MakiaVi: The Frozen King - Chapter Thirteen (Patreon)

 
Riza sat upon an antique wooden chair with red cushions. She wore a long blue bathrobe with silver trim. A gaudy “Q” was embroidered on the chest with an even larger one on the back. The servants surrounded her, each focused on tending to the new queen. One servant, a young red fox, carefully sharpened Riza’s claws with a nail file made of steel. Her head stayed down, never looking away from her job. Riza tilted her head back into a sliver sink where a young dragon with white scales ran Riza’s hair under warm water. The youngest servant was a snow leopard with black hair and blue eyes. She knelt before Riza scrubbing her feet with a soft brush. The healer stood in a corner of the room with their hands folded in front of themselves.
Riza’s eyes scanned the servants. Regardless of how fast she moved her eyes, the servants managed to avert their gaze before making eye contact. Riza let out a deep sigh. “It is because I’m a hybrid isn't it.”
The servants all froze in their tasks. Their eyes were as big as dinner plates. In unison, they took a step back, fell to their knees, slammed their hands to the floor and yelled, “Please forgive us!”
Riza gasped before stammering a response. “I- It’s fine.” They did not move a muscle. She was lost until she remembered a phrase she heard in a play once. “Oh, uhm. You may rise?”
They all rose to their feet and bowed together saying, “Thank you my lady.” and continued their work in silence.
“That’s not the reason they won’t look at you.” The healer said in a light, feminine voice. Riza tilted her head to the side to look at them. “That is just how people treat royalty. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t speak unless spoken to. These are the rules servants are trained to follow.”
“What about you?” Riza asked.
The healer chuckled. “The kingdom hired us to keep all of you healthy, not kiss your asses. I personally couldn’t care less what you thought of me.”
“Then why cover yourselves?”
“Company policy. Some of our clients may doubt our intentions if they knew what species some of us belonged to. In my experience, members of royalty are wary of outsiders.”
“I really wish that wasn’t the case.”
“Me too.” Mumbled the healer.
Once the servants completed their tasks, the fox walked across the room to a large wooden wardrobe with silver handles. After searching through it for a moment, she pulled out a long elegant blue dress with silver flowers. The collars and cuffs were covered in white puffy frills. Riza was so disgusted by the dress, it almost made her sick. Sadly, it was ceremonial. It was a bit of a tight fit, but the servants managed to slip Riza into the outfit. The dragon servant held Riza’s short hair in place with a few pins. After going over Riza’s outfit and making a few adjustments, the snow leopard opened the door and gestured outwards. 
Riza struggled to walk in the constricting dress but managed to make it into the hallway without disaster. Edion stood outside of her door with his three servants standing behind him. He wore a tunic and pair of pants that matched Riza’s dress. The top half of his hair was in a single braid while the bottom half flowed freely. “You look nice.” He said with a grin.
“Not too bad yourself.” Riza responded.
Edion extended his elbow out to Riza. “Shall we?”
“Sure.” She wrapped her hands around his arm. They walked together through the hallway, down the large staircase and back to the parlor room where they left the mouse servant.
She bowed to them. “If you will follow me, the rest of the royal family await you in the throne room.” The servant stood upright, turned around and led them out the wooden doors. She took them down the spiral stairs and through the same path they took from the bath houses but stayed on the path of the main hallway this time. They saw a row of guards standing against the walls leading up to a pair of massive steel doors. As they walked by, each of the guards knelt before them and eventually stood up to follow the new king and queen. 
The last two guards bowed as they opened up the steel doors to reveal a huge throne room filled with lords and ladies wearing the colors of Zekul along with the symbols of their houses. In the front were two thrones that sat on top of a set of stone stairs. Edion’s brothers and sisters stood on each of the stairs that lead to the left throne. The stairs to the right throne were empty. At the foot of the stairs stood the priestess that moderated their fight against Kardon. Two servants stood at her sides, each holding a pillow with a transparent crystal crown on it.
