For The Past Two Years
The ceremony bells chimed in the golden hue of daybreak. The sun had already begun crowning, it's top half was barely visible over the horizon. Yet as early as it was the city streets were still bustling with activity. The merchants had already begun settling their produce in miniature stalls along the streets that led to the castle.
The castle itself was lined with several banners, each a different color. Each a different symbol. Each a representative of a different race that resided within South Landis. The beastmen, the Kaiyuri and of course the Agrabaths who were about to crown their new king. Inside the castle, deep within the lost stretched halls. Where war cries were prophesies and scars were badges of honor. A child stood alone in the king's chamber. His hair a midnight black. His eyes were red as blood. His heart roared loudly in his chest as the weight of the day finally settled on his shoulders.
Zachariah looked out the window and recalled his father's funeral from two years ago. The day where he decided that he wouldn't- that he could no longer let the war persist for as long as it has. That he'd end it with hi own hands no matter what means he'd have to use. No matter how cruel his methods he'd push forward.
As Zach resolved himself to his mission fate provided him with a test. Zach had a brother. An older twin brother. As their father had passed on a successor would have to be named. Zach knew that as he was the younger one of the two the throne would much sooner be passed onto his brother, Maxwell, rather than him. It didn't matter how strong he was nor how determined, as the second son the best he could hope for was to be his brother's advisor and that's if Merlin was unable to act as advisor himself.
He could still vividly remember the look on Max's face. When Zach launched out the cathedral window with a single blow to the face. Shock, anger, confusion.....fear. Max's face was a tapestry drawn by grief at a loss of his father and betrayal by his brother.
"Why?" Max groaned in a bloodied heap.
"I will become king." Zach said coldly, his fists drowned in his brother's blood. "Neither you nor anyone else can stop me brother."
It was nearly two years ago since Zach banished his brother to the east continent of Cosmas, yet the memories were still fresh on his mind.
"I'm sorry, brother." Zach whispered to himself in his room.
After he banished Max, Zach was seen as little more than a bastard. A traitor. A usurper who stole the crown from his brother. The beastmen became fearful of him while the Kaiyuri began seeing him as a threat. To them, Zach banishing his own brother was a sign that the boy was on a mission to take control of South Landis even if he had to use force.
One could only imagine their shock hen Zach came to them and prostrated himself and asked for their princess' hand in marriage.
"What does he intend to do with the princess?"
"Is this some sort of ploy?"
"What's his endgame?"
The council of the Kaiyuri was suspicious at first at rightfully so. It was only after the princess, Delissa Kaiyuri, accepted Zach's proposal did the council calm themselves even if they were reluctant to do so. With Maxwell gone, Zach was left as the sole successor to the crown. And with his marriage to Delissa, he'd have the Kaiyuri backing him on his claim.
The beastmen would pose little to no issue to him. As long as they were given fertile land to grow their crops and the protection of the Agrabaths from any and all outside forces the beastmen were indifferent to who was chosen as king. The Kaiyuri would either cooperate willingly or begrudgingly depending on how the king would treat them. If he belittled them by his action, or by the manner in which he spoke to the the Kaiyuri would without a doubt plan an assassination attempt on him.
If he treated them as equals they would try any and all means to expand their authority using the king as their pawn. By marrying their princess, Zach made sure he'd gain their cooperation while keeping a tight leash on them.
"Just make sure you don't do anything rash, Young Grace." Merlin said, rousing him from his daydream.
"I told you not to call me.....never mind." Zach sighed.
"Are you ready?"
Am I ready? Zach thought.
"Merlin. I banished my brother, all so I could become the sole heir to the crown. I married Delissa because I thought she'd be useful in placating the Kaiyuri, now I'm going to take my father's place in this blood soaked war."
"Yes, you are." Merlin said deadpan.
"I'm going to end this war, Merlin. No matter what the cost."
"The cost may be great, Young Grace. Are you sure you're prepared to pay it?"
"Honestly? No. But I've already lost everyone who's ever had meaning to me. What else do I have to lose?"
"Yourself."
Zach chuckled. "If this war devours me then so be it."