Chapter 4 - A Playful King

In a room full of extravagance, sat a golden throne decorated with symbols of the sun. It was directly situated where everyone could see it and all eyes would be drawn to it. Leading from the throne, there was a short series of steps covered in a purple rug with golden threads embroidered. The rug itself directly led to the doors of the room, as of welcoming them all. Toward either side of the marble ground were walls decorated with tapestries depicting the Sun God's various battles and encounters, as well as a chronicle of the challenges that generations of kings went through.

Seated on that throne was a young man of around eighteen years old. His hair was a silver-white color that shimmered. His skin was as fair as jade, with violet eyes that practically glowed. He looked ethereal, like a God himself had made him. The Emperor of Artanes, the literal Sun of the Empire. He was the "Solar King." So named because his bloodline was the closest to the Sun God, Aether. Through his veins ran the Sun God's power. If that were all it were, then that would be fine, but he also possessed the Moon Goddess, Selene's, direct power. The Moon Goddess' line had always been solely a matriarchal inheritance, so there had never been any men in that line, until now. 

Over a decade ago, the Lunar Queen, Arisel Selas, and the Solar King, Kaden Ilios, ended up becoming mates in a strange twist of fate. It was strange because both lines have specific inheritances that enforce female-only and male-only inheritances, respectively. It was strange because it had never happened before in their 5000 years of existence. It was strange because there were two completely different sets of subjects involved, per se. 

Generally, two rulers would not get married for logistical reasons. However, that was what happened. 

When Lykofos was born, many were surprised, as they expected that perhaps they wouldn't have any children at all due to their conflicting natures. In appearance, he took after his mother, but his bearing, personality, and presence were all his father's. He was seated casually with his chin resting on the palm of his hand. He could practically taste the tension in the air, which made his eyes flash red with excitement. He leisurely smiled as he noticed the sweat on a few faces as they knelt before him. He lazily glanced at them. Standing at his side, Leander's lips twitched as he silently lit a candle for those men in his heart. He could tell that Lyk was actually interested, not just having fun. 

Whatever happened next, their end would not be good regardless. When he was genuinely interested, not a soul could escape him. The worst part was that he'd let them go so they could be lulled into a false sense of safety before he preyed on them. It could only be said that he fully inherited the instincts of his beast.

"Your Imperial Majesty, it was an oversight on our behalf, but I beseech you to give us another chance. We will definitely get to the bottom of this," said Lord Eliades. 

Lykofos smiled lazily. "Oh? You'll investigate it? I'm pleased to hear that. I look forward to your investigation results then. "

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. I defin-"

"But what do we do about the damage that was forecasted now?" Lykofos continued. 

"Y-your Imperial Majesty?"

"Must I repeat myself? I asked what is to be done about the damage that was done on your watch. The work that you were responsible for. It can't be that you expect this King to pay the costs and cover your mistake, do you? " Lykofos smiled wickedly, again. "It seems as though, from your silence, that is indeed what you expected. Please tell me, thirteen years ago, when the mine was robbed due to your mistake of not having appropriate security for something you asked to be placed in charge of, what was the result? "

All that could be heard was the heavy breathing of those related to this incident. Lord Eliades looked as though he was lost, as he had not expected this type of pressure from the king. One had to know that the Emperor was generally hands-off, only involving himself where necessary. An example of this would be his policies and decision-making towards the general public. He saw a need to be addressed, and that is what he did. 

Added to that, the fact that he was only eighteen this year while many of them were well over two hundred, he generally allowed them to do as they pleased, once no law was broken and no one overtly abused their power. Now that he showed such interest this time when they only came to smooth things over and 'talk a good game', he was genuinely stomped. He was at a complete loss for words. His mind went blank and he couldn't even focus on what was being said under the pressure of his Emperor's gaze.

"It seems that this King needs to do some in house cleaning. I asked a question and I got no answers. Could it be that this King is not respected? " He playfully asked.

The moment his words resounded, they looked unwell. Some were kneeling with their heads to the ground while others protested vehemently. "No such thing, your Imperial Majesty. When that incident occurred, it was compensated for by us, and that is what will happen this time as well." Lord Eliades replied.

"Then this King is pleased with your decision. Dismissed. " 

As they scrambled to leave his presence, he suddenly said, " By the way, it's not just compensation towards the empire, but also towards both the citizens who were affected as well as those soldiers' families whose lives were lost due to your incompetence. You know exactly why you need to compensate them. Don't make me have to say it clearly. You won't like the result. "

Upon seeing his eyes flash black, they hurriedly left with a chorus of "Yes, my King and yes, your majesty."

"My King they call me," he laughed dryly. As if I don't know what you guys are plotting. Ahhhhhh but it amuses me to no end to watch you struggle and plot, not realizing you were playing right into my hands. Ha! (Sighs) I hope you can amuse me more. Make your final plans worthwhile for the time I've allowed you. Go all out toward guaranteed success... so I can crush your hopes and dreams directly. What better way to show that I am someone who cannot be messed with? Sike. What better way to enjoy the pain and anguish that comes from your hopes and dreams being crushed?

Come now. I hope you won't disappoint me, he chuckled to himself.

"Lyk, I have told you before to stop using that facial expression. You genuinely look like a villain plotting someone's demise. Even if you are, you shouldn't look so evil. " Leander reminded.

"But it is so much more fun this way, don't you think?"

Leander sighed for what felt like the hundredth time for the morning. He reflected on what kind of woman could subdue him and what kind of mate the Gods would bestow upon him. At this point, he wasn't sure who he'd pity more. As he contemplated, he felt a stab of pain at the thought of a mate. He couldn't help remembering the way his Phoebe looked at him with love, even through the pain as she died. He felt a hand on his shoulder and realized that Lykofos had stopped and was looking at him. 

"Don't worry," he said, "We will definitely return it tenfold." His eyes glowed black for a moment before going back to their usual violet. 

Leander smiled viciously. "Indeed we will. I look forward to making them feel every bit of pain I felt over the past few years." As they walked out of the throne room, he felt grateful to have a friend he could count on. He reinforced his resolve to always be there for his best friend no matter what. 

He should also find time to check on the other two. Who knew what trouble they were stirring.