You guys I missed youu so freaking muchhh ♥
Big big bear hug to all of you ♥
I hope you're all healthy and well!
If you guys are interested, I'm writing a background story for Maximus it's called "Ruler of Beasts" ! It's a short story and I'm writing it to understand Maximus' character better ♥
So far, I've added only one chapter. Let me know what you think ♥
Love you all!
•

C h a p t e r
S e v e n t e e n

     Juliette slid against the door as soon as got inside her room, her cheeks still burning after what just happened with Xander. It was very dark, and her room was only illuminated by the light coming through the little window.

She jumped at the shadowed figure coming at her.

"You're late." It said.

"L-Lucía!" Juliette breathed out, her hand reaching for her chest. "You scared me."

"I would say the same." Her friend said, collapsing on her bed. "You were out all night. I thought," she hesitated. "I thought that something bad had happened to you."

"I was about to confront Mabel - but I didn't want to worry her." Lucia shook her head, her eyes accusing.

Juliette moved to her little vanity. "I'm sorry I made you worry. I didn't know I was going to be l-late." She admitted softly, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks as she remembered her night with Xander.

She unclasped her necklaces and bracelet and opened her little jewelry drawer.

"Where were you?"Lucia asked.

"I-was with a friend." Juliette lied, as she put her accessories inside the box. She still didn't feel comfortable talking about Xander in front of her friends. She wasn't ready to respond to their endless questions about him, especially when Yasmine and Gregg didn't believe her when she told them he's the King's guard.

"I see." Lucia got up from the bed and approached her. She could feel her gaze scrutinizing her suspiciously.

"And what is that?" She grabbed her hand. "Now that is a nice ring," Her friend commented, her eyes twinkling. "Amethyst, and are those petals little diamonds? This ring is lovely, Juliette."

"Thank you."

"Where you'd get it?"

"My m-mama had saved it for me. Erm- my aunt gave it to me when I went to her chamber." She explained painfully. She felt so bad about lying. She could almost hear her mama's voice chiding her inside her mind. I did not raise my daughter like that! She would say. My daughter would never do such an atrocious thing. Who are you?

"Well at least wear it correctly you silly." Juliette stared at her confused.

"C-correctly? How come?"

"You're wearing it as if you're betrothed." Lucia laughed pointing to her right hand.

"Bethro—but I'm not." Juliette said, mortified. She was sure she looked as red as a tomato. There was no way he gave it to her with that intention.

"So you shouldn't put it on your fourth finger, silly Juliette." She shook her head. "Don't tell me you don't know about that."

"I don't!" Juliette said flustered. Her mama never really told her about the placement of rings. Lucia smirked at her reaction.

"The right fourth finger is for engagement. The left is for marriage." Lucia explained. "If you're planning to wear a ring for decoration, you should place it on the middle." Lucía winked, amused at how bemused she looked.

Did Xander intentionally put the ring there? She could feel her cheeks burning and she realized she was busted as Lucía narrowed her eyes at her suspiciously.

"Listen." Lucia sighed in frustration as if fightning something against her will. "I know I shouldn't be concerned with this, buuuut–"She cleared her throat nervously.

"Your réputation matters, Juliette." She stared at her friend in confusion.

"Meaning, words spreads fast if you keep going out at nights." So Lucia hadn't missed the times she had arrived late when she was with Xander, she thought.

"I- I know I come from the docks and I was raised by pirates." Lucia laughed nervously. "But I've seen and heard how people talk." She squeezed her hand. "I know it's not for me to say, but you shouldn't let a man be with you alone.."

Juliette sighed and let herself be seated on the bed with her. "I- thank you for worrying about me. But I don't think he-"" her breath hitched in her throat as she spoke about him out loud for the first time. It felt..real. "He's protective of me Lucia. He's not..taking advantage of me."

"So they all say- at first." Lucia said a little too bitterly. Juliette wanted to ask if there's more to her saying, but she didn't push further.