They walked down a long blue rug that lead to the thrones. Riza scanned the crowd and saw their friends from the MakiaVi standing near the edge. She shook as she realized that everyone’s eyes were focused on the two of them. 
Edion whispered to Riza, “It’s alright. Just respond to everything she says with the words ‘we do’.” Riza nodded and let out a sigh as they stopped at the end of the walkway. Edion tugged on Riza’s arm to signal for them to kneel.
The priestess raised her arms as she spoke. “Lords and ladies. Friends and family. We are gathered before the gods to crown the new leaders of our province. Prince Edion has chosen Riza to rule by his side. This commitment will bind you both together for as long as you both shall live. Do you understand the responsibility placed upon you?”
Edion and Riza responded, “We do.”
“Then let us begin. Edion and Riza, do you both swear to protect the people of this kingdom from all threats, foreign or otherwise?”
“We do.”
“Do you reject the demon Zezzerok and all his minions?”
“We do.”
“Do you swear to carry out the will of our goddess Xarada and all values she holds dear?”
“We do.”
The priestess picked up the crown on her left and placed it upon Edion’s head. She grabbed the crown on her right and placed it on Riza’s head. They both rose as the priestess spoke. “Then by Xarada’s grace, I name you King and Queen of Zekul. All hail King Edion and Queen Riza. Long may they reign!”
Everyone in the throne room chanted in unison, “Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!” As the chanting went on, Edion and Riza walked up the stairs to their thrones and stood before them. 
Edion turned to his people and raised his hands to halt the chanting. “People of Zekul. For too long has this kingdom been run by the cruel ways of my father. I am here to tell you, that our rule will be one of justice and kindness.” The crowd roared in approval. Edion raised his hands again to calm their voices. “However, as many of you know, there is a great evil that lies to the west. I can not stand idly by while these dragon slayers slaughter our brothers and sisters. That is why Riza and I will be returning to the MakiaVi to fight them head on and I urge all able warriors to do the same. Together we can end this conflict and usher in a new era of peace for all of Dreven! Who shall answer the call of their King?”
The crowd let out an ear-splitting roar as many threw their fists in the air. Once the cheers died down, Edion continued. “I will leave Edaro, Crea and Serada to rule the kingdom in our stead and re-open communication between Zekul and the MakiaVi. Now, let us feast to this glorious day and the many to come!” The crowd cheered as chefs walked through the side doors carrying long wooden benches along with tables filled with a plethora of dishes. The band played string instruments in the balconies above.
Edion sat down on the throne as the people started to eat. Riza sat at his side. “Great speech.” She said.
Edion smiled to her. “I have been rehearsing it everyday for almost a year now.”
A voice cried, “Edion!” The king looked down to see Zan running towards the stairs of the throne. He wore a blue tunic that clashed with his fire red hair. Two guards held him back until Edion gestured for them to let him through. Zan darted up the stairs and playfully wrapped his arm around Edion’s neck. “Awesome speech! It really is quite the party.”
Zan was so overjoyed he did not even notice the blade at his neck. Its owner was a middle aged female dragon with dark blue scales. She wore steel armor with the crest of Xarada on the chest. “Release the king before I send your soul to the gods!” She commanded. Zan let go of Edion and slowly put his hands up. 
Bellatrix flew up to Zan and grabbed him by one of his horns. “I can’t take you anywhere can I?”
The guard pulled her blade away from Zan and looked to Bellatrix. “I assume this one is yours? You really should keep a closer eye on your husband. He seems like quite the troublemaker.”
Bellatrix’s face flushed red as she stammered, “L-like I would ever.” Zan grunted as she lead him down the stairs with his head at an uncomfortable angle. “Come on, we have food to eat. Congratulations again you two!” Bellatrix said, waving back to Riza and Edion.
Edion looked up to the blue dragon at his side. “Really quick on the draw aren’t you?”
“It is my job Your Majesty.” She knelt before him. “I am the captain of the Royal Guard. Sheka Serin, at your service.”
“Rise.” Edion commanded. She stood up and returned to his side. “For future reference, my friends over there are no threat to me.”
