The noise of the curtains being dragged violently jolted me awake. The light had encroached in the dark room revealing the messy surroundings and with it the culprit.

“My, oh my, it’s only been a day since the room was tidied up.

“Books, clothes, and even more books scattered all over the floor. What is more frustrating is that your desk is spotless What kind of ‘sage’ works on the floor anyways?”

A hiss was the only appropriate response to her intrusion. My sanctuary was yet again defiled. The radiant light was my arch enemy and to counter it I had to abandon my pride and hide under the duvet, like a five-year-old.

Why? Because this world sucked.

“Why must a sage wake up this early anyway?”

“Young master, one shouldn’t disregard their physical wellbeing. And well, the early bird gets the worm after all.”

“No, no. You have it all mixed up – the early bird dies from being too tired.”

“What a cynical approach to life, truly fitting of your title. Isn’t that right, Bitter King?”

“Ouch. That was uncalled for. I am not bitter!”

“Narrator: In fact, he was very bitter.”

“This systematic bullying is uncalled for, Ona. Are you forgetting your manners?”

“Please I beg thee, forgive my insolence, oh Bitter King…”

Her insults stung as if one applied salt on an open wound. Why was she so cruel!?

It wasn’t my fault that I was removed from the succession line in favour of my brother. In fact, from a noticeably young age, the royal physicist diagnosed me as unfit for military training. This coincidentally meant, at least in my father’s opinion, that I was unfit to inherit the throne, which was totally unfair. A king should always lead his armies in battle, was his excuse. Instead, to make up for my deficiency I was given the ‘opportunity to focus on my studies and become a sage – something like an advisor to the king responsible predominantly for the paperwork.

Fortunately, and unfortunately, after completing my training and joined the service of the crown I realised that sitting on that uncomfortable, exhaustingly decorated chair had more demerits if anything. No, they could call me bitter all they wanted. For me, the true reward would be my own independence. A little bit of pond and a little bit of land.

Ah, how idyllic.

With a thud a round object had landed where I was hiding, thankfully the thick duvet absorbed most of the impact.

The insolence...what is it this time?

Reaching out towards the boundary between hell and heaven, my fingers slipped through the narrow gaps and went on to inspect the unwelcome guest.

Its round, dry and appears to have a protective layer. Slight fragrance, an onion? No, too small. Wait a second, is this garlic?

“Ona, seriously? Garlic, again? I don’t recall going pale and growing fangs”

A light snort followed my completely legitimate complaint.

“A crude joke, but if you act like this for much longer you might as well, you know? You wake up late, you sleep even later. I might even get the Church involved, just to be sure.”

My eyebrow twitched after hearing Ona’s retort, and not because of my alco- cough, caffeine dependency.

“Ona the things you sometimes say are borderline heresy.”

“Of course, I only jest. Young master, the rooster crowed for the second time this morning. It is advisable you prepare for the long day.”

“Alas, there is no choice. Let me guess, meetings, meetings, and more…meetings?”

A fissure had formed in the ceiling of my empyrean residence and from within terrors unimaginable to mankind crept inside. Duties, responsibilities, a royal decree. Each monstrosity had, one or the other, carved distinctively on their chest.

There I stood steadfast, prepared, and determined to not falter. My eyes witnessed the storm forming, my only companion being the spear I held onto so dearly.

With my waist lowered I took the stance akin to that of a crouching tiger and prepared to brave what was to come-

“Okay, okay. Two more minutes…”

“Young master must I remind you that his royal highness is not fond of lateness, especially during the Grand Vizier’s visit.”

The swarm had won.

Dejected by cruel fate and left to the mercy of the crown. There were times where I dreamed of breaking free from this vicious cycle and was ever so close to achieving my desire, only to be dragged back to reality.

A rebellious groan echoed across the room, only to be followed by an elongated sigh.

Lowering the duvet slightly brought the chambermaid’s figure into sight, she was three feet away standing as straight as a candle.

“Ona, never mind today’s exchange. You are indeed punctual as ever, trustworthy and to be relied on. There is one thing though. Next time, do you mind adding a little pause between ‘young’ and ‘time to wake up, I don’t know, an odd three or four years later, perhaps?”.

“Your highness’s humour seems to improve by the day. I am certain the royal jester might finally feel the need to improve his acting or else lose his role.”

This girl is killing me.

You see Ona was not an ordinary maid and unfortunately that meant she could get away with a lot of things, including bullyin- anyways, the short exchange ended but with a wry smile and myself contemplating life choices.

With a cap made in the form of a coronet with lace-edged frills her lush blonde hair was covered save for few strands that escaped. A pair of crystal blue eyes, a tall nose, and freckles decorated her face. At first glance, her innocence and perhaps charming allure would trick you to lower your guard. Unfortunately, this was all but a ploy for beneath that fake smile the executioner’s axe awaited.

“I am truly honoured, in fact, being the royal jester doesn’t sound bad at all.”

“In that case, I believe you are definitely on the right track. Speaking of which, there have been some rumours lately regarding your last visit to the Margrave’s estate. But before I get into it, are you sure you can handle it? I feel like you already had enough.”

“I...already?”

I gulped and felt the heartstrings pulling. That visit was nothing but a disaster. That stubborn, petty, short-sighted old fart just wouldn’t listen! It wasn’t my fault.

“Well then, hit me. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“Your highness let's just say your proposal for solving the poverty-stricken south fell right off a horse’s saddle into a pile of cow dung.”

I breathed in. Cow dung? I spent two months, two entire months reviewing the entire province’s records and he dares?!

