King Darius leaned forward slightly on his throne, his expression unreadable as his gaze flickered between Oliver and Odi. The weight of the moment pressed down on everyone in the grand hall, thickening the already tense atmosphere. He exhaled slowly before speaking.
"I am not an unjust king," Darius said, his voice even but firm. "If freedom is what Odi and Ben seek, then I will grant it. But no man should walk away empty-handed from a deal, even one such as you, Oliver."
Oliver's face lit up with greed, his single hand rubbing against his chin as he considered the words. "Oh, Your Majesty, I always knew you were a man of fairness," he drawled. "Since you put it that way, I do have a request."
Darius narrowed his eyes. "Speak."
Oliver smirked. "I want the artifact that Odi failed to steal. The one that caused this whole ordeal. And... a title in my community. I wish to be recognized, given authority, so I no longer have to grovel in the dirt."
A flicker of irritation crossed Heath's face, his usual composed demeanor cracking. His fingers twitched slightly, dark energy simmering just beneath the surface. "Outrageous," he snapped. "You are nothing but filth, a common criminal. You think you can name such demands? That artifact is far too valuable to be handed over to the likes of you! And a title? You expect the King to elevate a rat to nobility?"
Darius turned to Heath with a sharp look. "Enough."
The word was simple, but the force behind it sent a ripple through the room. Heath clenched his jaw, his hands tightening into fists at his sides. A shadow passed over his eyes, but he quickly masked it, lowering his head slightly in feigned obedience. He had spent years at Darius' side, acting the part of a loyal guardian, but moments like these chipped away at the façade. If only Darius knew just how little control he truly had.
Darius shifted his focus back to Oliver. "The artifact is a delicate matter, and your request for a title is not something I can grant lightly," he said, his voice measured. "But I will consider it."
Oliver beamed, but Heath took a step forward, his body rigid with frustration. "Your Majesty, you cannot be serious! You would truly entertain this lunatic's demands? You are rewarding a man who has made his fortune by exploiting children."
Darius' gaze flickered toward Heath, cold and unwavering. "I will decide what is just, Heath."
The room fell silent. Heath's fingers twitched again, the briefest flicker of resentment flashing in his expression before he smoothed it away. He had played the role of the devoted right hand for years, but there was always something lurking beneath the surface. A man like Heath did not simply serve out of loyalty—he served out of necessity, out of strategy. And in moments like these, when he was silenced so easily, the cracks in his loyalty became harder to conceal.
Darius turned to Odi. "If I pay for your freedom, you will belong to me."
The words sent a shockwave through the room. Odi stiffened, her heart hammering against her ribs. "What?" she breathed, barely able to get the word out.
Darius' expression did not waver. "That is the price. You committed theft, and though I allowed you to walk free once, I will not do so again. This is how you will repay your crime."
A muscle in Heath's jaw twitched, his nostrils flaring. The way Darius dismissed him so quickly sent an uncomfortable wave through him. Was this how the king truly saw him? A mere adviser to be silenced at his convenience? His loyalty had never been questioned before, but now, for the first time, doubt crept in.
Darius shifted his focus back to Odi, his gaze locking onto her. "You want freedom," he said, his voice lower now. "And I am willing to pay for it. But understand this, if I buy you from Oliver, you become mine."
Odi stiffened, her throat tightening. Before she could speak, he lifted a hand, silencing her. "That is how you will atone for the theft you attempted."
Ben's fingers dug into Odi's arm as he stood beside her, his body trembling. His heart pounded violently in his chest, fear paralyzing him. He didn't dare challenge the king, but he couldn't stay silent either. Summoning what little courage he had, he swallowed hard and asked, "Y-Your Majesty… is Odi going to be your concubine?"
The entire room seemed to hold its breath.
Darius tilted his head slightly, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. He did not answer the question directly. "Ben," he said instead, his voice carrying an eerie calmness. "You will be sent to another palace. There, you will be given an honorable duty—to guard it and welcome my guests."
Ben's eyes widened, panic settling into his gut. "But—"
"That is my decision," Darius interrupted, his tone final.
Odi's mind spun. Her hands shook at her sides as she realized what was happening. She was being traded, bartered like a possession between men who held power. Her so-called freedom came at the cost of belonging to another master.
Oliver, oblivious to the turmoil within Odi and Ben, clapped his hands together. "Then we have a deal! Odi and Ben are yours, my King, in exchange for my new title and that artifact. I must say, this has been a rather enjoyable negotiation."
Heath was seething, his anger bubbling dangerously beneath the surface. He watched as Darius remained composed, as if this was all just part of some grand plan he alone understood. Something in Heath's chest tightened.
Darius rose from his throne, the air in the room thick with unspoken tension. "The transaction is complete. Oliver, you will receive your payment when I see fit. Heath, see to it that our new arrangements are made."
Heath clenched his fists, but he bowed. "As you command."
Odi felt her stomach drop. She had fought for freedom, and yet she had only walked into another cage?
She belonged to the King now.