Two

Sleep deprived from the previous night’s events, Cassius Blackenthor plopped onto his plush bed with much vigor.

            Though Broslans rarely needed too much sleep, Cassius felt drained from a night of ravaging and feasting. His body felt light as a feather from all of the bloodletting and wine he consumed. He vibrated and shivered.

            His father constantly criticized his actions, wanting Cassius to be in tip-top shape if he were to inherit the crown. Cas could really not care at all about being king, in fact, he didn’t want the throne or the power. But, being the only son of a desperate king, he really had no choice in the matter.

            Sighing, he rolled onto his back. He had freed himself of his shirt and waistcoat along with his eye covers, flinging them both onto the nearby sitting chair as he had stalked into his room. The marks on his back burned from the movement but, he did not mind. He appreciated pain and often welcomed it. He scratched at his shoulder where a fresh wound was beginning to heal.

            Oh, what a night indeed.

            His older sister would be marrying that pig excuse for a Broslan tomorrow and he was not looking forward to their children. Broslan women were beautiful in their own rights, respectfully, resembling human women, but with more grace and splendor. Their faces were more angled, much like an Elf’s but not as sharp. In all, every woman looked the same to him. Breasts, hips, and ankles are all that mattered to him.

            A pretty human slave entered his chambers to change out his basin water. It steamed as she poured it into a gold dish. No doubt it’d be cool by the time he awoke. She was blurry but he could tell she was shapely. He smiled and ordered her out. Shame that she was to go to waste; would have made a wonderful mistress. The Slave Laws were ludicrous in his opinion. Yes, he could see why they had people to serve them but why not have servants? His ridiculous father was the one who implemented these laws and he knew he’d abolish them the moment he placed that silver crown atop his head.

            Cassius stretched his neck and closed his eyes.

           

A soft touch on his cheek awoke him.

            Someone was tracing his scars over his eyes.

            Cassius clutched the hand that dared touch him and a yelp escaped from whoever he was holding. Energy zinged through him, beginning with the area his skin touched hers to the toes in his boots. He cracked his eyes open and saw the most delicate and wonderful looking face staring wide-eyed at him. Her eyes were a strange color, a mix of purples that swirled together to create an entrancing shade of lilac he’d ever seen. His breath caught as the blurriness edged away and clear lines replaced the dark shadows that his eyes could not see. The longer he focused on her, the more he could see her creating an image unlike any other.

            He wasn’t completely blind but, his eyesight was near to it no thanks to certain acts bestowed upon him.

            Her long, brown hair hung near his face and it tickled his scars. Her mouth was open, revealing white teeth, in a surprised expression. Her breathing was erratic but her breath was sweet and hot as it washed over him.

            A broken dish caused the both of them to look away from one another along with a startled gasp.

            “You need to leave,” he whispered to the girl.

            The slave would most likely blabber about this incident but, there was no need. His father’s advisor, Flarin, took that exact moment to walk in. His blue eyes cut to the slave with the broken vase, then to the girl’s hand as Cassius still held it.

            “Out,” Flarin barked.

            The girl made to move and Cassius was loath to let her go. “Forgive me, your highness,” she whispered and bowed, her eyes filling with tears at knowing just what this would cost her.

            The slave girl whimpered on her way out. She would have to pay for that broken vase.

            Flarin gripped the girl’s upper arm, squeezing quite roughly, and whispered something in her ear as she was taking her leave. Broslans were gifted by the gods with acute hearing but, he wasn’t a full blooded Broslan so he could not hear what was being said. It seemed like a threat for the girl was shaking, her cloak obviously trembling about her body.

            The older Broslan with the crooked nose slammed the door behind the girl. “Is this what my king has created?”

            With his companionship to Cassius’s father, Flarin had every right and power to chastise the royal offspring. In fact, that’s exactly what he was: a glorified nanny only with political expertise he could offer to the king.  

            Cassius pushed himself off of his bed, situating himself for he enjoyed the feel of the girl’s skin just a bit too much. He cleared his throat and stood before Flarin. He was much taller than the squat of a Broslan. That could be due to his heritage but no one really questioned it. Flarin’s nose came up to Cassius’s clavicle. Oh, he could easily overpower him but chose not to for fear of repercussion from his father. He’d endured enough as it is.

            “And what is that exactly?” Cassius asked before scooping up his black shirt.

            Flarin scoffed. “This! An overgrown royal babe who acts as if he does not want to take responsibility!” He gestured about him. Granted, the prince’s chambers were a mess but, they were his chambers. “And that girl? Do you know who she is?”

            Cassius shrugged. “What does it matter? She did nothing wrong, leave her be.” His voice had dropped an octave to indicate his warning. Flarin had no right to discuss matters that went outside the bedroom, especially his room.

            He sneered. “Oh, your father will be hearing about this little debacle. She is not noble nor royal; her business does not concern you. I might be able to convince him to spare her life for intrusion given your father is thrilled about tomorrow. The gods are in your favor.”

            The prince glared at his father’s trustee. A threat was brewing within his chest one that once it broiled over, there was no stopping Cassius. For the sake of his well-being, Flarin’s not Cassius’s, he backed away and glanced out his window, the midday’s light blinding him. He quickly donned his eye covers and watched the sun as it hung high in the sky, clearing away the dark clouds that constantly seemed to circle Ieslal.

            Flarin placed a hand upon his shoulder. “We are only trying to protect you, your highness. You know how the king can be; he’s very protective and concerned over your actions. That peasant girl is nothing and should not have been in your private quarters!” His voice rose an octave. “She needs to be punished.”

            Cassius shook off Flarin’s hand. “Do what needs to be done. But spare them both,” he hissed through his teeth.

            Fisting his own hands, he strode out of his chambers with clenched teeth and near murder on his mind.