excuse to execute said royal and move on. By the age of twenty-three he obtained Shadoerein as the fifth country under him, and Queen Chisi as his sixth wife. He has lived here a full year and nothing!

 

"Wretched woman!"

 

Frustrated, he kicked around the tiger pelt rug on the floor, wishing it was an actual live tiger to do battle with. He held its jaws with his hands making the mouth of the beast move up and down. He spoke with a slightly higher pitch while manipulating the pelt.

 

“Great Dethyius, you are the deadliest man in all the land. Women bow their heads to you for just breathing in their vicinity—how could it be that this one queen has evaded your blade?”

 

“Yes, yes I am. I have taken great pains to ensure my legacy so believe me when I say that I too am shocked by this.”

 

He threw the rug back onto the ground with a huff. No matter how hard he tried he could not find a proper reason to end Chisi. She was...no her whole kingdom was strange— if not disturbing!

 

Time notwithstanding, never in the past had kingdoms he dealt with held such docility. The day he came, a thousand men full, he prepared for a bloodbath. He expected a strategic series of battles as the Shadoerein were known for their mind games in political circles. Rumors whispered to his ears how they trained in the dark arts of sorcery, so he studied their rituals in case of a magical onslaught. Yet no one, not even him, considered an immediate surrender!

 

“We are well aware of the differences between our military strengths. For the sake of my people, I will relinquish all, including my crown.”

 

Those were the first words uttered to him by Queen Chisi. At first, he was highly suspicious, expecting some sort of underhanded scheme. A scheme he was more than eager to sniff out. King Dethyius demanded reports to return to him every day about the people going about their lives.

 

Imagine his surprise when his men told him they worked without a peep of complaint. No riots or protests, it boggled his mind! And it wasn’t like they had reason not to. He raised taxes, crippling the economy. His soldiers randomly broke into houses, decimating the civilians' belongings and roughing them up.

 

At his command, the temples of worship throughout the land were set aflame and ordered the statues of their beloved winged-goddess Iridansa desecrated and still yet again nothing. A crime so heinous that even he himself found appalling. Destroying these sacred statues should’ve caused some discourse. There should be some sort of animosity towards him if not hatred!

 

Baffled, he stalked out towards the window of his wife’s bedchambers, watching as his men drank and partied on their streets for some festival. Stalls prepped with homemade pastries and goods enticed by gorgeous decorations. Uproarious laughter reached his ears as if all was fine as invader and invader intermingled.

 

“If it were my territory treated like this, I would’ve rebelled ages ago.”

 

He snorted at the thought of his wife doing such.

 

“Ridiculous woman.”

 

She was more likely to schedule her own beheading than rebel. She was so…weak. So easy to control. His advisors back home in Illumios would have killed for such a woman like Chisi as their ruler. She knew exactly when to curtsy, when to agree with him and especially when to keep her dainty rouge lips shut.

 

Great gods did she bore him to tears! It should have left him happy to have such an easy time. To know no one would dare oppose him. Shockingly, it did the opposite for him

.

His other victories were all obtained by his own hand with cunning and prowess. He slayed his own father to take the crown. He battled ferociously to get to this point, his reputation as a powerful, feared warrior striking hearts into all. To end Chisi's life without an at least plausible excuse would lead to a hollow achievement. A stain to his legacy and he most certainly couldn't have that.

 

“There has to be something…”

 

At this point he would rather deal with one of the other kingdom’s assassination attempts all over again or worse deal with the annoying children he left behind. Disgusting squalling things! He was glad to have murdered their mothers quickly after their bir—he paused mid-step.

"Wait, children!"

 

A smile twisted onto his lips. Could something so ludicrous, yet so simple be the key to leaving this place? One of the duties of a queen was to have heirs and as far as he and his men knew she displayed no symptoms of pregnancy.

 

“Yes!”

 

The young king danced on the shards, twirling around. This was the chance he looked high and low for! To think it took him so long for the solution to his woes.

 

“Finally!”

 

It would all be over. He would be free! Free to invade another!

 

"My king."

 

 He twisted his neck, glaring at the servant that rudely interrupted him.