"All I'm saying is, don't let anyone cross your boundaries. If it's a man, let him court you. You shouldn't have to ask him, of course. Just don't let him, y'know." Juliette nodded in understanding, looking away shyly. Though she didn't think Xander was that kind of man. She always heard stories of rakes and how they toy with women only to throw them away when they're bored. Of Kings and princes and how they collect mistresses. The new king equally had his reputation of his own. Somehow, she felt that Xander wasn't toying with her, but she was grateful for Lucia's advice.

"Thank you for worrying about me. I'll be careful." She hugged her. She felt so relieved that she had friends who cared about her.

"Of course." Lucia grinned. "So who's the guy?" She asked wiggling her eyebrows. "He surely better be behaving or he'll have to face my knives."

*

King Maximus Alexander of Volkeï didn't bother to take off his costume as he descended down the stairs leading to the dungeons. He simply ripped it off from the cloth, too furious to change back into his royal clothing.

"Move." He growled at the two guards standing in the doorway. Though they were tall and broad, they looked like miniatures next to him and whether they recognized him as King or not, they knew better not to mess with him. He was ready to kill anyone standing in his way.

He had somehow managed to keep his anger at bay as he led Juliette to her chamber, but the moment they parted, his rage took control of him.

Someone was letting outsiders inside the kingdom's borders and mainly his city to spread chaos. A distraction. A bigger plot is being prepared for Volkeï and whether it involved a neighboring country or a main traitor –or both– he could not waste time any longer.

Even though Volkeï got more stable since his father's death, it was clear a bigger scheme was set for him and his country. Volkeï is being eaten from the inside. Rumors have been spread about him - even before his father's demise, and when he was found murdered in his chambers, with a knife drove straight into his heart, fingers were directly pointed at him.

He did not allow that to get him, of course. He was no longer the scared boy who befriended the tigers and the tigers befriended back nor the one who saved eagles from being hunted. He was a ruler of Beasts, King of Volkeï, a leader of war and commander of armies. When enemies presented him with a bad opportunity, he would learn to take advantage of it. So he sat on the throne that day and declared himself King. A feared murderous King is far respected than a useless prince, and they would have to face his wrath anyway, had they dared to defy him.

Soon, their focus shifted, the plot no longer targeted at him. Chaos spread incessantly inside the kingdom. Corruption was everywhere as bandits and criminals attacked the innocent and raped and robbed and murdered whoever they could find in their wake.

To think he wasn't there for Juliette on time, those criminals would have.. he balled his hands into fists as he mentioned for a guard to approach him.

The guard seemed to tremble in fear as he slowly made his way towards him. Good. "Where's the bandit?"

So he led him far inside the dungeons, towards a little cell in a dark hallway. It reeked of blood and death and torture. And King Maximus Alexander had always reveled in blood and death and torture. Except no one was watching him right now. A sinister smile spread across his face.

The man was younger than expected. Younger than him in three or four years, but he was of small posture, of weak and narrow shoulders with a gaunt and thin sallow face.

"W-who are you?" The man asked, fear evident in his eyes.

"Some call me by your highness, others monster." He stood at his full towering height, his broad muscled shoulders tense. "But I go with Ruler of Beasts." Recognition flickered in the man's eyes as he was thrust against the wall, pain exploding all over his skull.

"N-no." The man grit out as the infamous king pressed his sword against his throat. He could feel his blood surging through his veins, the coldness of the sharp steel threatening to rip his throat apart. "T-this is a mistake."

"Killing inside the city? Stealing people's belongings? Spreading chaos and roaming freely in my kingdom? I assure you, it is a mistake indeed." The king mocked, a sadistic smile spreading across his lips as the man struggled for air.

"P-please I–"

"Listen here, boy, I'm not here to waste my time. You tell me where the rest of you are, and I'll be kind enough to grant you a quick death." Then just as he thought the king couldn't be more cruel, he pressed his sword tighter against his throat. Blood trickled down his neck, and he sensed that his knees would buckle had it not been for the king's weight pressed against him.