Sheka chuckled. “Pardon me my lord, but from what I have seen, friends can turn into enemies at any moment.”
One of the chefs stood at the foot of the stairs. He was a large bear wearing a white uniform with a puffy white hat on his head. Small spots of gray were peppered into his black fur. His height evened out his weight with only a modest belly protruding out of his uniform. When Edion’s eyes made their way to him, they lit up as a grin spread across his face. “Ursago!” Edion exclaimed as he hopped off of the throne. He dashed down the stairs.
The chef let out a hearty laugh as he stood with his arms open wide to receive the new king. Once they connected, the bear lifted Edion off of his feet, squeezing him tightly. “Edion! Good to see you friend!” The chef said as he gently put the king down. “My, look at you! I never thought I would live to see you on the throne.” Ursago looked up to Riza and took a few steps towards the throne. “This enchanting woman must be your queen!” He bowed before her. “I am Ursago Bral my lady. It is a pleasure to serve you.”
“It is a pleasure to have you serve.” Riza responded.
Ursago leaned to Edion. “Glad to see you still have good taste eh?” He said as he gave Edion a few nudges and a wink. Edion faked a laugh as he returned to his seat. 
Ursago firmly clapped his paws together twice. A young black bear wearing a simpler version of Ursago’s uniform appeared beside him with two steaming bowls of dark brown stew on a silver platter. “Speaking of taste, we have prepared your favorite meal. My own take on zekulian shetzal.”
Edion grinned ear to ear as he eyed the bowls. The assistant crept towards the throne, his eyes focused on the meals. Once he reached the top, he bowed he head as he moved the tray between Edion and Riza. The king picked up the bowl with a large grin on his face while Riza picked up the other. The assistant straightened, turned around and walked down the stairs and out a side door.
Edion took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of the stew and sighed. “Just like I remember.”
Riza leaned in to sniff the soup herself. “Pepper, chili powder, onion, garlic and a pinch of salt.”
Ursago laughed. “Quite the nose you have there! I hope it is to your liking.”
“It always is!” Edion exclaimed as he pulled the bowl closer to his mouth.
Riza froze while smelling the meal. “Don’t!” She screamed as she lept towards Edion, smacking the bowl out of his hand. It clattered down the steps and some of its contents splattered onto a nearby vase filled with blue roses.
“What is wrong my lady?” Ursago asked.
“Yeah Riza.” Edion said. “What has gotten into you?”
Riza pointed to the roses. “See for yourself.”
Ursago and Edion looked in horror as black spots spread across the flowers causing them to wilt. Once the illness finished spreading, the flowers crumbled into dust.
Sheka pointed to Ursago. “Men! Seize him!” Two knights in steel armor grabbed Ursago by the arms and pushed him to his knees.
Ursago shuddered as he spoke. “By the gods, I swear that I did not know.”
“So the poison just waltzed into your soup?” Sheka said.
Tears trailed down Ursago’s cheeks. “I love this family. I would never-”
“Silence!” Sheka yelled as she unsheathed her sword. She stepped down the stairs as she spoke. “Ursago Bral, for the crime of attempted murder, I sentence you to death.” She lined her blade up with his neck and heaved it above her head.
“Stop!” Riza yelled as she ran down towards them. “Stop. He is innocent.”
“My lady, please stand back.” Sheka said. 
“Release this man!” Riza shouted. “That is an order!”
Before Sheka could give the command, the two guards let go of Ursago’s arms. He collapsed to the ground. Ursago graveled before the queen. “Thank you my lady! Thank you!” He lifted his head to look her in the eyes. “But, how did you know?”
Riza grinned as she held her hand out to Ursago. “I could sense your heart when she accused you.” She lifted him to his feet. “You are a good man Ursago.” Riza’s eyes scanned the crowd. “However, someone here is guilty.”
