Fourth Arc (Thorns of The Black Throne) - 448. The Dark King's Request I
The scent of old parchment and sandalwood hung in the air, curling around the stone pillars of Pontus' throne chamber. It was a warm afternoon, but thick shadows still clung to the alcoves and high arched corners of the vaulted ceiling, as if even the sun itself hesitated to bathe this place in full light.
King Darius of Pontus sat slouched on the boar-engraved throne. His dark green robes pooled around his boots as he leaned on one elbow and stared at the open letter in his hand. The royal sigil of Euphorion was unmistakable.
Across from him stood Duke Cassian, tall, and calm in his layered navy cloak. A man known for his sharp diplomacy and unreadable face. But even he looked a little tense today.
The king's voice finally broke the silence. Rough. Disbelieving.
"A business and trade talk? With the dark king of Euphorion himself?"
Duke Cassian adjusted his gloves, keeping his voice measured. "That's what the letter says, Your Majesty. Straight from King Angelus Raizel Moonfall. He requested the discussion personally, though… respectfully."
Darius huffed, the sound carrying weight. He leaned back, his dark eyes narrowing.
"Respectfully? He requested it?" He chuckled once, dry and humorless. "He could've sent one of his cold-eyed generals. Why come himself?"
Cassian didn't answer immediately.
The king snapped the letter shut. "No ruler crosses borders lightly. Not a man like him."
Cassian inclined his head. "I agree. But I don't think he came without reason. Euphorion's inner court is stable. Trade has been steady, even thriving. His people… worship him."
"But…" Cassian's gaze didn't waver. "He's dangerous. Intelligent. He doesn't show his cards. He rarely smiles. When he does, it's not out of kindness."
Darius laughed again, lower this time. "So you admit it. He's not to be trusted."
"I didn't say that." Cassian finally stepped forward, stopping just a few paces from the throne. "He's not harmless. That's true. But that doesn't make him an enemy." Then, in a much lower voice. "Better not make him an enemy."
The king raised a brow, intrigued despite himself.
Cassian continued, "Those three kingdoms that bent the knee to him in under three months. Yes, it was fast. But it began with Asteria attacking Euphorion first. Zephyrus and Draconis are their allies. The response was… excessive. But not unprovoked."
Darius folded his arms, the ring bearing the boar crest catching the light. "Still. No one moves like that unless they've planned it for years. No king rises so fast without blood on his hands. And now he comes here? Smiling? For trade?"
Cassian tilted his head slightly. "Maybe. But Euphorion never caused us direct harm. And… I've met him, briefly."
"And?"
The duke hesitated. Just for a beat. Then said, "He's not like the others. There's no petty arrogance. No desire to posture. He listens. Sees."
Darius stared at his oldest friend. "You admire him."
"I respect him," Cassian replied. "Which is more than I can say for half the nobles in this court."
The king exhaled through his nose. His fingers tapped the armrest, slow and deliberate.
"…Why now?" he murmured. "Why make contact with us now?"
Cassian shifted his weight. "Perhaps he's noticed our instability. The nobles murmuring about your wife. The loss of your daughter—"
"Careful," Darius growled.
Cassian bowed his head slightly, but didn't step back.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. But Euphorion doesn't waste its moves. If he came himself, it's not just about merchant roads. He's feeling the currents. Testing the waters."
Darius stood slowly, his robe brushing the steps. The room felt colder all of a sudden.
"He wants something."
"Of course," Cassian said calmly. "But so do we."
The king turned, pacing toward the long window that overlooked Pontus' outer courtyard. Far below, guards drilled with polearms, and merchant carts passed beneath boar-stitched banners.
He placed a hand on the cold glass.
"I remember," Darius said quietly, "when they first spoke of him. Just whispers. An exiled Asterian prince no one cared about. Quiet. Always in the back during royal ceremonies. He was nothing. Less than nothing."
Cassian watched him.
The king's voice darkened. "And then he became everything."
"He didn't just take Euphorion," Cassian said softly. "He built it. That's the difference."
Darius clenched his jaw.
"So tell me," he asked without turning. "When he arrives… do I shake his hand like an equal?"
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