"But be wrong and I'll have my men cut you up limb by limb and I'll make sure to gift you back to the west as a little souvenir."

"Please! I-I am n-not their leader!" The boy blurted out. "A man came to me the other day." He gulped and shook his head nervously. "He- he said he'll p-provide me with g-gold if I took his place." Maximus slammed his fist against the wall.

"Who's he?" He snarled.

"I don't even k-know how he looks l-like! He wore a mask and c-covered his face with a h-hood." Maximus let go of him. The man slid down the wall, his shackled hands reaching to massage his throat. He wasn't lying, but that meant that he too was working among them.

"Where are they?" The man spat on his foot and attempted to pull him down but Maximus did not budge. Instead, he pulled him up by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

He punched him once. Then twice. Then thrice. A crack sounded across his jaw. Then he squeezed his fist tight against his throat. "How about now?" Maximus growled. But the man didn't talk as he struggled for air, his legs and arms flailing aimlessly against him, searching for support.

It was only when the man's skin turned blue when Maximus let go of him. He slumped against the wall, gasping for air.

"T-they change their l-location every n-night." The man admitted in defeat.

"Very good." The king nodded solemnly, already scheming his plan for the next day's troop.

He gripped the cell's door. "Ah and you're tomorrow's show guest of honor. Be prepared."

The man wept for a second or two, but Maximus was already half way outside the cell.

"How come a great King as Osmius have such a cruel beast as child!" The man screamed as he choked on his blood.

The dungeon was suddenly too silent, too tight and small, making the man's gurgles loud and heavy.

On a normal day, King Maximus of Volkeï would have ripped his throat apart for his audacity. He would have cut off his tongue and burned his limbs to ashes, but instead, Maximus stood straight and rigid, his back to him.

"You don't know my father." His voice was a barely whisper, and yet against the dead silence of the dungeons, the man still heard him.

"H-he–" the man coughed for a few minutes. Then he vomited. Then he coughed again. He became silent for a while and the only sound heard was his shackles banging against the wall.  Yet Maximus still stood rigid. Silent. Waiting.

"He was a g-good king." The man finally breathed out. "A man of principles of morals. A man with a goodness of heart. He c-cared about us forgotten ones in the w-west. And then look at you, cruel beast. A merciless monster. Who could ever love someone like you?"

The king flinched at the unusually familiar words. Words he long buried deep within him. Words that had ceased to exist. Words long forgotten. Can the dead rise again?

"You don't know my father." His voice was stronger this time. More rigid. Powerful. It was calm yet menacing. A clear warning.

But the man did not stop.

The man got eager to find something he could use against the menacing cruel king. A weapon. And so he pulled the arrow back and fired.

But the man seemed to forget that when playing with fire, he might get burned.

So the man did not stop.

"YOU KNEW YOU WERE NEVER GOING TO BE LIKE HIM! A VILLAINOUS PRINCE CAN NEVER MAKE A GREAT KING! S-SO YOU MURDERED HIM."

It didn't take long for Maximus to finish him off and slam the doors of the cell shut, his hands stained with blood.

The man had provoked him and it had cost him his life. He shook his head at his words, his temper lost.

Tomorrow was going to be a show day, he thought darkly. He'll be killing the rest of the bandits, and hanging the body of the man. The bandits- or whoever dared to mess with him should know better. It seemed people had forgotten who he truly was, after all.

He'll give them a show if they wanted to.

It was time his Kingdom strived again, and time he got rid of the threats once and for all.

If the people wanted a cruel villain as King, he'll gladly abide. He'll show them just how cruel and monstrous he can be, how utterly and completely different he is from his late father. He'll show them just how rumors could be true. If only people could see behind close curtains, he scoffed.

So let them fear him. Respect is earned by fear after all, never love.

A pang hit his chest as he remembered her words. Her evident fear. Her pleading expression.

But Juliette doesn't have to see that side of him, he'll make sure to keep it hidden. He'll protect his little angel at all costs.

