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Chapter XXXI
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2021-07-08 18:56:37A tempting food fragrance reigned around the kitchen, along with quiet conversations and laughter. Kenneth watched his guard teasing his best friend and helping his sister cook their lunch, and for a moment, he pictured himself having a family to laugh with, a sister to protect and teach, a brother to support him, and parents to love him. The king could not recall the last time he had a pleasant chat with someone — aside from the time he escaped to the other palace. If he could give himself a chance, he would like to go back to the past and correct everything that shattered his family. Kenneth would give everything to live a different childhood and grow up with his parents, his twin brother and his little sister by his side. His life would have been happier if nothing happened to them.
Kenneth quietly observed Alec and how his eyes got smaller when he grinned — he thought he looked adorable. His smile was one of t
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THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXII
The servants were surprised to see the king enter the palace safe and sound, followed by Alec. The royal guards searched for him during the entire day, and they failed to find him in the nearby villages. Gwendolyn threw a tantrum every time she heard they could not find her husband, and the servants wondered why she was acting so strangely. Perhaps pregnancy was affecting her emotions."Your Majesty," Carl welcomed the king in the entry gate, "Are you doing well?" he checked his face and body, but he could not find anything abnormal. Kenneth did not look like he got himself in danger."I am," Kenneth answered, "Why was everyone looking for me?" he furrowed a brow, "It's not the first time that I leave the palace.""I know," Carl sighed, "The search was under Her Majesty's request,"
Last Updated : 2021-07-09THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXIII
It was very early in the morning when Carl and Todd headed to the king's chambers. Their steps echoed in the empty corridors. They found Alec standing outside the door, getting ready to start a new day. He raised an eyebrow when he saw them approaching."Good morning, Alec," Carl greeted, "We have something to tell you before the king wakes up," he whispered."What is it?" Alec frowned as he knew something must be wrong."We happened to hear a strange conversation yesterday evening," Carl replied, "I was with Todd, and the other new guard also joined,"Alec pressed his lips when he understood he was talking about his best friend. "And?"Carl made sure there was no one else around before he whispered, "The queen was with the pri
Last Updated : 2021-07-10THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXIV
The servant walked to the main hall and bowed his head before he entered the living room, "My lady, two guards arrived from the main palace," he announced.Lady Monica widened her eyes as she hurried to leave the couch and fix her clothes. "I was not expecting anyone!" she exclaimed, "Ferdinand!" she called her son, who came running after hearing the news, "My son, did you receive a letter from the palace?""No, mother," Ferdinand shook his head and walked with her to the entrance. "I wonder if everything is alright in the main palace,"The royal guards soon followed and entered the room. They looked around and even though the interior was not as fancy and clean as the main palace, there was an unusual welcoming warmth emanating from the walls. "Good evening," Carl and Todd greeted politely. "The king sent us here,"
Last Updated : 2021-07-10THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXV
One hour earlierAfter he made sure the gossip spread around all the servants in the palace, Alec decided to take a small break in the garden as he had been busy for the last few days. He took off his heavy jacket and placed it around his arm as he walked between the trees and the flower bushes. The weather was nice that morning. The scorching sun rays kissed his forehead and cheeks, and the gentle wind embraced him and accompanied him during his walk.Alec was humming a song he heard the maids sing in the servants' quarters when he heard voices. He stopped, and his heart jumped when he spotted the queen arriving with her father. Strangely, they were alone with no servants following them. As they approached, Alec hurried to crouch behind a bush as the last thing he wanted was a conversation with Gwendolyn to ruin his morning.
