Chapter 3-Fooled Again!

Juno's POV

The slap was as loud as thunder; it almost threw Kyrous off his feet, but he stood firm because he was a warrior and wasn't supposed to flinch; he only spat out the blood that had gathered in his mouth because of the hit from his father. I cannot particularly explain my relationship with Kyrous at this point, but all I can say is that he didn't allow me to go back to the stable, I served as a servant in the palace and I was made to clean the queen’s court every morning, noon and night if need be. I was in the palace for days, but I was in the lower chamber because it was better than being kept in the stable like a commoner. All my pleas to bring Susan out fell on deaf ears, and I wasn't allowed to get out of sight, so I was always being followed around the palace.

I stood and watched from a distance as Kyrous got into an altercation with the king. Kyrous’s mother died when he was a few years old, and King Achilis married after a year of mourning his queen.

“How dare you talk back to me, Kyrous?

“You cannot do this to me, father. I have proven to you more times than I can count that I am worthy to be your successor. I took down different packs and nations for you. I have done all your dirty dealings. I took down Astoria so you would consider me your successor.

“I never asked you to do that! You went overboard. You will do well as the commander of the armies.

“Father, Varick is just twenty-eight years old; I turn thirty-two in a few months; I know more about leadership than his limited knowledge; he knows nothing about ruling an entire kingdom; you cannot do this to me; I would be a laughing stock among my peers.

“There it is; you care too much about what people think about you; that is where your downfall will come from.

“The throne is mine! I will sit on it.

“The earlier you realize that Varick is my successor, the better for you; you better get used to him as your Lord.

King Achilles walked out on Kyrous, and the frustration on Kyrous’s face was palpable. Kyrous picked up the bottle of whisky that was on the table, and when he gulped the whole contents, he flung it on the wall, and the broken bottles shattered on the floor, thereby causing a mess. He headed to his room, and I followed. I walked to his door. I was about to knock when I saw that it was open. I entered the room reluctantly and found him pacing around.

“Leave here before I pour out my Anger on you!!!

“Please hear me out.

I spoke as fast as I could, and I almost choked on my saliva while speaking.

“I am ready; I will help you kill the king.

Kyrous moved closer to me and held me by my left arm.

“Good!!

“But I have to know what is in it for me first.

“Since you are my mate, you will be my Luna; that way, I can give Astoria back to you, your people will be free, and you can do whatever you like afterwards.

“I do not believe you; you tricked me at first; why should I believe you now?

“I was acting on my father’s instructions; I would never intentionally hurt anyone. You know what? I will put my father’s seal on our agreement paper.

My heart skipped at the mention of that. King Achillis’s seal was a strong form of authority, and having that could mean that Kyrous was serious. I moved two steps backwards when I thought about Kyrous’s betrayal. I couldn't trust him at this point, but that was the only way I could be free. I had to trust him; I had no choice.

“How do I kill the king?

My lips were heavy, I had never killed anyone before, and all of these were new to me. Kyrous ran his hand to my neck and my wrist.

“I guess you do not know what you carry; didn't your parents tell you?

“Tell me what?

Kyrous lifted my hand and placed it towards my face, and I saw my bracelet. He touched my necklace.

“Don't you know what these are for?

“I’ve been wearing these ever since I was little; my parents told me it was protection from evil spirits.

True, I would have killed you along with your parents, but the moment I saw this on you, I knew you were useful to me. The day you signed our agreement with your father’s seal, you could tell I was looking at you. That was because I recognized this bracelet and neck chain. I have been reading about it ever since I was a child, and I’ve always wanted one, but it was just impossible to have one because it is only worn by the Zazi lineage. This is one of the ancient three, and you don't even know anything about what you are wearing.

“I know nothing about this sh*t! My dad was going to tell me why I had to wear this as a child, but you killed him before I found out. What has it got to do with your father, though?

“This is the only way to kill the king; this is the only weapon that can kill the king.

“How do I kill the king with a bracelet?

“I will show you how, but you have to listen attentively because if you get caught, you will be hung in the gallows. This bracelet contains a very poisonous substance that can stop a heartbeat in seconds. It was used by the Zazi to secretly kill their enemies. The King always drinks ginger and lemon tea every morning because of his asthma, and it is prepared by his chef Alfred, who serves the king before the sun rises. Since you are already in the palace, you will intercept Alfred and pour the substance from your bracelet into the tea.

“What? Are you crazy? How on earth will I do that?

“You have to distract him and pour the substance.

“You say it so easily. Why not take the bracelet from me and pour the substance yourself?

“Dumbass, that is never coming off your hands; have you ever tried to remove it?

"No, I haven't.

“Good! Tomorrow, before sunrise, intercept Alfred; no excuses. You can leave my room now.

“How about the agreement seal?

“You think I’ll betray you again? You can trust me, Juno. I want you as my Luna so you have nothing to worry about.

I walked out of Kyrous' room and headed to mine. I watched as the clock ticked as each minute went by; it brought me closer to the mission. I was so scared, but I had to do it. I couldn't sleep a wink that night. When it was time, I left my room with two things in mind: either I achieved my aim or I screwed up my entire life, and I wasn't ready for the latter. I headed to the passage, and my heart skipped when I saw Alfred walk towards the king’s room. I quickly loosened the tiny opening on the bracelet; I had always thought it was for fashion, not knowing there was a substance in it. When I was done, I called out Alfred’s name, and he came to a halt. I ran towards him with my heart pounding because I had no idea what I was doing.

“Yes, how can I help you?

“Can I help you deliver the tea to the king?

"No, you cannot; I am the only one allowed to deliver the king’s tea.

“Well, look over the staircase; he is watching.

Alfred turned, and with the speed of light, I turned my wrist and poured the substance. The substance was as clean as water, and it didn't alter the nature of the tea. Alfred turned with a straight face when he knew I had just pulled his legs. I was smiling sheepishly to hide my nervousness.

“You can go back to your duty post; this is no time for jokes.

He walked past me, and I held my chest in my arm. “I did it,” I muttered under my breath. I walked back to my room, pacing around, wondering if the substance would kill the king or not. I was still in my thoughts when I heard a loud cry from the queen. I ran outside, went upstairs, and immediately Kyrous saw me; his eyes were red, he pointed towards me, and everyone was wondering why.

“Seize her; she poisoned the king; she was in the kitchen with Alfred.

I and Alfred were already in chains before I got the chance to process what was happening.

“Kyrous, you cannot do this. Please do not let them take me away!!

“Take her to the dungeon!!

I was thrown into the dark dungeon, and again, I was betrayed by Kyrous. This time, it was my fault because I was so foolish to have believed Kyrous. I knew I was going to be killed because there was no redemption for killing the king.

“No!!!!!!!

I yelled out in pain; I was groaning; I was disgruntled; I felt so stupid; I was a pawn in Kyrous’s game.

While the royal family waited for the council of elders to pass their judgment, I was kept in the dark dungeon for days without food or water and as the day went by, my soul was leaving my body gradually. After days of waiting, the Elders concluded my judgment. I was sentenced to death!!!