He wasn't surprised to hear a familiar voice inside the dungeons.

"I find it very intriguing that you're here at this time of the night." He leaned against the doorframe, his fists still clenched.

"Ah, but your highness, I heard about the intruders and couldn't help but investigate." His friend bowed.

"Did they arrive already?" Of course they did, he rode at a slow pace to not scare Juliette.

"Two, one dead." His attention went back to him.

"Which one?"

"The younger one- I suppose." His friend eyed his bloodied fists in concern but he waved him off. He was getting tired but he needed get information as much as he could from the older bandit. Especially after what the boy he had just killed just told him.

"Where's he?"

"Currently passed out. Doubt he'll make it." James said sheepishly.

"I don't think I f*ked him up that bad. He should make it." Seriously though, he had mastered the arts of fighting and he didn't injure him that badly..just enough for him to snap unconscious..with little chances of him surviving.

"Send him to the infirmary." He added. "I need him treated. There's something I want to discuss with him."

He made his way back to his royal wing, people dispersing in front of his intimating posture.

The next day was going to be a rough one, and he hoped that Juliette wouldn't be there to witness what he was intended to do.

*

Juliette woke up in a happy mood.

She brushed her long golden hair as usual, and decided to let her wavy strands cascade down her shoulders, while she tied the back with an off white silk ribbon.

She fixed her apron and squeezed it tight around her waist and smiled at her réflexion in the mirror. Today is going to be a good day, she thought.

Lucía was nowhere to be found, and Juliette assumed she had chores to finish as she always leaves early.

So she took her time to put back her jewelry on while humming a little lullaby that her mama used to sing to her as a little girl.

She fixed the beds and cleaned the curtains and the mirrors. Then she put on her ballerina flats and decided to make her way towards the kitchen.

Her friends were nowhere to be found, and it was probably because she woke up late. They usually met in the hallway, but there was something different in the air today, and she oh so hoped it would be good.

She was happy that she and Xander were on good terms now. If her friends said he was dangerous, she could prove them wrong now. He was a good man and he even said he's willing to be better for her!

She was excited at the thought that she could someday show her friends how right she was about him. Her friends would no longer think she's naive once they meet him and see that he's actually a really nice person.

She giggled, as she already pictured her triumphant expression.

Just then she heard some clinks and shouts coming from the hallway, and she realized it's coming from the kitchen as she further approached.

"REALLY MATE? YOU THOUGHT OF TELLING ME NOW? HOW THE F*CKING HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHO–" Was that Peter's voice? No it couldn't be..

"PETER CALM THE F*CK DOWN! And tell me!!" Ok, maybe it's him. And why was he and Yasmine fightning? She realized they were in the room right next to the kitchens. They all went rigid when they saw her.

Gregg stood frustrated, his mouth grim between an angry Peter and a confused Yasmine. "Wh-What's going on?"

Peter left the room, his face completely red -of embarrassment or anger or a mixture of both- without making eye contact or paying attention at her at all. Juliette frowned in confusion.

"What happened?" She asked again, anxiety already starting to flow within her senses.

"I have no idea. I just found these two fightning," Yasmine said, her confused face mirroring hers. "And they would not tell me."

"Gregg?" Juliette asked, hoping he would give her an explanation.

"It's- it's nothing important." He dismissed them, moving towards the large kitchen.

"No, no, no. Hold on a second Mr." Yasmine pulled him by his shirt. "What was that all about? Peter wouldn't even look me or Juliette in the eye." Her tone was anxious and a bit..hurt.

"Just drop it." Jasmine scowled, then something like recognition swelled in her eyes.

"Is it about today? About what's going to happen?"

"Why– What's gonna happen?" Juliette asked, lost as ever. Did she really sleep that late? It felt like she had slept an eternity and missed on so many things.

"Oh haven't you heard? The King's executing some trespassers today - yikes!"

"Yasmine," Gregg muttered in warning but Yasmine didn't seem to notice.