Last Updated : 2021-07-11THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXVI
The king walked in the hallway, his hands behind his back with his brother by his side. The servants bowed to him, and whispers started to spread around the palace as he looked angry that morning. At every step he made, they would leave an entire space for him only. Keith kept looking at him as he felt a little intimidated by his presence. Something was different about Kenneth today. In his usual tired eyes burned a flame, ready to extend its wings around the palace, roasting every dark soul on its way.Kenneth decided not to tie his hair today, and he let his long blond locks fall majestically behind his back, highlighting the golden embroideries on his black velvet jacket. Hewalked with elegance and grace without looking down nor to his sides. He was deep in thought, undoubtedly about Alec, Keith guessed.Keith cleared his throat right when Gwendolyn appeared at the end of
Last Updated : 2021-07-11THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXVII
Alec's feet got heavier at each step. Every place and every corner in the village holds a memory. He and his sister arrived at the area where he used to perform his sword show with Keith. A crowd waited for them every two or three days to appear with their swords and smiles. It was nothing much, but those days meant a lot to Alec. It was exhausting—sometimes boring—but he enjoyed doing something with his best friend. He could never imagine his life without Keith, but lately, he felt too far away from him.Keith did not leave the castle, nor did he try looking for him. Alec was angry at first, he felt betrayed and abandoned, but then, wasn't he the one who convinced his best friend to trust the king?Keith had a hard time trusting Kenneth as all his life, he only heard rumours about him. Alec almost lost him for trying to make him understand that the king was a good man
Last Updated : 2021-07-12THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXVIII
Kenneth ate his breakfast alone today as the queen went to the village. For the first time, he did not enjoy the silence reigning around the dining room. He used to have Alec by his side to nag at him and order him around. But the young guard was not there anymore. It was painful to think his loved one believed him a murderer and a perpetrator.Alec's absence felt like a stab to his heart. Only months ago, Kenneth cared less about the people surrounding him and he always prefered to stay alone. Now, loneliness killed him.The doors opened, interrupting his sighs, and Keith appeared in the room. He nodded to the guards, who left them alone and looked around before he took off his mask.Kenneth lifted a brow when he saw how pale his face was. "What is wrong?"Keith gulped and took
Last Updated : 2021-07-12THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XXXIX
The salty drops wet Alec's shirt and their warmth weights on his shoulder, weakening his body. But he had to stay strong and still to hold the king who was crying in his arms. Kenneth sniffed, and his sobs quietened for a moment. He wiped his tears and lifted his head slowly until he rested his eyes on Alec's. Their faces were close, and their noses almost brushed. It was silent in the middle of the forest, and they could only hear the cicadas singing, as well as their heavy breaths."It is all my fault," Kenneth whispered, his hands and legs still trembling. "I should not have been a coward and killed them. I should not have held that sword."Alec shook his head and took his cold hands, "You were a child. You could not have possibly fought those guards.""How could a future king hold that horrible memory in his mind?" Kenneth as
Last Updated : 2021-07-13
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THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Epilogue
Weeks after Keith's coronation, it was finally time for the royal wedding. People, wealthy or poor, were getting ready for the ceremony. The king and his bride invited all the villagers to thank them for all the years they took care of them, supported them and offered them bread when in need.Madam Susanne is in the future queen's chambers, sobbing after seeing her daughter in her wedding gown. Carolyn looked splendid in white. The pink tint on her lips and the blush on her cheeks put into value her slightly tanned skin. The court ladies arranged her hair with gold barrettes. On her neck was a gold necklace — a wedding present from Kenneth.Madam Susanne wiped her tears as it was time to leave the chambers. She wished her husband would be still alive to witness such a glorious moment. Unfortunately, his sor
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter L
After dinner, Ferdinand invited his guests to a cup of tea. Kenneth gladly accepted it, and Alec was ready to join when Keith pulled his wrist before he entered the salon, "Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked.Alec raised an eyebrow as his friend looked nervous, "Of course."Keith walked to the drawing-room and asked Alec to take a seat. "What is going on? You are scaring me." he nervously chuckled.Keith smiled and sat in front of him. He joined his hands and took a deep breath, "I knew you since we were children, and I had no idea I would be doing this someday."Alec looked at him with confusion, and then he laughed, "Are you going to confess your love to me now?" he joked, and Keith chuckled, "No, thank you. I am happy to hav
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLIX
