For the past four years, Nico has been working in the mines.
The Kingdom of Men was a frigid place where it was cold almost year-round. You could hardly see the sun through the thick fog.
Nico wasn't sure how anyone could survive this weather. It was snowing when Nico made his way up the hill to the pickup stop, so he was shivering and soaked by the time he got there.
Zander reached down to pull him inside the wagon. he started mining at the same time Nico did, he was only fifteen at the time. Zander was huge then and still is.
People liked working with Zander because he was strong and made work easy for the people who pushed the carts while he pulled them.
Zander also had a way of getting between bosses and miners when things were getting out of hand. And when a sneaky guard would drag a little girl around the corner.
He'd be there until they let them go.
The other miners respected him for that.
"I wonder why King Kojo is interested in these two rats." a guard growled.
"Guess we'll find out." the driver drawled.
Nico and Zander exchanged a look, careful not to say anything aloud. Zander used his hands to explain to him what was going on.
To others, it may look like he's just gesturing at random things, but this was a language the elves used when they were out hunting so as to not scare the animals.
It would seem the king wants to add us to his long list of servants.
Nico blinked. In the palace?
Shocking, no?
I'm not going there to bow at his pampered feet and kiss his many rings. i bow to no man, especially Kojo.
Zander rolled his eyes. We need to play it safe. Things could get worse from here.
I know.
They said nothing more until the wagon stopped and the doors to the back were thrown open. Two guards stood there holding chains.
Nico was drug out first and shackled. The same happened to Zander.
"If I were you I wouldn't try anything stupid." one growled. He tanked Nico to his feet. "Let's go."
Nico and Zander were shoved along past guards who shot them disgusted looks and spat on them.
The floors were made oof dark marble and the walls were a light shade of grey, empty of any pictures of the royal family. Nico felt miserable just walking through the halls.
When they reached a set of double doors, the guards stationed there pulled them open.
Inside the king sat on his throne wearing a ur cloak and boots. Sitting to his left was his wife, a short, petite woman who had pale skin, long silver hair, and a large stomach.
On his other side was his daughter. She sat in her chair with her hands clasped in her lap, chin held high. She looked as though she'd rather be anywhere else.
Nico and Zander were pushed to their knees.
"Bow, until his highness tells you to rise." a guard hissed.
Zander leaned forward until his forehead touched the marble floor.
All Nico saw was the man who stood before him and snapped his sister's neck and then tossed her aside like she was nothing. "Now."
Nico gritted his teeth and followed Zander's lead.
"The king sighed, relishing the sight of them bowed before him. "Rise. Remove the chains."
Nico and Zander sat up and held their hands out so the guards could take them off.
King Kojo leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "I'm sure you two are well aware of my reputation."
Nico bristled and ground his teeth together. You have no idea. Murderer.
"We are," Zander said.
"I've been told that the two of you are hard workers who don't mind getting your hands dirty." Kojo gestured to his right. "This is my daughter, Princess Kaya. She'll choose one of you to care for her."
Nico and Zander share a look.
Princess Kaya looked between them and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Must I, father?"
"Choose or I will."
"Father-"
King Kojo pointed at Nico. "You. Get to your feet."
Nico did as the man asked with his hands fisted at his sides. It took everything in him to not pounce on the man and strangle him.
"Both of you allow me." the princess got to her feet.
Nico helped Zander to his feet and they followed the princess out without a backward glance at the king.
The trio walked through the halls in silence, the princess often waving off any guards who attempted to trail them.
Zander began gesturing. Well, that was interesting, no?"
Very.
Wonder where we're going.
Nico shrugged.
The girl stopped in front of a door and opened it. "This is the servant quarters. It was a pleasure." she bowed then scurried away.
Nico stepped into the doorway and blinked in surprise. Five other faces were looking at them in awe.
They were elves.