Screaming filled the hall as he stared down at the misfortunate fool kneeling at the base of his throne. The night guard had caught the thief picking apart the intricate circular locks on the castle vaults. Managing to injure a few guards, he attempted to escape through a series of vents. It seems he was unaware of the various traps set up in case of a break-in. Within minutes, he was caught. Now, in front of the entire court, the young thief was paying the price.

"For what reason did you commit this crime against his Highness?" His advisor asked the kneeling figure. Stubbornly, he refused to answer. Gesturing to a nearby guard, they grabbed a burning hot rod of metal and pressed into the boys back. His shrieks echoed off the marble walls as the smell of burnt flesh wafted through the air. While the torture continued, on top the throne he thought.

The locks upon the vault doors were crafted by the continents best locksmith and metal workers. Each ring required a separate code to activate and only a select few held the information. It was insanely difficult, much so that even I am slightly unsure on how to open it. To be told that an attempt had been made was unnerving. Before being caught, the scoundrel was able to bypass one of the ten locks. What's more, the thief was young, a few years younger than he. It appears valuable information and secrets had fallen into the hands of a broker. How troublesome.

Turning his attention back to the scene, he watched stone-faced as another hole was burnt into the boys body. But instead of screaming, he bit his lip, blood and tears dripping into the pristine white floors.
"... I ....... because .......... fools ........... everything."
"Speak up!" The advisor yelled but he continued mumbling to himself.
"I SAID SPE-"
"Speak."
Cutting in, his eyes bore into the thief's. The whole court went silent.
"Now."

His aura was terrifying. It enveloped you and demanded obedience. Once set upon a goal, nothing could stop it. It was the aura of a king. But that didn't matter to the him. Laughing slightly, the criminal asked, "Do you know ...... why I did it..?" His voice was hoarse from screaming but carried through the dead quiet room. "I did it because the ONLY WAY TO MAKE FOOLS LISTEN TO YOU IS WITH POWER! MONEY AND STATUS IS WHAT BRINGS YOU FORWARD IN LIFE! IT'S ALL THAT MATTERS! BUT DO YOU THINK I HAD A CHANCE, BEING BORN IN THE FUCKING STREETS?!"

"YOU WAKE UP, YOU WORK AND YOU DIE! NO ONE OUTSIDE YOUR SHINING WALLS HAS A CHANCE AT HAPPINESS AND SUCESS! WE WORK OUR ASSES OFF FOR YOU STUCK UP PRICKS BUT WHAT DO WE RECEIVE?! NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOTHING! YOU BASTARDS ARE BORN IN POWER AND WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT? YOU SIT THERE AND WATCH AND LAUGH AS WE DIE AWAY! I WAS GOING TO GIVE MY FAMILY A CHANCE AND NOW LOOK WHERE I AM!  I HATE YOU, YOU BASTARDS!"

His outburst shocked the crowd. Wary glances were thrown to the king, curious of his reaction. He just sat there, bangs shadowing his eyes. Angry whispers and murmurs arose. How dare that street rat say such things. Shouts began to ring out. With a single gesture, everyone instantly fell silent. All eyes turned to the king who had opened his eyes. Fury flickered in them as he looked down on the criminal. Rising a hand, he made a single motion.

"No, no, no! Please!" Guards roughly dragged him out, ignoring his futile attempts to escape.
"Nonononononon-"
His pleas cut off suddenly and a soft thump was heard. Terrified, screams rang out as the nobles scrambled to leave. Motionless, he listened as they ran away, eyes glued to the vibrant crimson decorating the floor, seeping into the stone.

How troublesome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guess who just got back from a camping trip?! It was a blast being able to hang out with friends and overall it was a great time.

The camp didn't have wifi but in some spare time I finished writing a chapter so here it is.

About the profanity, I just thought that it would be fitting so sorry if you dislike that sorta thing.

QOTC: Do you guys want disclaimers and warnings before a chapter for stuff like gore and cursing?

Thanks for reading!
- FAH

Written: August 4 to 7, 2017
Published: August 7, 2017
Last Updated: January 1, 2018
Picture: Unknown