 

"What!"

 

"The queen is here."

 

"Ah? Bring her in already."

 

Dethyius trembled in excitement when those large, engraved doors opened, revealing Chisi in all her splendor. She dressed in lovely layers of greens and blues with jewels adorned in her braided hair. A sweet aroma permeated from the lotions rubbed against her flawless skin. It irked him, she never looked so breathtaking on their wedding day.

 

"What occasion do you dress so wonderfully, Chisi? You never wear such extravagant gowns."

 

"Today my people celebrate. Regardless of my preference, I must properly honor them and my ancestors."

 

"Ah…It's a shame but I'm afraid the celebrations are over."

 

"Oh?"

 

He smirked at her while she tilted her head in ignorant curiosity. Oh, how he couldn't wait to watch it roll. With anticipated steps, the king approached her. Calloused fingers tugged at her braid, pulling his queen close.

 

She remained still in his hold as he played with her hair. Not a wince formed when he dug his nails painfully into her scalp. Her eyes didn’t so much as twitch when he ripped at one of the pins that made her look so ethereal. Her lips remained smiling without a single gasp as he dipped his chilled finger towards her delicate spine.

 

A part of Dethyius wanted to ruin her. The thought of, for once, seeing this perfect spouse of his an absolute mess before slaying her was tempting. But he stayed himself. He’s waited for so long.

 

"It has come to my attention that you've failed in providing me heirs. Why?"

 

"I have been going to the healers every few days and nothing."

 

"A queen without a child, after a year of marriage? What will people say? Do you know what this means?"

 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

 

Irritation suddenly bubbled within him. Even with the knowledge of death clawing at her hems, she remained passive. Stunning, composed amethyst eyes met his bloodlust coal black ones.

 

Why did she not fear him as all the others!? She should hate him. She should be fighting back! Slowly he extended his arm, bringing his blade against her delicate neck.

 

"Any last words, my dear?" he whispered.

 

"I have a request, my king."

 

"And what request would that be?"

 

"I wish to tell you a story while serving you one last cup of wine."

 

Of all times...he finally had her! Yet grievances aside, his interest peaked. Not once throughout their time together had she asked something of him. This would be her first and last.

 

Whether this was a bout of her making peace within her last moments or an actual attempt on his life, it didn’t matter. She lacked the strength to do him in. Her people were spineless fools and he had an army outside their doors. Even better, he was immune to poisons so with a mighty sigh, he sheathed his blade.

 

"Very well but it better be the best story, accompanied by the most exquisite wine."

 

"Of course. I would provide nothing less. Please be seated wherever is most comfortable for you.”

 

Dethyius hated how happy she looked. With a smile more brilliant than the sun, Chisi stepped away walking to the large gold tiger rug that he kicked earlier in the center of the room. He sat on their bed with a huff, only to stare surprised as she pulled up from the jaw, revealing a little door with a hatch.

 

A door that couldn’t have been there before! Unaware of his bewilderment, she opened it, pulling out a black and purple bottle. Her smile grew wider as she sat beside him, grabbing one of the last of her untouched tea cups. In a fluid motion, she popped the cork, pouring for him.

 

A vibrant blue with such a lovely, fermented smell attacked his senses. How strange of her to have this so well-hidden. How odd she decided just seconds away from death. Dethyius narrowed his eyes.

 

"Drink with me," he demanded.

 

"Of course."

 

She grabbed a cup for herself, pouring a generous amount. Together, the two took a sip, savoring the strong alcohol that burned down their throats. The king smacked his lips together enjoying the taste of berries. Tart but not overpowering, he finished it quickly before taking hers.

 

"Ahhh. Why have I not had such a drink before? I noticed you never drink anything other than tea."

 

"Today is a special occasion."

 

"What is so important about today?"

 

"Today we honor the beginning of Shadoerein. It is actually the story I wish to tell you."

 

"Fine. But hurry up!"

 

Chuckling, Chisi nodded. “There once were two princes. The elder brother who many liked declined the chance to be king. He had no ambition, preferring a humbler lifestyle among the people. His brother at the beginning was a caring leader who strove to make our home a prosperous place. But within time he turned corrupt from greed.” Chisi said.

