(Ellion's POV)
"No, he's not dead." I said, looking at Aerys, "At least, he shouldn't be."
Aerys was unconscious on the ground, his body was not moving at all. He was still breathing and his vitals seemed fine. Aside from the drop, the burst of Conqueror's should not have damaged him too much.
At least, I think it shouldn't.
It was a spur of the moment, I didn't like that he was hurting Rhaella again. I had sworn to her that I would not let him do that again. I swore that I would keep her safe, no matter what. I failed her in that aspect, this is on me.
Maybe I should kill him.
I gripped the handle of my sword, contemplating the idea.
"E-Ellion....?" Rhaella said softly
I snapped out of it, "What?"
"Your hand..." She looked at the handle of my sword
No.
I shouldn't.
This would complicate things. That is not the plan. The plan is to rise up the ranks without issue and killing the King would not be ideal.
Although....
If I can ensure that he is gone without anyone suspecting me or anyone else.
Perhaps that would be ideal.
That would require planning, though.
Not now.
No.
Now is not the time for this.
I released the grip on the handle, "Are you okay?" I asked her, "Where did he hit you? I am sorry it came to this."
"It is I who is sorry." She said, tears rolling down her face, "I should not have come. I just wanted to see you..."
I gently patted her cheek, feeling how she winced in pain as there was a bruise on her cheek. It genuinely angered me, to even think about her being struck by someone else.
I failed her.
I pulled away and clenched my fist, "That..." I said, "This is unacceptable. I-"
I was cut off by the sound of groaning and I turned to see Aerys rolling over to his stomach, slowly getting up.
Rhaella let out a slight gasp but she covered her mouth, trying not to say a word.
"W-What in the seven hells?" Aerys managed as he wobbled up, "Where am I? What the hells happened?"
I stared at him, a bit confused at how he was able to recover so quickly. Tygett was out for all of the whole night when I hit him with a burst of Conquerors back when he caught me having sex with Genna. How is it that Aerys was able to recover so easily?
Will of a King.....
Aerys slowly turned to face us, his eyes were narrowed, "What.....what happened?" He said, looking right at Rhaella, "Y-You...."
"A-Aerys....." Rhaella said
"Why are you in Ellion's chambers?" Aerys glared at her, "Answer me, Rhaella!"
Rhaella showed him the small box, "I came to gift him this pin, for his shirt!" She exclaimed, "That is all!"
"And you come with no escorts? No Kingsguard?!" Aerys bellowed, his entire body shaking, "What is the meaning of this?!"
"A-Aerys, I swear nothing has happened!" Rhaella said, her voice shaky and panic was overtaking her
Aerys then glared at me, "Explain yourself, boy." he said, "You'd better have a good reason for why the Queen is in your chambers."
I didn't say anything; I was more concerned about what the fuck had just happened. He was able to resist my Conqueror's Haki, well, the full effects that is. What could this possibly mean?
I know what this is.
This is some bullshit, that's what this is.
"Answer me!" Aerys said, "After legitimizing you, you do this to me? How dare you, Ellion?! I-"
"Templeton." I cut him off
Aerys looked at me, a confused look on his face, "What?"
I tilted my head, "What do you think?"
He stared at me for a couple of seconds, as if he was processing what I had just said.
"You...." He said, his face darkening, "You wouldn't....."
"Hm." I said, "I assure you, Aerys. There is nothing happening between the Queen and I."
"You lie." He said, stepping forth, "I will punish her. Tonight, she will prove to me that she is loyal to me. Rhaella, go to my chambers. We'll know the truth then."
"What? No." Rhaella said, "Please, no....."
"I have spoken." Aerys said as he walked up to her, "Go.....NOW, YOU WHOR-"
I released another burst of Conqueror's focusing on him. This one was much more potent than the last one, causing him to collapse to his knees as his eyes widened out. His mouth was agape as his body began to seize.
The pressure of the Conqueror's burst was strong enough to slightly push Rhaella back, causing her to gasp in shock.
"W-What....?" Rhaella exclaimed
Aerys's body completely collapsed on the ground, this time face-down. I looked at him, making sure that he was still alive. This burst was stronger and he reacted differently than the first one.
"He resisted the first one." I said, "Color me impressed. Well, mostly surprised."
"The first one?" Rhaella asked as she stepped closer, "Did you kill him? What did you do? Ellion, I am afraid."
I reached for her hand and lifted it, "Worry not, my Queen." I said, kissing it, "I won't let him hurt you again. I promise you."
"Ellion, it is my fault that he did this." She said, tears still rolling down, "Please, forgive me."
"It is okay." I said as I pulled her close to me, "Don't cry. It will be fine."
"W-What if he discovers the truth?" She looked at Aerys, "Gods, Ellion. Gods, what would happen to you? Ellion, please.....Ellion, I am afraid....."
She then dug her face into my chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Her body was shaking and I couldn't help but embrace her gently, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.
This was definitely going to be a problem. Aerys is stubborn and mad in a way that is different than I would expect. To think that he would be able to resist the Conqueror's Haki like that, it is very shocking to me.
This could be a problem.
But I can work with that.
I can work around it.
I have something that could keep him in line.
"Shhh...." I said soothingly, trying my best to console her, "I'll figure it out, don't worry."
"I promise."