Cleus and Cyte sit in their room with several guards present. The king’s aide steps into the room.
“Ah, Prince Cleus. Thank you for your cooperation. We just have a few questions.”
Cleus keeps his eyes closed. The aide continues.
“Could you please tell us what your servant is planning? Or what he wants?”
“I have no idea what he wants, nor why he is doing this. Did you do anything to upset him?” Cleus replies calmly.
The aide is silent for a few moments.
“Do you happen to know why he wants to meet the king?”
Cleus chuckles.
“He probably wants to ask him a question.”
The aide’s eye twitches slightly.
“For a servant to demand to see the king and to hold a prince hostage is a very serious issue. We would like you to speak to your servant and have him release Prince Zoipa.”
Cleus chuckles again.
“You are asking a prince to set foot in your dirty dungeon? Are you courting war?”
The aide thinks to herself that Cleus is acting too high and mighty for a prince who lost his kingdom. He would not be able to start a war even if he wanted to. Still, she keeps her voice sweet and calm.
“No, no. Of course not. I apologize for my request. But we are at a loss as to what we should do. Please consider it from our perspective.”
“Perhaps you should tell the king to meet with Demo and solve the situation. I would recommend not angering Demo any more than necessary.”
The aide bows.
“Thank you for your time. I will take my leave.”
She leaves Cleus and Cyte with the guards. In another part of the castle, the king sits with his wife and children. He is in a rage.
“A servant demands to see me? I will have his head!”
Kalonga reaches for his father’s shoulder.
“Please calm down. He already took down one of our highest knights. The guards say they cannot overpower him because there is not enough space to surround him. If we want Zoipa back, you will have to speak to him.”
“Can we not just bring a screen to him?” Princess Kuluma asks.
Nonga shakes his head.
“I doubt that savage would accept that.”
Kalonga looks at them.
“It might be worth a try.”
Back in the cell, Demo tosses his pebble while Orja stares up at the ceiling. He asks,
“You think the king will really come?”
Demo shrugs.
“Don’t know. I do not want to assume anyone can love a piece of shi… like that guy. So we have a fifty fifty shot. What do you think?”
Orja takes his time before answering.
“The king loves his children. He decapitated hundreds to prove his love. But that love takes a backseat to how much he loves himself.”
Demo catches his pebble.
“Hundreds?”
Orja looks down.
“During the rebellion, several of us had the princes cornered. We were about to kill them when a man showed up and beat our entire force. My-Ty tried to stop him, but he was no match. The king found the men and women who cornered the princes. He rounded them up and found all their family members: brothers, sisters, even in laws. Many had nothing to do with the rebellion. He took their heads in a public display of his love.”
Demo starts throwing his pebble again.
“I’m going to enjoy meeting this king.”
Orja looks up, alarmed.
“I know you are strong. But the king has backers that can overthrow a whole kingdom on their own.”
Demo smiles.
“He does? Are they here in the castle?”
Orja is shocked at the excitement in Demo’s voice.
“They are not people you can face alone.”
Demo’s smile does not fade.
“I hope the king comes with one of them.”
Before Orja can voice his concern, the corridor door swings open. Two guards enter holding a device. A screen pops up and the king’s face appears. Demo raises one eyebrow.
“What is it you want?” the king asks in a demanding tone.
Demo stands and walks toward the screen.
“You ever heard of the naked king? You will have a homeless king if you do not come down here. Then you can dig your son up from the rubble.”
The king snaps.
“Who the hell do you think you are!”
Demo smiles.
“I’m Demo.”
Chapter 95 fin
