The Forgotten Slayer-Chapter 31: Audience With The Queen

He would never live this down.

Stepping out of the room, Clyde watched as the Inferi grew a small smile.

'This was on purpose.'

"You look excellent, a worthy outfit for the Queen to see."

The outfit made Clyde feel like he was trapped in a circus act. The leather tunic, striped black and white like a jester's costume, clung to his body uncomfortably, its seams tight against his skin. Each stitch was exaggerated and seemed designed to make him stand out, but it only made him feel more out of place. The sleeves, far too long for his arms, were puffy and pressed weirdly against his arm hair. His hands were already sweaty from the awkward way the fabric bunched around his wrists. The trousers, far too tight in all the wrong places, felt like a second skin that only made every movement more conspicuous. The cut was all wrong—too short, leaving a noticeable gap of exposed skin between the hems of his pants and the tops of his polished shoes. And the shoes... they were the worst part. Squeaky and shiny, they reflected the light like mirrors.

If Avelyn saw him now, he might die of embarrassment. Clyde looked at the Inferi, a dark expression appearing across his face.

"There will be payback for this."

The Inferi almost chocked on something.

"I see... I meant no disrespect... it's just a custom here."

He moved to the double wide door and opened one of them.

"Her Majesty will see you now."

Before Clyde went inside, he noticed that the lights were off. It was just pure darkness in there. Giving a strange look at the Inferi, the Inferi just nodded back.

'Alright then.'

Walking inside, Clyde watched the last bit of light disappear as the door shut behind him.

If Silence had a volume, it would be deafening. Clyde was incapable of seeing anything at all. It was always hot in Hell, but in this room, he felt a chill run down his spine. An otherworldly voice called out to Clyde, laced with a sense of sultry command.

"Are you my next Kingslayer, human? Or are you simply making a mockery of my authority?"

Clyde's lips opened on their own, forced to answer.

"I am just a slayer, seeking a way back to the human realm."

The words he said were the truth, but Clyde couldn't believe she was capable of making him speak. Before he could contemplate on the Queen's unnerving abilities, she began speaking again.

"It seems you've come to waste my time... but a slayer, you say? From what I've heard, you are more capable than any average slayer I've encountered . Not that I get the opportunity to indulge in their presence down here. I want you to come closer.. let me feel your soul."

Clyde's body began to move, not of its own accord, deeper into the darkness. His heart was racing, but his senses told him he wasn't in danger... not yet, anyway.

Coming to a stop, he couldn't see it, but he felt a hand press against his chest, the fingers were stretched out. When the Queen's voice rang out this time, it was only a few feet away from Clyde.

"You've already reached the second stage of awakening. That explains why you've survived down here. How cute... it seems you were bold enough to establish a Clan. What kind of name is the House of Fracture? Oh, this is interesting."

Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.

A soft glow radiated from his chest where her hand rested, then gradually dimmed. He felt as if his entire being was being examined.

"You're a deathwalker..."

Clyde could feel the queen's breath against his ear as she whispered.

"Just like me..."

She removed her hand from his chest and stepped back once more. The entire time, Clyde was unable to speak, even if he wanted to.

"I can get you home, but on one condition. I've been at war with my father for two hundred years, and we've been in a stalemate for the last fifty. But you, like me, are another outlier to the tapestry of fate. We can help each other. If you assist in defeating that wretched old man, I'll do everything in my power to help you."

Clyde felt the Queen get closer to him.

"Do we have a deal?"

Compelled to answer once again, Clyde opened his mouth, but this time, he had the ability to say what he wanted. Thinking about it, she was his best hope—and she knew it. She had all the leverage. With no choice in the matter, Clyde complied.

"Yes."

Before Clyde knew it, something unexpected happened. The darkness surrounding him receded just enough for him to see the Queen. Her skin was as pale as snow, and she stood taller than Clyde, her red eyes piercing through the shadows. She had black hair that went down to her waist, and she wore intricate black armor with red lining.

She took took two steps toward him, and her right arm grabbed the back of his head, pulling it toward hers. They exchanged a deep, but brief kiss before she let him go. During the kiss, Clyde felt like a unbreakable bond forming between them.

Clyde was stumbled, taking a few steps back. Soon, the darkness returned, erasing his vision, and then the Queen's voice cut through it.

"The Inferi always remember their first deal. I wonder... would you?"

The Queen let out a small chuckle before continuing.

"It's done. There's no taking back what was discussed here today. I'm sorry to say you got the short end of the stick. It could be years before you make it home, but don't worry too much. Time flows differently down here than it does up there, so you won't miss anything important."

The door behind Clyde emitted a light, guiding him to the entrance. As he turned around to leave, the Queen had one final thing to say.

"By the way, that suit your wearing wasn't necessary. I'll find you later and properly equip you with armor of the underworld. Until then, I'll have my men set up a spot for you in the camp."

Clyde left the darkness of the fortress with mixed emotions. The Queen was impressive and powerful. One thing was certain—he would not be forgetting his first deal anytime soon.