The sun rose slowly. The sound of hooves against a cobblestone street rang softly. Hushed whispers could be heard beneath the clicking. People stepped out of their homes and stared at the cart. Curiosity manifested in the children, rebuking words fell from the mouths of the adults.
In the cart sat Sion. His eyes were void of emotion except a fury seething behind his iris. He was tired and beaten. Dirt caked in his hair and fur. His eyes scanned the people along the streets as the cart was pulled. Fingers pointed towards him. There were many different reactions. Many different words. 'Is that him?' 'So this is the rebel's leader?' 'Are we sure it's him?' 'I thought he'd be taller.' 'I hope they kill him.'
Minutes which felt like hours had passed. All of the wealthiest citizens watching him as if expecting him to perform some form of trick. His eyes fell upon the Castle as it grew closer. He could feel the baleful aura of the building. The soldiers that surrounded him said nothing as the General waved at the people as they traveled.
Before he knew it, he was being escorted into the gates and down the road which led to the mighty doors of the throne room. The inside was stunning. A green velvet carpet leads towards the throne. Chandeliers hung above head and the windows were stained with pictures that told many stories. 12 Guards lined the walls, weapons in hand and ready to strike if needed. Their eyes not even glancing away from their thousand yard stares. It was like discipline was beaten into them ruthlessly.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Sion's breath slowed as he tried to remain calm as a blade was pressed into his back, forcing him to walk forward. He could see servants dressed with iron collars working diligently despite looking malnourished and broken. He could see their ribs through their clothing. If this was how the King treated those he kept within his servitude. How would Sion even live to see the next day?
A kick forced Sion onto his knees before the empty throne. A hand forcing his head back so he could gaze at it. A soldier would announce the King's approach.
"Announcing the arrival of his majesty! King Irza!" The guard proclaimed. The General was the first to arrive through the door to the side of the throne. That sadistic grin from the previous night was plastered on his face. In the light, Sion could clearly see him now. He had greying hair, pale skin and a cleanly shaven strong jaw accompanied with his chillingly predatory dark gaze. He stood tall, his physique was nothing to be scoffed at. It was clear he was hell born due to his age. But his body remained as pristine as if he was not a day over his prime.
He bowed at the hip as he stepped to the side. The shadows release their grasp on first, a lavish crown decorated with gems and gold. Then, long black hair and a disgustingly weathered face. Golden eyes a lot like Sion's gazed at him. The King had arrived, dragging along his rather gourmand figure.
The piggish old King made his way towards Sion. The sounds of his heel clicking against the stone flooring rang in Sion's ear agonizingly. His eyes gazed down at Sion in disgust as everyone bowed before him.
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
"Are you Sion Kaori?" The King asked.
"Fuck yourself." Sion spoke through gritted teeth. As the last word hissed past his lips, the King had taken his face by his lower jaw. His own golden eyes boring into Sion's soul. Hells, Sion would rather be dead than have to spend another minute being touched by this man.
"You know, I served with your father during the Horizon. Slaughtering those that dwelled on the surface. Almost drowning in their blood. It was divine!" The King reminisced. "It is such a shame that his eldest spawn turned out this way. Oh how he must feel! Finding out his son is nothing but a traitor."
"I wonder how he feels being neglected by someone he once thought of as an ally. To be left in poverty and neglect like those that once respected him! Or the fact that the man he fought with is nothing but a disgusting and ruthless bastard." Sion's voice cut through Irza's words after he thrashed his head away from the King's grasp. His eyes burned with the hatred that had been simmering within him.
The King smiled wickedly. "Ooo~ Oww~ Your words hurt me child. Perhaps some time in a cold cell would fix that tongue of yours? Or should I just cut it from your mouth?" Irza's thumb rubbed softly onto Sion's bottom lip.
"I do hope you get along with your roommate and the rats."
The King had spoken, the guards that held Sion lifted him onto his feet and dragged him away. The General and King watched in disdain. Whispering amongst one another.