Heart of Darkness

Rayven was walking through the market, causing heads to turn and eyes to widen in fascination. Women would nudge each other with their elbows whenever he walked by, giggle or try to catch his attention. He was taller than most men, but he carried his length with elegance, just like the rest of his attire. His skin changes tones depending on season and on this summer day, his sun-kissed skin had a healthy glow and his dark hair looked more well kept than the wealthiest woman in town. 

He was aware of everyone's glances, but his obsidian eyes didn't wander amongst the woman. Instead, they turned to gaze at the woman by his side, who had her arm through his. She looked up at him with a smile, and he smiled back at her. 

Rayven didn't know whether to feel relieved or disappointed that he woke up from this beautiful dream. It had been a long time since he hadn't had a nightmare. 

In his dream, his scars were gone, and he had a lovely woman by his side. He seemed happy, but because of that he knew it was only a dream. One that would never come true. He wouldn't indulge in those fantasies that Lucrezia gave him. 

After bathing and getting dressed, he took his horse and rode to the castle. There was no training for the boys today. It was their only day off in the week. Still, Rayven had to deal with a few humans as part of the Royal council. Every council meeting was a torture he had to endure. Thankfully, he didn't have to talk very much. It was Skender who had to open his mouth most of the time. 

There were lots of pretentious smiles and lies going on, and Skender was good at keeping up and giving his dosage of deception. 

When the nonsense ended, and the humans left, Skender turned to him. "You seem to be healing well."

"I hope my punishment wasn't a waste." Rayven said. 

There was a rush of cold air, and Lucrezia materialized into the room. "It was." She grinned. 

Rayven could see how everyone grimaced in distaste at her arrival. What kind of hell did she bring this time?

"Lord Davis is recruiting men to join his purpose of defeating evil." She chuckled, amused. "He should join the Arch. Unfortunately, not everyone he recruited is transparent with him. Words will spread like smoke." She smiled at Rayven. 

Rayven looked away. So despite his punishment, Angelica's father wasn't only going to die but be known as a traitor as well. 

He turned to Skender, "that can't be possible. I have been keeping a close eye on Lord Davis." 

Rayven shook his head at him. "And on all the men he recruited and all the time."

He felt his face burn and he couldn't understand why. Nothing would change about his life, whether Lord Davis died or stayed alive. This was not his problem. 

"I have a plan," Skender insisted. 

"How about you burn with your plan in hell?" Blayze spat. "Why is he not getting punished?" He asked Lucrezia. 

"Oh, this is his punishment." She smirked. 

Her eyes gleamed with that wicked light that Rayven recognized. She already knew this was going to happen, so she let Skender have his way to test him. She knew he would fail. 

"We had a deal. I would take the punishment and I wouldn't have to kill him." Skender said, getting angry. 

"No. I wouldn't ask you to kill him and I am not." She corrected. 

"But you could have prevented it," he said desperately. He was making no sense. 

"You could have prevented it if you had done your job from the beginning." 

"Then I would have to kill him." He hit the table with his fist, causing it to break. 

"As a King, you have to make hard choices." Lucrezia reminded. "Hope this wakes you up, King Alexander." And then, with a snap of her fingers, she disappeared. 

"What were you doing until now?" Acheron asked calmly. 

Skender's face was red, his shoulders tense and his hands clenched into fists. "She did it. She spread the word to punish me." He said. 

"How do you know?" 

"I have been keeping an eye on Lord Davis, so nothing goes wrong while I find a solution. All his men are dedicated to him." 

"And how much more time do you need to find a solution?" Blayze asked. 

"It is not easy." Skender snapped. 

"You can't blame her. No matter what, you waited too long and if she did it, it was because she knew it would happen. She saved you some time." Acheron said. 

"I would rather spend more time and save him." Skender replied. 

"Save him to do what?" Blayze was getting frustrated. 

So was Rayven. "Quiet!" He ordered. 

Everyone became quiet and looked at him. 

"There is no need to fight. Lord Davis can die and Skender can enjoy his punishment. I am sure he will sleep well tonight." He said, then stood up. "I am taking my leave if Your Majesty has nothing to add." 

He tried to remain calm as he walked out of the meeting room, but he felt the rage building up inside of him. This wasn't him. He didn't want his heart back. He would beg Lucrezia to remove the red dot. At least when his heart was dark, his head was quiet. 

Now he had to find a way to distract himself. He climbed his horse and rode away to the bookshop. He would buy lots to read. What else could he do? There was no other entertainment in his life. It was long empty days, just waiting for the end to come. 

When he arrived at the bookshop, he quickly went around and picked books without paying much attention. Then he carried them to the counter to pay. 

The seller was surprised to see him buy so many books this time and despite being a regular customer, he was still scared of him. His hands shook as he received the money and Rayven, who was already angry, lost it. 

Grabbing the man by the collar, he pulled him over the counter, bringing the man's face close to his. "You seem to take fear lightly. Shall I show you what to fear?" 

The man shook and began to stutter. "P...ple...ase, My Lord...I...I.."

"Lord Rayven!" Someone called his name sternly. 

Recognizing the voice, Rayven stiffened. 

Slowly, he turned his head and found Angelica standing in the shop and staring at him with a displeased look on her face. 

What a pleasant day.