 

“He sought to rule over all with power. Anyone that protested his decisions, he executed. Heads rolled along the streets of the kingdom silencing their voices. He raided people’s homes, destroying their livelihood. With his men he beat our people into submission without mercy.”

 

She took the cup her husband left on the bed, tipping the wine bottle until the cup reached the brim. She sipped, wetting her parched, ruby-tinged lips before continuing.

 

“The only exception to his horrible misdeeds was his brother who even then suffered under his hands. When the elder brother argued against him, the king threw him in the dungeons with an enchanted tiger that had been captured as a pet. Despite the odds he survived the ordeal, escaping his prison. Though his heart fell into despair, he vowed, no matter the cost, to stop his brother’s tyranny. ”

 

“Pour me another cup! And tell me how he stopped such a powerful ruler.” Dethyius demanded.

 

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Chisi obeyed and continued, pouring another cup for them both.

 

“The wicked king was known far and wide for lavish meals. So, in the dead of night, the older brother pretended to be a servant, poisoning the food with Donis berries. Donis berries are well known to grow in the deep forest beyond our kingdom. They are beloved for their taste but are also addictive. In high doses they can cause nightmarish hallucinations and paralyze the body.”

 

“Donis berries? Is that what this is? Delicious! What then?” Another cup was poured by her hands. Her smile widened, showing him her dainty little fangs.

 

“When the king’s body fell to the floor with a heavy thud, his older sibling dragged the man down to the dungeons where he once stayed. The king was thrown into the very cell he nearly subjected his brother to die in. The tiger, starving and enraged from neglect, ate the king, bones and all.”

 

“More wine! Tiger? Tiger! So, then the pelt. Wait…is the pelt—”

 

“Moving? Why yes, Your Majesty, it is.”

 

Dethyius stumbled onto the floor in his shock. The pelt jerked as it stood. The proud king blinked trying to focus but everything around him swayed. Even the tiger that acted as if made of flesh and bones underneath the striking fur stalked its way as if it too was drunk.

 

“What trickery is this!?”

 

 He swore as stiff hands reached for the sword, only to find it gone, replaced with hissing snakes.

 

“What is going on?” Strength left him after he twisted his head around, hearing Chisi laugh.

 

“Didn’t you hear the ending? The tyrant king was poisoned, only to die at the hands of the tiger.” She fluttered away from his trembling reach. With glowing white eyes and black wings, she released a gale of feathers his way.

 

“With Iridansa’s blessings, I will cast judgement.” Her laughter, so light now twisted, echoing with that of another. She twirled, her gown cascading like waves alongside the floating feathers. He winced, trying to take in his surroundings.

 

Heavy paws suddenly slammed down on Dethyius’s chest, making him wheeze. This was real. He could hear the low growls right up against his ear. Hot breath caressed his sweaty neck. A groan left him as the pressure intensified.

 

“You won’t…get away with this, Chisi! My men won’t let this stand.”

 

“If it were a year ago, I would have agreed. I lacked the numbers and strength. But with patience comes opportunity. Thanks to today’s festivities, no one within nor outside my territory will seek vengeance for you.”

 

The winged maiden snapped her fingers as she walked towards the very window he peered through early. A hum left her lips as she turned back to him. Claws stabbed into his chest when the realization hit him. The festivities...

 

“The berries…”

 

“It won’t be long now, Your Majesty.”

 

“You!”

 

 “Before you go. Did you know that we have another type of fruit here called the Juneas? Very delicious and can be used in many different ways, though it can make it difficult to conceive.”

 

Dethyius gritted his teeth. She dared to—he coughed when those claws scraped painfully down. His flesh shrieked to the searing pain that now bloomed across his body. Wretched witch!

 

“May you find peace in the afterlife.” He saw her sitting there, bowing her head towards him. Even after all this, she still had the nerve to be so polite! The king winced, distracted at the roar that blasted his ears. He twisted his head, staring into unholy eyes.

 

 “How is this happening! The tiger! It was dead!”

 

“Yes, another special tale. A shame you and your men…will never get to hear it.”

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