Ixion stood up and looked at the high gallery where the agitated and frightened nobles sat.
"I have a most glorious announcement for you all!"
Ixion cleared his throat, then added:
"I will be taking a vacation to Praxis in roughly a year and a half's time. So be well prepared for the management of my kingdom in my absence!"
At Ixion's words, a dim light shone in their eyes.
The fires of rebellion had been stoked in the nobles.
They had been told they had a chance…
The gaze Ixion locked on in particular was Marlowe's.
'That man looks so happy he could cry…'
"But first, before I leave, we must leave behind a statue of me in the streets so the people remember the face of their glorious King! I will have Laura contact you with the details, Duke Marlowe."
Despite his absurd request during dire times and Marlowe's hatred for Ixion, the Duke agreed readily:
"Very well…"
Ixion studied Marlowe's coy smirk.
'That bastard is so happy right now…'
Not only had Ixion said he was leaving, but only after a project was completed.
A project he'd just handed off to Marlowe.
Marlowe now had the full ability to control and guide the time of the King's departure.
He could craft a perfect, bloodless rebellion.
He'd now, in a way, involved himself in two rebellions!
Could Ixion make it three?!?!
***
After dismissing everyone, Ixion had retreated to his quarters and sat alone on the edge of his bed with 'No Regrets' in his hand.
'What shall I do next?'
Ixion drew his eyes down the list, and as he read, he felt a certain desire inspire in him…
'Why not eat a massive cake?!'
Once rumors spread of his impending departure, this would probably be the only time people would readily listen to his absurd requests.
And Ixion was going to make an outlandish one.
He was going to order his chefs to make him a massive cake while his people starve!
'How quaint am I?'
Ixion laughed, then called out:
"Zabaniyah."
The head of the Royal Assassins appeared from the shadows and knelt before him.
"How would you like to eat some cake with me?"
The woman looked up at the king, her hair falling in her face, which moved just enough for Ixion to glimpse her empty right eyesocket.
The terse assassin's lips drifted apart.
"If that's your will."
Ixion looked down at Zabaniyah and said:
"What about cake after cake?"
The assassin looked up and locked her amber eye on Ixion's blue ones. Then, she smirked and said:
"I was wondering when you'd call upon me…"
Ixion laughed, then glowered and said:
"So you read the list too, have you?"
To that, his long-time friend smirked and shrugged.