"And you know what king Maximus loves the most?"

"W-what?" She could feel her throat tightening, as if someone was squeezing tight against it.

"His murdering shows. How come you haven't heard of that? I come from the Lands of the East and I'm aware. Silly, Juliette. He's a merciless killer–"

"Yasmine–"

"Oh shut it Gregg. Don't worry Juliette when I first came here I was clueless as you but you'll learn with time." But Juliette wasn't learning anymore. All she think about the King and his murderous shows. Of how he's a merciless killer. Xander wasn't like that, she assured herself. He was going to change. Still, she couldn't calm her breathing.

"She's exaggerating, Juliette." Gregg commented, glaring at her friend. "He has only some serious declarations to make and..well dealing with some criminals."

"Potato-patatah." Yasmine poked her tongue out.

"Go tend to your lovebird, Yas." Gregg rolled his eyes, dragging Juliette towards him.

"Pshft..he's not my lovebird!" Yasmine protested, her face red.

"Yet." Gregg winked.

"Gregg! Be easy on Yasmine!" Juliette laughed. It was kind of cute how Peter pretended to flirt with other girls to piss Yasmine off and Yasmine acting like she hated him. They were totally going to end up together.

"On a side note," Yasmine said and Juliette didn't miss the red tint on her cheeks. "I need to check something."

"Or," Gregg coughed. "Someone."

"Never!" Yasmine yelled from behind them already on her way to Peter. Juliette giggled as Gregg shook his head at her in disbelief. She was aiming to walk inside the kitchen but his grip held her back.

"Nuh-uh uh." He winked, his grin wide with dimples and all. "Today you're spending the day with me away from..everyone." He walked in the hallway for a while and he inquired how she spent the rest of her birthday night. She couldn't help but avoid his eyes at the thought of Xander. She was almost sure he could read the embarrassment in her eyes.

"Peter was arguing with me about..family matters." Gregg confessed as they walked aimlessly inside the hallway. They had reached the maids wing now. "Sorry about his odd behavior."

"It's okay." Juliette assured him. "I just hope Peter feels better n-now." Gregg returned her smile, and they chatted a bit about his yummy desserts.

"You promised to teach me how to bake!" Juliette pouted. "B-but it seems you want to keep your recipes to yourself."

"Now, now, does a great chef ever reveal his deep hidden secrets?" He laughed, nudging her lightly on the shoulder.

"Depends on who he plans to reveal them to." She batted her eyes innocently at him.

"Mhm maybe I can make an exception for Mademoiselle Juliette." He winked.

Soon enough, they reached a long wooden door.

It led them towards the balcony she recognized as the one she visited with Xander. It was full daylight now though, and the vines seemed to have grown more as they circled the door and covered the entire walls. The view was magnificent and it offered an immense area to gaze upon.

"Ahh what a lovely day, isn't it?" He chirped then his expression fell as his eyes widened at something. He cursed under his breath. Juliette followed his gaze and realized he was looking at the Royal building. In front of it was a large stage and two Volkeï flags were positioned on each side of it. This must be what Yasmine was talking about. Fear coursed through her veins as she acknowledged the large audience around it, watching a very tall man with a domineering posture.

She realized he was the king, and he looked very intimidating and seemed to be furious - she judged from the way he walked. The stage was very far and she could barely register anything, yet she couldn't help but feel uneasy and scared at how the King walked the stage and addressed the audience. She could also sense a tension in the audience as they too backed away whenever the King seemed to approach their side of the stage. They were terrified of him.

King Maximus wore a dark and long cape with a fur collar that covered his broad muscled shoulders. She could also make out he wore equally dark leather gloves, and they circled a glittering sharp sword- she could even make out its glittering jewels even with the distance she stood. A golden crown rested on his head, as he played with his sword impatiently and mentioned for his men to bring the criminals probably.

Her breath caught in her throat as realization dawned at her. That Xander might be one of his men, that he was might participate in this.. this atrocity. This monstrosity.