“Your highness, you seem as if you’re about to cry. Are you alright?”

Am I alright? What kind of question is that? That buffoon who sticks his ass in a metal helmet and swings his sword all day like a three-year-old. Who funds his coffers to raise his armies and bring his supplies? That imbecile, that.

“Okay, you are drooling now!”

Oh, that. I wiped my mouth using the sleeve. Sometimes… I couldn’t control myself.

“I suppose, no, I hope he did not announce any plans as of yet?”

I felt fidgety. The matter wasn’t a joke at all, and that…that thundering twit refused to listen.

“Actually, my sources mentioned that the Margrave requested emergency funding from the treasurer this very mornin-“

“We are going to meet with the Treasurer. Now.”

Jumping from my bed only to land over a pile of books. Stumbling was not an option, but immediately recovered my posture. Darting across the room, I hastily picked up the ceremonial clothes and bolted out.

Ona’s perplexed look remained, she had mumbled something, but I didn’t manage to hear anything.

My bed-chamber was located on the eastern wing of the palace known as the Hall of Wisdom. The treasurer’s office, along with the other courtiers and officials were located on the western wing, designated for their affairs, and was pompously known as the Temple of Gold.

I had traversed these corridors daily for over fifteen years. The grandeur and pompousness that the royal family subscribed to was simply something I couldn’t get my head around. Gold, red velvet, silks, porcelain, palladium, platinum, you name it. Ornaments, portraits had all been extravagant expenses from the treasury’s coffers to rebuild the “building that represented the nation”. Nation my arse.

Why do the guards keep giving me the funny stare? It’s not as if they haven’t seen me before.

Turning right revealed the main staircase which led to the reception. The ceiling fresco was one of the most captivating pieces of art I had ever witnessed. Portraying the painful birth and followed by the glorious rise of the kingdom. Truly heart-warming.

“My lord, is everything alright? You’ve been staring at the ceiling for a while now.”

The haggard voice of the guard brought me back to reality. His eyes looked confused, but I paid no heed.

Right, the treasurer.

I looked at the guard and immediately got off my feet, there was no time to waste. With the golden-gilded door in sight, I paused to catch my breath.

This will be a disaster; I can already feel it. He better not have approved the request. Oh lord. Please.

After rearranging my gown and repointing my hat I walked in.

The wide chamber revealed a dozen figures surrounding an oak table. With solemn faces, no one dared to say a word. To my surprise, at the head of the table father was sat massaging his forehead.

“The courtier decided to grace us with his presence. You are late. Again.”

“Fath- Your highness I can explain. However, more importantly, I was informed that the Margrave requested emergency funding. I pray this was not approved.”

I could feel the sweat build-up, my nervousness should not show, but I couldn’t help clenching my fist.

“Would you so kindly elaborate as to why we ought not to approve it? In fact, if you happened to be on time, we might have decided against it. Nonetheless, do enlighten us.”

Wait, they approved the request? Oh dear, we are screwed.

“Your highness and esteemed council members. In light of the report, there are endemic issues which I cannot disclose least before of the King alone. The redacted version will be provided given his highness’ approval.”

“Complete rubbish! What do you take us for?”

The room was suddenly thrown into chaos, with most of the councilors vexing and threatening legal action.

It’s okay, it’s not the first time. I can handle this.

“Silence!”

Father’s figure rose, a towering figure decorated with a now belly large enough to fit a barrel. What was that about being fit to lead an army? Anyways.

“I grant you permission to release the information before the council.”

Smug smiles were now plastered all over their faces. They crossed their arms and awaited eagerly.

Very well, father. As you wish.

“In line with your highness’s request, the two-month survey of the southern administrative region of Dracia, has brought to light concerns over the budget and supply management. The last year's accounts show a large part of funds provided for military, social, and industrial expenditure as being diverted to unknown sources or completely missing. There is evidence which points towards administrative corruption from upper echelons which ought to be immediately identified and removed.”

The smug smiles were nowhere to be seen.

I don’t see any of you barking anymore, what has the cat eaten your tongues?

“It is, therefore, my duty as the watchdog to oversee treasury reports and announce that funding towards Dracia to be fully reviewed and reconsidered. Additionally, I recommend a task force comprised of administrative officials to be sent immediately for remedial actions.”

This was only a small part of the report, but that should be sufficient to sway them from supporting the Margrave’s lavish lifestyle. A robber baron, absolutely disgusting.

“Well, you got me there. Very well, Kain, you will be setting out tomorrow along with a small contingent from the royal guard to assist you with your task. Now, you are dismissed.”

I wonder what they will think, how could they simply accep- wait what?

“Your highness?”

What? Just like that? Not a word single complaint? And wait, why am I going?

“Are you deaf? You must set out tomorrow first thing.”

“As you wish…your highness”

With a stiff bow, I ended my briefing and returned to the chambers. There Ona was lazily resting on the armchair.

“You look happy. I suppose the meeting went well?”

“I am ecstatic, can’t you tell? Tomorrow we are leaving for Dracia. I will leave everything on you.”

What a disaster, why do I have to set out and butt heads with the Margrave? Ahhh

Falling headfirst I landed on the soft pillows. The day would go by in the blink of an eye.

Fate you are truly playing tricks on me.

Author’s notes:

Dear reader,

Thank you for taking your time in joining the adventure with Kain and Ona. At the time of writing, this is one of the many drafts I have been working with and truly your feedback is most needed and most appreciated.

The plan is to release a chapter each week, ideally on Sunday. These will be made available on multiple channels online and more information will be given to you.

Thank you,

Chapter1King