Xeol
Five hundred souls. Five hundred souls had fallen to my sword. The sun was my testament and the judge of everything I did under its shadows.
I should've chosen this path earlier for it was too late when I realised, I was nothing but a story forced in between theirs. They called me a monster and so, I decided to be one.
"Boss"
I hummed, cleaning the blood off my hands with a handkerchief. She was my right-hand woman, Alti Gurose, the only one I could turn my back to, and hand off my gun at tight situations. She ran down a list of all the suppliers who could steal my firearms.
"Also, you are required at the Triant Hall tonight"
I frowned. After all this time. The Triant Hall happened once every year, where all the heirs from the seven kingdoms met for a feast of peace, honour and integrity. It was surely a surprise they invited me this time, normally I was a rotten fruit unfit for receiving such honour.
She handed me the invitation card. I ran my fingers through the engrained golden flowers on the sides, with the emblem of all the seven kingdoms on the front, including mine. The eight snake.
"If you don't mind, boss"
"Shoot it, Alti"
"Are you going to go?"
I looked at her. She never wavered holding my gaze. I threw my head back and rolled my shoulders. It was laughable really. I might know the reason of the invitation, but it was just a hunch.
"Of course. Won't miss the sour faces for my life"
I scoffed as I wore the jacket over the bloodied shirt dried over my skin.
When the time came, I pulled up right at the mansion's compound. The valet asked for the keys. It was a surreal moment for me, standing toe to toe with them and looking at the disgust on their faces, fear even. I would've enjoyed it better till I saw the mask on my face on every reflecting surfaces. It drove me crazy. My hands moved of its own accord and stabbed my knife on a glass table, shards falling to the floor, garnering all the attention like there wasn't any before.
The sneer was the same. The face changed though, uglier, I must say.
"What are you doing here?"
I tilted my head, putting the knife in my pocket. I remembered the voice. He was the heir of the third Kingdom, the blood hounds, Banjo.
"Good dogs don't bark at guests"
Five men held him down, his faceguard only getting worse by seconds. I took a glass of champagne and sat on the corner. Dare they come; I held my head up.
The clinging garnered attention on the podium, where Maddox stood, holding a spoon and a golden cup, with his right-hand man, Ardrent Vice on his right and chancellor Miriam Oday on the left.
"Tonight, we celebrate our one thousand years of ceremony. A toast to each Kingdom!"
We lifted our glasses of selected alcohol to the air. I took a sip, his eyes strayed towards me for a split second and continued.
"Also, for the new kingdom ruled by Xeol Gurose!!! The eight snake."
My fist tightened on the cup as every eye looked at me. Thank heavens the old man knew not to use my original last name. Riots would've followed. I smirked as nobody clapped, only stared. Their faces one of shock, confusion, spite and anger.
"Uh, tonight, we also mark the completion of eight royal houses. Eight royal siblings. We stand by as rulers of dignity and great honour".
He paused, staring at each one of us carefully.
"But that's not all. Ladies and gentleman, we are gathered here today to talk about the curse of Yomi."
I put down my foot and tilted my head. Interesting.
"It has been spreading rampant on the east side. And the west is in danger of the same fate as well. It wouldn't fare well that we disappear off the face of this earth having as talented royals as you all. Take it as a challenge or a work of unity, but those who bring the solution for the curse first, will be given the Triant"
I placed my elbow on my knee and rubbed my chin under the mask. Everyone gasped. Now that was a challenge I strife to win. My eyes caught the eyes of all seven, one smiled at me. I held my glass of champagne to Lady Enin Velare, she smiled and held her glass up.
She was the only one who seemed to be okay with my presence. The future queen of Velare, the kingdom of emerald beauty.
"With that, I conclude my speech. Enjoy"
I left as soon as the old man walked down the podium. I called Alti. She came to the warehouse where I kept my supplies.
"Any trouble?"
I twirled the gun in my hand. I threw my head back and looked up at the ceiling.
"We have to find it"
I heard her sitting on the couch opposite mine.
"Do we have to play chess for you to spill?"
I shook my head. Not this time. Adrenaline rushed through me at the thought of having the Triant. It was a sceptre, made with bones of the Gods, the eye of death and held the power over all the kingdoms. They will slither at my feet. I smiled wide.
"A secret of yours?"
I shook my head.
"We have to find the solution for the curse"
Her eyes widened for a split second.
"And what would be the reward?"
I smiled under my mask at her sharpness.
"Why? Propositions can't happen in unity?"
She huffed. I looked at her.
"No. Not with you"
"Am I supposed to be flattered or wounded?"
She looked dead in my eyes and answered.
"Both. Where do we start?"
I leered and brought my hand up. She kissed the back of my hand and helped me up.