Her eyes searched the men approaching him. They all wore a dark uniform similar to what Xander wore, but the King towered above all of them. So Xander is not among them, she sighed in relief after remembering that he was taller than the King.

Her heart beat frantically against her chest as she admitted what was just about to happen.

"Jules! Juliette!" She hadn't realized that Gregg was shaking her. She could feel her hands trembling, and Gregg's arms wrapping around her shoulders, soothing her.

"Darn it! It was a mistake!" She heard him mumble to himself as her eyes adjusted to him. "Let's get you inside." And she was grateful, she really was.

"Is-is the King really going to d-do what Yasmine said?" She finally asked as they sat down on a bench in the gardens of their building.

"No it's just a show remember? He likes to scare criminals." She sighed in relief. Well, of course it is! It's called a show after all. Silly, Juliette. How did she not register it?

"Now, little one, do you want me to share with you the secret to my deserts?"

"Yes!" She giggled in excitement as she tucked a golden strand behind her ear. But the teasing glint in Gregg's eyes faded for a second.

"What's that, Jules?"

He was mentioning to her ring.
"A g-gift from my aunt." Though her voice was steady, she felt very guilty for lying to her friends.

"I see, I see." Then he held out his hand for her to hold. "Shall I then escort Mademoiselle Juliette to my secret place?" To which she nodded excitedly in return. Yet for some reason, his frown still creased his forehead.

That evening, King Maximus Alexander of Volkeï paced back and forth inside his royal office, not because he had just executed ten criminals in front of his people and tortured some more later on in the dungeons, and certainly not because he had just annulled his agreement with the Noirsèmers. But it was because of a certain girl with golden hair and innocent eyes and angelic face. 

The King had realized that he could not leave her on her own for too long and put her at risk, especially after some men saw her last night with him at the village. She was his responsibility to protect now.

So the king leaned against the window. He stood tall and gazed back at the royal gardens, one hand clasped behind his back while he sipped his wine with the other - a habit he developed whenever his mind is preoccupied with incessant thoughts.

He could not declare to the word that the girl with the golden hair was his yet as it would put her life in immense danger. Not only will it risk her life, but also would jeopardize his position. He was a Lone King with a lot of enemies who would do anything to find a weakness to use it against him. He was not going to allow her to become their pawn. He would not drag her into a game that only ended with blood and war.

But even then, he had already put her life in danger. God knows who might have seen them in the royal gardens or the night before in the village. Perhaps he could increase the protection he had already assigned for her? He mentally made a note to himself to add more protection while hoping that Juliette remains oblivious to it.

A soft knock pounded on the door but the King did not budge.

It was only when he heard the soft sound of footsteps entering his office, and a thud signaling the doors closing that his knuckles turned white as he gripped his empty glass. There was no longer time to waste.

"You requested me your highness?" The old woman asked in unease as she stared at the broad back of the king.

"Ah, Madame Mabel." The king finally turned, his dark cruel eyes settling on her. His hair was slicked back, and his beard had quite grown since the last time she had seen him. It made him look intimidating and menacing, and he urged her towards the leathered seat besides his desk, his eyes calclutating.

"Please have a seat." He said pleasantly but the warmth didn't seem to reach his eyes.

•
Sooo what could Maximus be thinking? ;)
I know this chapter was more focused on Maximus but I wanted to show his perspective better ♥
As always please don't forget to vote and comment and let me know your opinion! ♥
What do you think of the characters, the plot, everything ♥
You guys are amazing! Thank you so much for sticking with my story and encouraging me to write!
Sorry guys for not updating any sooner ♥ To be honest I haven't been that motivated lately and I sometimes get hesitant when it comes to writing. But I don't think I'll ever give up on Maximus and Juliette you guys are stuck with them :b

Ps. Don't forget to check out Maximus' story! It's on my profile under the name of  "Ruler of Beasts".

I love you all so much! ♥
Take care and stay safe!
–theladyandthefox