Riza knelt, put her hand on the floor and closed her eyes. She could feel the aura of every person in the room. She scanned the MakiaVi members and they were innocent along with all the servants. The lords and ladies took longer to read but so far, they were all clean as well. “Where are you?” she mumbled. As she continued analyzing the guests, she felt an odd presence in the room. From behind her she felt a flicker of evil that was gone almost as soon as it appeared. Riza turned around to see Edion’s healer slowly approaching from behind with a dagger in his hand. “Look out!” Riza screamed as the healer thrusted the blade towards the king’s neck. 
Edion grabbed his assailant by the forearm. The blade stopped inches away from its target. The healer attempted to pull away from Edion’s grasp but Edion held them firmly in place. With a loud crunch, Edion increased his grip on the healer’s arm and snapped the bone within.
The assassin screamed from the injury as Edion wrenched them closer and delivered a powerful punch to their jaw. Another crunch came from the assassin’s mouth as the punch connected. Dazed from the strike, the assassin could not react to Edion tossing them onto the floor. Edion ripped the white cloth off of the healer’s face. Beneath it was a male wolf with black fur and yellow eyes. The lower half of his jaw hung open with blood flowing from it. He coughed up a spray of red mist into the air as his tongue drooped out of his muzzle.
The wolf groaned in pain as Edion jammed his hand into the assassin’s mouth. He trailed his fingers across the assassin’s smooth teeth until he felt a small abnormality. He gripped the bump on the wolf’s tooth and tore it out. Edion held up the small blood-covered capsule. “Poison. Thought you could get away from us that easy?” Two guards rushed to the throne, grabbing the assassin by the arms. “Take him to the dungeon.” Edion commanded. “Maybe we can get some answers out of him.” They dragged the assassin off. The wolf left a trail of blood behind him. They disappeared into a small side door and slammed it shut behind them.
Edion let out a deep sighed as he sat back on the throne. The entire room was dead silent. “Somebody bring the master healer to me.” Edion commanded. A few servants rushed out of the room in all directions. Riza flew back to her seat and gracefully sat upon the throne. One of the servants returned through the main entrance with the main healer striding behind him. He wore white robes like the rest but had red stripes on his shoulders. The healer knelt before the throne. “If you were not aware, one of your employees just made an attempt on our lives.” Edion said.
A deep, thundering voice came from the robes. “My most humble apologies. I assure you, I had no knowledge of this transgression.” 
Edion looked over to Riza who gave him a slight nod. “Very well.” Edion responded. “I would however like to screen all your other healers in the castle.”
“Your grace, you know our policies.”
“Rest assured, their identities will remain hidden. I highly doubt any dangerous people have joined your ranks. However, I think your group may have been compromised. Call them all before us and we will find out the truth.”
The healer nodded. “Of course my lord. I will bring them to you right away.” The healer stood up, reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small crystal orb. He muttered a few words and the orb glowed with a faint blue light. “Attention. All healers are to report to the throne room immediately. I repeat. All healers are to report to the throne room immediately.” He tapped the orb twice and the glow faded.
One by one, healers covered in white robes padded into the throne room and stood shoulder to shoulder before the king. Edion scanned the group. “I believe we are missing one. If I remember correctly, you have forty healers stationed here. Including the traitor, I only count thirty nine.”
The leader looked his healers up and down. “You are right. I apologize. I do not know where they are.”
“Men!” Sheka commanded. “Search the castle. I want this traitor before me by day’s end.” The guards saluted their commander and marched out of the room two by two.
“You won’t find him.” Edaro smoothly remarked. He bounced up the steps towards Edion. “He most likely fled once he saw his comrade get captured. With these assassin guilds, information is their most in demand service, after killing of course. Getting word back to his superiors of the new king’s power is far more important to them than a half-assed attempt at taking down a target.”
“Besides,” Riza said. She rose from the ground and sat back into the throne, taking her hand off of the blue carpet. “All of the healers here are clean. It looks like it was just the two.” 
“Well then,” Edaro loudly slammed his palms together. “I suggest we handle this matter at a later date. For now, we have a feast to continue.” He snapped his fingers towards the band. As they jumped into a new song, the festivities continued.

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