The warning was there, it hung tangible in the air with his magic. The stupid king had ignored everything his land stood for. Instead of speaking up Alithis drew in a deep breath, it would not do to have the king know he was drawing closer to a checkmate all he needed was one misstep in this little minefield and the game was his.
"But, father, no one knows where Declan is. After he was exiled, he fell off the map no one can find him." Ryan spoke for the first time, his voice small but it carried a purpose.
"I'll find him." Joshua's sure voice broke through everyone else's protests, the boy was always willing to throw himself into a fight whether he would win or not, was always dependent on circumstance. This time though Alithis knew the king would not be swayed by the words of a child.
"I will send, Ryan, he is worthy of this quest and will gain back the traitors trust." The king stated, disregarding Joshua's words with ease.
"But father, I can do it as well if not better than Ryan, please. He has not even finished his first level of training. I've been training all my life for this."
"You hold nothing but a sword, Joshua, your brother holds a prophecy. He will go."
"But father he's just a child- "
"As are you. Now be quiet."
Joshua's mouth closed with a click and the irritated child leaned back into his chair. Alithis smiled to himself as he watched the king gather his composure. It was a good thing the king was scared; fear makes people do stupid things.
"I accept the quest, father." Ryan spoke his head hung low, and shoulders hunched. He seemed weighed down by the world and at such a young age too, it was a shame really to see his potential trapped under the fear of rejection from a man who could not even accept himself.
"I have a suggestion," Alithis spoke, startling some nobles and causing others to shrink back, "We send both princelings on this so-called quest of yours. Get them out of the castle for a few days, I'm sure it would help you get your… plans in order."
The king seemed to consider the offer, as if it were not something he'd been trying to do for a while now. Alithis knew the king would try blame him for anything that happened on this quest, yet the foolish king did not know he would too.
And so Alithis continued, "It would give them both a chance to prove their worth…"
Both princes looked up at Alithis in shock. Joshua looked ready to fight for the right to go on the quest and Ryan stared at him with a quiet determination. They were both so naïve it was sad really.
"Your majesty if I may, sending Prince Ryan would give the traitor incentive to come back." One of the older noblemen said, he was wise but blinded by his age, yet the king still sought him out for council.
Alithis took the opportunity, "You could always throw Joshua into the quest as, insurance."
King Leon looked up at him in shock, as he plastered on his most innocent face. King Leon scowled at him clearly not believing he was innocent for even a second.
"I don't mean to be rude, King Leon but I doubt the people of this land would like to know that the heir to the throne is so incapable he's unable to complete even a simple quest." Alithis said. His voice dripping with concern and fake empathy.
The room seemed to freeze once he spoke. No one Dared to ask questions or to speak up about their grievances. They were all fools to think their compliance meant mercy, it was merely giving their slaughterer the noose. Yet even so, no one dared to speak as the king seemed to contemplate the offer.
The king glanced down at the still open letter Infront of him and something seemed to finally click in his brain. Alithis all but smirk when the king's brown eyes met his, they held so many unanswered questions, none of which Alithis was obligated to answer.
"Ryan, Joshua you leave at dawn, be prepared. This meeting is over I have private matters to discuss with Alithis." The king spoke the last few words with such contempt and yet Alithis could not help but chuckle when he noticed Joshua peaking at the letter as he stood.
Slowly the room cleared of grumbling noblemen, some of which took their time hoping to catch the tail end of anything. Alithis rolled his eyes at the curious stares and dragged feet, yet all too soon the room was cleared of all except the king and Alithis.
Alithis leaned back against the table, his arms folded over the sleek armor he wore. The two remained in silent as time continued its forward march, yet it was the king who broke first.
"It has to be done. You must surely understand this. Declan is nothing more than a traitor, he betrayed us all, he even left you." The King said. His voice held no desperation, no matter how much Alithis looked, this was fine, let the king believe he had full control.
Instead of answering the king Alithis looked into his brown eyes. The king's eyes held only hope and an unfounded confidence.
"You've made promises you don't plan to keep." Alithis stated, watching as the kings shoulders tensed.
"I have no recollection of anything such." The king replied, his voice unwavering.
"You know what you signed."
"A pact with a demon is what it was, and a mistake I choose to rectify."
"You can try but we both know that's not how those things work."
"You're playing with fire Alithis."
"And you aren't?"
The king sat in silence after Alithis' question, he leaned back in his throne. The crown upon the king's head glistened in the dying light of the afternoon.
"You don't have the power to question me in this court." The king instead replied.
"And what do you think gives you that power?" He asked the king, toxic eyes boring into his soul.
"Is it your crown? Is it your blood? Is it fear?"
The king remained silent, resolutely staring forward, avoiding all eye contact.
"If fear is the only thing keeping you in power and away from a sword to your throat, fear is nothing then?"
Alithis stood up straight, walking towards the door not waiting for the king's response.
"I'll be joining your sons tomorrow on their little adventure." And with those parting words he slipped out seamlessly. Whether the king had those words echoing in his mind until all hours of the morning was not his problem.