Chapter 113: The King's Guard (III): So Says The King

Rezar watched as the Kitsune remained on the ground with his head bowed, his people felt humiliated as their growls of discontent seemed to fill the air, but Rezar was seeing something else. Maybe it wasn't in a literal sense, but he could see just as much pressure, and expectations on the shoulder of the Kitsune as there was on his, and even more given that the expectations on his shoulders were ones he had given to himself. Logically this was something he should accept, but the rage and pain in his heart was almost suffocating that the Kitsune even deigning himself worthy of serving Rezar pissed him off.

"Say yes."

Rezar furrowed his brow in confusion as Lenore came out of the crowd, she looked a little bit sick, though he couldn't exactly be sure what was wrong with her, and that's when he remembered. Apart from himself, the person who has spent the most time with Neema was Lenore, of course Rezar really wasn't sure how significant a relationship they shared, but given that they had both been the ones responsible for training the undead within the dungeon.

"Why?" Rezar asked her, his voice sounding hoarse and weaker than he would have wanted it to be.

"A Kitsune has sword himself and all of his generations to your service. You might not know it, but the Kitsune clans are known for mischief, sharp minds, skilled strategist in battles, and above all else Master Rezar…. Their honor is impeccable, un-besmirched, and it is the most infallible in all of Elysium. Forgive me if it seems like I'm overstepping my bounds, but only a fool would be offered power and he would refuse it in the name of emotions that even he doesn't really understand.

Neema is gone, and she's not coming back, nothing you do can change that fact. However, there's still so much more that could and can be done with a Kitsune in your service. He would never betray you, not on his honor and if you don't trust him well enough, you can make him a slave if you so choose and keep him close. But he has sworn that his loyalty is to you and your bloodline, and his children and their children will keep that oath till the end of Elysium itself.

You're a king; Rezar. A king needs a King's guard, a group of people ultimately loyal to him and his cause, someone to truly watch his back. Face it, you can't trust anyone here, not even after you've given them their freedom. And if you're so inclined to punish him for something that's not really his fault, then accept his oath as that would tie him to you.

In case you didn't know, he's the clan head of the Honoka Clan, every Kitsune here needs him to give them direction and leadership, but swearing to you has made him give up all of that. His family, his friends, his love, he has given up all of that to make up for the wrongs you've experienced by their lack of vigilance against the NPCS. I will say it to you again, only a fool would say no to power, and even more so you would be less of a king if you let loss, stop you from doing what you have to grow. So! Bone King! Are you a fool or are you a KING!"

Her words were like thunder and lightning clashing within his ears, his heart pounded as fury, shame and rage danced all over his face and heart. He was angry that his sovereignty could be called into question, but at the same time he had a voice in his head telling him how childish he was for being angry, a king should never get angry at being told the truth, rather he should learn from it and grow. He turned to look at Lenore, his hair scattered all over his face as his eyes remained clouded.

"Lenore get him squared away, the other Kitsunes are welcome to become a part of the village, as long as they're willing to recognize my authority and follow my rules. Here in Necron there is no clan head or clan, they are what I say they are. I'll have a chat with the Kitsune later, but for now I have to get back out there…. The Goblin King is still coming for us."

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Gynaika went into the cave her and her people have been living in, all 11 of them immediately got up to their feet as she walked in. her maid followed in behind her, ever the silent shadow, ever the quiet protector. This was all she had left of her tribe, and even through all of her trials, she had brought them along with a promise of keeping them safe and bringing them endless glory.

"My lady how is the child?" her fiercest protector Amon asked as he came closer, his chiseled form glinting in the dim lighting of the cave. Gynaika could see his desire in his eyes, the possessiveness in his stance and form, his hunger for her akin to a wild animal at the brink of starvation. Gynaika smiled as she drew closer to him, her hand grabbing a fistful of his hair as she gave him a soft smile.

The shudder that went through his body from the excitement was expected, she knew just how much power she had over him. The drunk smile that crept all over his face, the joy in his eyes as she touched him. It all went to show how much love he had for her, so much so that when she stabbed her dagger deep into his heart, he still had no idea what was happening, or maybe he did, but he just didn't care. He smiled as he got closer, blood dribbling from the side of his mouth as the poison and the wound began to spread.

"I have become a threat to you haven't I? my love." He asked as his body lost the strength to carry him and he fell to his knees. Gynaika rubbed her hands over his hair and said.

"Yes Amon, I can only see a person who would call a man that will become my husband a child as a threat. To undermine the authority of a man that I would share my bed with, is an affront against my authority. And you Know me Amon, you fucking Know me! No one challenges me and lives to tell the tale."

"So he would own you! Own your bed and your body! Own your heart! NO! he is not worthy! NO!" he yelled out with blood pouring out of his mouth, but a reply didn't come from Gynaika, rather it came from Lenore who walked into the cave with precise steps, her sword out with a promise of doom.

"He will own her and more, she would share his bed and her body would be his to do whatever the fuck he wants with it. And her heart! Well, die knowing that not even you were worthy of it, and the so called child you disdain, will own it in all of its glory! So says the King!"