People, adults and children, gathered in the village to see the prime minister for the last time in their life. They watched the grey-haired man sitting inside the iron jail, his face pale and his legs shaking. He was caged like an animal — though he was far worse than an innocent tiger. The villagers shouted insults and threats and threw stones at him. The prisoner had no more leather or fancy fabrics on his body. Now, he was only but lower than a beggar with his stained shirt and trousers. He was shoeless, and his feet were bleeding.The royal guards were ordered to drive the prime minister and the men who helped him to a faraway island outside the kingdom. The king decided it would be merciful to publically execute him, so he and Keith thought it would be better to exile him. The prime minister was not only going to live on an island and rot to death. No, he needed to pay for what he had done to the women and girls. He destroyed their families, and now was time
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLVIII
Alec pecked Kenneth's nose before standing up and extended his arm for the king to hold his hand. He smiled at him and led him to the bed. He lied on the soft mattress, and Kenneth slowly crawled on top of him. Alec looked heavenly handsome, like an angel sent to serve his king. His black hair spread on the mattress, highlighting his half-naked body.Kenneth placed his hands on his waist and kissed his lower abdomen, sending goosebumps through Alec's body. He pulled his waistband and started sliding his trousers down to expose his intimate zone.Alec bit his lower lip and smirked, "I remember when you wanted to cut my head." he said, playing with Kenneth's soft blond locks that tickled his naked abdomen.Kenneth chuckled and pecked his thigh, making his legs weaken. "I am happy w
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLVII
Kenneth rested his back against the wooden chair with a jar of wine in his hand. It was a long and exhausting day for him. A lot of things happened, and it was too much for him to take. He needed to decide how to punish the prime minister and Gwendolyn for their crimes. What they did was so disappointing that he thought death would be a mercy and not a punishment. Public execution is easy and fast. They would not have time to think about their choices nor regret them. In a matter of seconds, they would be dead, and nothing would change.Kenneth knew it would not satisfy him if they left without suffering for what they did to him. Hehad a conversation with Keith before he retreated to his chambers. His twin brother suggested ways to punish the prime minister and his daughter and help the women and the girls have a happier life.Kenneth was alone after everyone left the palace
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLVI
Alec and Keith froze as they understood what the king meant bythat night. "I was only but a child," Kenneth whispered as he eyed every inch of the man's face. "You made a child hold a sword and kill his parents." Gasps and whispers sounded in the room after they heard the king's last words. Kenneth never spoke about the past before. He let people around the palace and the villages believe all sorts of stories about the late sovereigns' death. That haunting memory was too painful that it made him weak, too weak to defend the truth. "I remember you," Kenneth cupped the man's face with one hand and squeezed his jaw tight, "Your laughter still sounds in my ear every night before I sleep. You enjoyed that, didn't you?" he squeezed tighter until the man groaned with pain. "You loved seeing an innocent child ending his
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLV
The colour drained from the prime minister's face the moment he saw the king's guards dragging his men inside the throne room. His heart hammered in his chest at each of their steps. He recognised the man who led his soldiers for years, as well as his second and other young men. He tried to keep a straight face and faced the king, whose eyes did not leave him until his guards pushed the prisoners to kneel on the ground.Kenneth stared at him with a cold expression, and he knew he could not find any more excuses now. The truth was now uncovered and there was no way he could escape its consequences.
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLIV
Carl led the soldiers in the forest, following the path Keith described. There were dozens of armed men walking discreetly to avoid getting caught by the black-dressed enemies. He tightened his grip around his sword handle and looked behind to make sure his men were following, especially a handsome man whose skin got tanner after spending many days under the sun. Carl never paid attention to anyone as he did to Todd. His life was all about training harder to get promoted to a higher position, but lately, being by Todd's side brought him a foreign satisfaction. "Halt!" he raised his arm, signalling his men to stop walking. He walked further from them to check the surroundings, and as Keith said, a dozen trees circled a large camp. Heshook his head in disbelief and walked back to warn his men and get ready to invade the tents.
THE MAD KING AND HIS GUARD Chapter XLIII
The next day, Kenneth sat on his throne as he thought about what Keith said the night before. He rested his elbow on the silver arm and his chin on the palm of his hand. An army. It was as he feared. His enemies seriously wanted him out of the picture to have the kingdom for themselves.The doors opened, interrupting his thoughts. Gwendolyn entered the room, followed by her court ladies. She had her hand on her lower back as if to support the baby growing in her belly. Kenneth rolled his eyes at it. He admired her audacity to not forget a single detail to prove she was pregnant."Good morning, my king," since she got'pregnant',Gwendolyn stopped bowing to Kenneth. The child was an excuse to drop the formalities, but now Kenneth only saw disrespect. Gwendolyn was insulting him with her lies and her pretending. "My apologies for not showing up during breakf
