Lost That Right

***********

CHAPTER 5

"Diona!"

Her chest rose instantly as her eyes opened wider. "Yes?"

"Child, relax. It was nothing."

'Are you sure, father? He barely even cast a glance at me, let alone… sigh. Father."

"Just let it be and do not let it get into your head. There is still hope to get you that crown. Just rest assured. It would take more than beauty to win you. You have brains and all and not only that, any man who rejects you would be a fool to cast away such a jewel."

"Thank you, father."

"Anytime, dear."

****

Meanwhile, immediately after the wedding ceremony, Vidor did not allow the King and Queen to see their daughter and arranged for their travel back home.

In the throne room, he is seen being congratulated by the likes and some other kings under his command when King Elrad walked up to him to talk with him.

"Your majesty," Elrad said in great calm. Even though he was a king of his own, he was careful lest he angered the conquering king.

"Yes?" That was all Vidor managed to spare him.

"I would like a word, please."

"Alright."

Even Elrad was a bit taken aback by the way and manner in which he answered him.

It wasn't like he was offended on anything, he was just shocked because the Vidor everyone knew, did not by any chance like to be interrupted when he was busy and would not want to talk.

"This way please." Together they walked past the many kings and queens present in the hall to the balcony to have a talk.

Once there, his usual cold demeanour awoke. "Out with it."

"Well, for starters, I want to say congratulations on your wedding."

"Do you really mean that?" Is cold voice interjected before Elrad had any more lies to tell?

Gulp! "Umm…" Clears throat. "I do not understand what you mean, your majesty."

"Do you not?" Vidor asked but all he got as a response was Elrad turning his head to the other side, suddenly finding a new fascination of the curtains at their side.

"Hmm. It is like you have not heard clearly my reputation. I am one king, look at me…"

He ordered, taking a step closer to Elrad, allowing his height to make the older King actually feel small. "I hate lies, Elrad and I can smell yours and your fear." He finally said after some seconds of staring deeply at the back of his father-in-law's head.

Silently, Elrad gulped again, taking in a few deep hurried breaths to calm himself and then turn around to look at Vidor.

"My apologies. I never meant any of those. Do not get me wrong. It is the joy of every father to have their daughter sought after and I am no different. I am happy that you fancy my daughter."

"But you do not think that is enough, considering you gave her out to save your life."

"I am ashamed to say it but it is true. Although I did not do that to save myself but my people and family. You see, when your father actually sought after her hand in marriage when he brought war to our doorstep, I actually agreed as the last thing I wanted was for my child and kingdom to grow up in warring times."

"Hmm."

"I honestly hoped that your father would not go further with his quest for power."

'And that is how you see me. A mad king in search f more power right?"

Elrad did not know what to say to that effect. It wasn't like he wasn't thinking that. No. He actually thought about it but who was he to actually speak such before Vidor.

Just having a conversation with him alone was much more than he could ask for.

"I possibly couldn't dare."

"You still lie. Do you think I do not know that is what you all see me as? Hmm, ingrates. You all are too scared of yourselves. You cower before me but bite me behind yet you are trembling at the very sight of me. How stupid could you all be? Do you take me for a fool?"

He yelled the last part out loud, completely stunning Elrad and drawing attention to them.

"Let me tell you one thing. Just because I married your little rabbit, does not mean you are above my wrath. I would be careful if I were you as one wrong move and that is all. You would be gone and there would be no saving you by your daughter. That is if I do not take her first."

0_0

Was that a threat or what?

"I DID NOT MEAN ANYTHING WRONG. I only came to see you concerning your arrangements. With your permission, can my queen and I stay a day more so we can be with our daughter one last time?"

'You actually lost that right when you allowed her to marry me. I do not trust you and as such, you are to leave my kingdom at dawn."

"Vidor, you…"

He swallowed his next words sharply when he saw the cold piercing glare the king shot his way. "Be glad I have not done something to you. In fact, you are to head for Meriba right away. The wedding has ended. I need peace and quiet in my palace."

KPAR! KPAR!

A resounding clap echoed and soon several soldiers appeared from behind the curtains at the balcony and in the hall.

"Kings and queens," he began, taking one look at Elrad before walking away to the hall where the other stayed. "I believe it is time to cut short this celebration. You all are permitted to rest the night here and celebrate but at dawn tomorrow morning. Good night.'

Not bothering to await their response, he turned around swiftly and made his way through the door. Believing his soldiers knew what to do.

"What did he say?" A feminine voice suddenly rang out from behind Elrad after Vidor had taken his leave.

"He… he wants us to leave now."