ROSES HAVE THORNS-Chapter 65 - Meeting The King

"So, this is the one who’s been causing a stir lately, Kurt Rossana."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

’Oh brother. Here we go...’

Kurt was currently kneeling, albeit forcefully, inside of the king’s throne room while being cuffed down and having two spears pointed to his neck and body separately.

Natural sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows on the left side of the room. These light beams create distinct, sweeping "god rays" that cut across the room, illuminating the dust in the air and casting long, dramatic shadows.

Massive classical columns line the walls, featuring intricate and heavy gold detailing at their bases and capitals. Between these columns hang tall, white and gold tapestries. These were decorated with complex golden crests as well as a beautiful womanly figure that is holding her hands together with her eyes closed and has a sun-shaped halo etching behind her head.

The ceiling featured a deep, white and gold grid pattern made of square and rectangular panels, each centered with a decorative golden rosette. Hanging from the center are two massive, multi-tiered chandeliers that match the room’s formal style.

The floor was made of large, white polished marble tiles laid out in a large-scale geometric pattern that reflects the ambient light. Its subtle grey veining is accentuated by a rich golden brass which creates the look of it being sterile and yet incredibly expensive.

A long, expensive red carpet was laid on this finely finished floor, which begins from the entrance doors of the room and trails all the way down and up the stairs, where it spreads all across the elevated space where the thrones stood proudly.

Positioned at the far end of the hall, and acting as the undisputed focal point, were two ornate, gilded thrones. These two thrones sit atop a short flight of tiered stairs which elevates both the queen and monarch above anyone else in the room.

Finally, sitting on his golden throne was none other than the king of Eldoria, Maxwell Dorothy. Dressed in white robes and a golden cloak, his presence in the room almost left divine. Light shone against his golden crown that drew in the eyes of all who laid eyes upon him.

What caught Kurt’s attention, however, was his tired and lifeless golden eyes, that were hidden behind his wavy dark blue hair, as they stared at him like he was looking at nothing more than a bug.

’Argh. What’s gotten King Bubblegum’s panties in a twist? He looks like he doesn’t want to be here as much as I do.’

"Kurt Rossana." He spoke after one tired blink. "You assaulted my son, the first prince and future king of Eldoria. Maxwell, Jr. Tell me, what gave you the courage to do such an act? Do you not fear for your life?"

"I have no excuse other than I didn’t know that he was the prince. If it means anything to you, then I apologise"

"You... apologise?" There was almost a hint of surprise in his tone. Almost, that is.

"Yes. There’s not much else I can say."

"Hmm. You said you didn’t know who my son was when you assaulted him. That excuse sounds so idiotic that I’m having doubts on whether or not you’re lying to me."

"It’s not a lie. I’m not from around here, you see, therefore I couldn’t have known. To me, it was just some random kid trying to get in my way of capturing the real criminal–"

"Now now Rossana." King Maxwell raised his palm at Kurt to command silence. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re currently talking about my son."

"Respectfully, Your Majesty, I’ve already apologised about hitting your son. If you want I could also apologise to him personally but please understand that none of this would’ve happened if he hadn’t tackled me to the ground and stopped me from catching a member of the cult."

"Hmm..."

"You insolent!" The king’s royal advisor stepped forward from behind the throne. "How dare you accuse an upstanding member of the church to be a part of those zealots! And you did not just hit the first prince; you knocked him out cold! He could have died, my king!"

"Again, I. Didn’t. Know."

"How could you have not known!? The news of his inauguration has spread worldwide! Where are you from!?"

"... I’m from Riverton."

"Riverton?! That cheap heap of islands?! So you’re telling me that some low-class filth from Riverton such as yourself has come all the way from the other side of the world in order to assault the future king of Eldoria?! He must be an assassin, my king!"

’Wow. Spot on with the profession.’

"....."

"Well?! Say something!"

The two guards ever so slightly pressed the tip of their spears at him when he wasn’t answering.

*Tsk* "No, that’s not what I came here to do. Sounds like you’re just making shit up. Since you cannot seem to comprehend what I’m saying let me say it again but this time so that your monkey can understand.

Me chase bad man. Me gets tackled by Prince. Me see bad guy is getting away. Me not know who Prince and hit him. Me chase bad man again. But bad man gone. Me gets arrested. Me say sorry. Capisci?"

"How dare you treat me like a–"

"I put down your weapon and stand back." The king spoke clearly.

"But my king–"

"Do not make me repeat myself."

"..... Y-Yes, I understand...." The royal advisor sheathed his sword and stood back behind the king.

"Rossana. Do not treat my loyal subjects like an idiot lest you wish for your head to roll off your shoulders."

".... Understood."

"Now, in regard to what your punishment will be, I will let my son decide. However, in order to make an example out of you, you will publicly receive ten enhanced lashes. Be grateful it isn’t more, or maybe it will be, depending on the punishment of your next offenses."

’D-Dammit. That does not sound pleasant.’

The king waved his hand at his royal advisor as if to give him a signal. The advisor then nodded his head and called,

"Bishop Tobias, you may enter!"

’You have got to be kidding me...’

Tobias as well as another priest entered the room and stood next to Kurt.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." They both bowed respectfully while sneaking a glance at Kurt.

"Hm. Bishop Tobias, I trust all is well?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Especially now that you have captured this... heathen."

’Smug prick. Enjoy your last moments of freedom while you can. You’re done for.’

"And who’s this that you brought with you? I believe I only asked for your presence."

’Wait isn’t he the guy who–’

"Excuse me, Bubble– I mean Your–"

"Be quiet. I am not speaking to you. Do not speak out of turn again, Rossana. This is your first and only warning."

’But this is the guy that killed Peter!’

"Y-Your Majesty, my name is–"

"I was not speaking to you. Do none of you know the courtesy of ’speak only when being spoken to’? From now on if anybody speaks out of line, you’re going straight to the royal dungeon where you’d be tortured and executed immediately."

"""..."""

"That’s much better. Now, Tobias, you were saying?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. This is my loyal friend and also a priest of the church who was there on the day we all met this criminal. His name is–"

"I see. That’s enough, Tobias. I care not for his name nor who he is. Only that he is but a priest of the church and will not be of any help in this ruling. Guards take him away as his presence here is unnecessary."

"B-But Majesty!" The priest stepped one foot forward. "I’m–"

"Guards, I’ve changed my mind. I have already given a clear warning, but it would seem I’m being taken lightly. Take him to the royal dungeon for torture and execution."

The royal guards changed their destination from the front doors of sweet freedom to the side doors where hell awaits those who enter it.

"W-What! Your Majesty, I apologise for speaking out of turn! Please forgive me! N-No, take your hands off me! I said unhand me! Please, Your Majesty! Tobias, this isn’t what was supposed to happen! You said if I come here, I’d be–

SHUT!

"""..."""

’Damn. That’s one less piece of shit taken off my list of people to kill. So this king is cold even to people believed to be members of the church, huh? I like it.’ The corner of Kurt’s mouth rose slightly when he looked at King Maxwell not being fazed by the cries and pleas of the cultist being taken away.

"Tobias, there isn’t a problem, is there?"

"N-No, Your Majesty..."

"Good then let’s get to the offense number two. The attempted murder of a priest."

"...."

"Hmm?" The king noticed that Kurt’s mouth hung slightly open at what he just said. "No need to look at me like that, Rossana. I know the irony in my words. The difference between us, though, is that I’m king while you’re a criminal that’s beneath me and awaiting his punishment."