A Word Won't Save You

Gregory's POV 

 A lot more to apologize for? What did Adeline mean? No matter, she's mine now and no matter what she is to be with me. I was picking my brain trying to figure out what my wife had meant but I just couldn't understand why she was being slightly cold. Her gestures meant to warm me only felt like she was trying to push me away. 

I pulled out a somewhat lengthy scroll from one of my white stallion's brown leather saddlebags, balancing as I used both hands to open it. 

By the King's Order, the following citizens must be brought to the kingdom to serve out their banishment.... 

Underneath listed a plethora of names, though no more than 15; but the most it's been in a few months. The names on the list were also those of the less fortunate mostly, but a few nobles were listed. The ones that assumed they were too wealthy to be touched by the King's reach. 

The peasants were always collected first, and on the way back to the castle was when the nobles were collected. 

I looked behind me as I lead the small ground of guards towards the district my wife had come from; 4 on foot and 2 upon the dual horse drawn carriage that was so long it could fit 20 citizens at one time. 

The carriage they were pulling was used only for collections, and upon its sight brought sadness to most that laid eyes on it; the taps of the synchronized steps of the horseshoes against the stone was the perfect metronome to compliment the sorrow. 

 No one was immune; Even those that wanted children but were unable to do so were punished. 

Adoption was an option, but only for a married couple. The process was long, tedious and expensive, and because of this, children often were left in the orphanage. 

Nobels didn't want them, they were of peasant descent and could tarnish their name and the ones in the poor district were exactly as their title suggested. Coin to adopt was a wish, but an out of reach one for them. 

"It's a shame, Santos," I began, getting the attention of the guard on my right as I put the list back into the saddlebag. 

"What is sir?" He asked. Santos was a newer recruit; a fresh 18-year-old soul ripe to serve the kingdom. Strong, determined, though single. 

"The idea that these people would rather be banished than have children." 

"They are a bit of a handful, sir," Santos huffed with amusement. 

I looked down at him, a look of disgust upon my face, "handful or not, it's our duty as a citizen to reproduce to continue our name's servitude to them." Santos remained quiet. "Are you not interested in truly serving?" I stopped my horse, blocking the guard from proceeding. 

"Sir, I love my kingdom. My King!" His green eyes were worried. He's a recruit and I was ranks above him. 

"Then think before you speak. There's plenty of room for more in the carriage," I warned as I redirected my horse to continue forwards. 

"My apologies, sir," his head lowered in a brief bow before getting himself back on track; the others suddenly more alert. 

As we entered the first district, murmurs and whimpers began as a small crowd gathered to glare and curse us with their glances. 

Then I stopped my men; directly in front of my in-laws. I smirked as I dismounted my horse. 

Perhaps they can convince their thick-skulled daughter to spread her fucking legs and bare my children already. I thought it would be easier considering she was teetering on life or death with a simple confession. I have her life in my hands yet she insists on being so stubborn. I gritted my teeth, "fucking vampires." I muttered. 

I walked a few feet away from my men as I began the typical collection speech before I called names off. 

"Today I have come on behalf of the King of Ravenvale to collect those that failed to abide by the laws of the Kingdom..." I paused briefly as more people came to watch. "We are well aware of who you are, and what you look like. Do not attempt to resist or fight, as we will catch and execute you on the spot instead. We ask that you step forward willingly, and word will be sent to the King and you shall be well compensated," I grinned, my hands behind my back holding one another as I began to pace, intentionally creating a circle of people around me as they gathered; cutting me off from the rest of my men. 

"But we have done nothing wrong!" A young woman pleaded, coming forward. I turned to peer at her. She was a young woman with long, black hair styled into 2 braids that rested upon her back, which was blanketed by an oversized blue, stained dress. 

"How have you not?" She was one of the people on the list. "You are a beautiful woman, why have you not married or had children?" 

She showed her silver ring, "I am, but we are unable to have any..." her voice lowered. 

I walked over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "It's alright, my dear." I smiled at her as she looked up at me with dark brown eyes, her tears drying with hope. 

"Will you put in a good word for me, then?" 

"Of course," I gave her shoulder a squeeze as I leaned in to whisper into her ear, "but a word doesn't save you from death. Actions do, and you failed to act." 

"D- D- Death?" She stuttered, screaming out. 

"Are you refusing to come?" I asked her sternly as I back away from her. 

"I am not going with you!" She screamed out. "I don't want to die!" 

I began to hear the others around her start to mutter and whine about dying, and it didn't take long for chaos to erupt. 

Mutters became screams and wails, and men began to come for me and my subordinates. 

"Please, calm down," I whispered to them with a smile. "I command you to stop..." My voice barely audible to myself. When they of course didn't stop, I finally shouted with glee, and a grin as I drew my sword. The sound of the metal being drawn cued my men to do the same. 

"Kill them all."