The Reborn King

Raven walked through the halls of the palace. He had his usual expressionless face, but internally, he was joyful that the king had called for him. After Alfred's resurrection, Raven swore an eternal allegiance towards Alfred, seeing him chosen by God. He had witnessed a miracle first-hand and seen it as a sign he had been chosen to lead the Kingdom.

Raven knocked on the door and was led into a sitting area. Alfred sat on one side with Chris standing behind him. Raven bowed towards Alfred, who indicated for him to sit.

"Sorry for calling you on short notice, Marquess." Alfred apologised as he took a sip from his tea. He got up and walked behind Raven, touching his shoulder. "However, I called you here as I require your assistance and need someone I can trust."

Raven looked at Alfred's face, and he shivered a little. It was the same face he had first seen at the coronation. "Of course, your majesty. I am ready to execute any command you give." Raven spoke with passion. Alfred saw this and nodded as he walked back towards his seat.

"How many people have you got inside the Argon Duchy, and how many of them can get close to the family?" Alfred cut straight to the chase. After looking over Raven's character, he understood the man didn't like to beat around the bush. He trusted him enough that Raven wouldn't betray him due to his fervour for God.

"Maybe two. It depends on how close you need them to be."

Alfred turned and grabbed something from Chris, sliding it across the table towards Raven. "Close enough to give this to all senior family members who can inherit." Raven looked at the glass vial holding the white powder and squinted. He understood what Alfred wanted.

"How lethal is it?" He didn't plan on turning his back on Alfred. He just needed to make plans depending on the potency. The destruction of the Argon Duchy would ultimately benefit him. Moreover, to him, Alfred was someone chosen by God. He would follow his commands regardless.

Alfred, in response to the question, smiled. His death had sped up the time needed to enact the plan, allowing him to get someone like Marquess Raven on his side. "I can guarantee that it will work. It takes 2-3 days to take effect, but people will assume they passed due to illness."

Raven smiled upon hearing this. He didn't know the poison, but it at least gave him time to pull his people from Argon. "It is crucial they take it." Alfred's voice was serious as he slid the vial closer towards Raven. "I will leave first." Alfred stood up and walked towards the door. Just before he left, he stopped, "After a couple of months, you may attack the Duchy and take the southern lands." Alfred left, leaving Raven alone in the room.

Raven looked at the vial in his hand and smiled. Although the land Alfred offered had no monetary benefit, it had good natural terrain for defence. Raven looked at the powder and wondered where a poison like this was found. He trusted Alfred's judgment and didn't push to be told or plan to investigate.

Around a table, four people sat eating. They had a feast laid out in front of them. On the wall, the banner of the Argon hung. "When do you think the ransom request for Father will come?" The first to talk was a young man in his early twenties.

"Just have patience, brother. The new king is just making an example. Despite his age, he seemed to be quite capable."

"I get that. But he's a creepy little shit. You guys weren't there, but at the coronation, there was something off about him. If you told me he was a demon in disguise, I would believe it." He gave an exaggerated shiver after finishing, getting small chuckles from the rest of the family.

"That being said, did he come back to life? It's a bit far-fetched." The young woman, around 15 years old, spoke. The other also nodded in agreement.

"It's true. We all saw the King die. Even his uncle verified it on the spot, and we all know that man wouldn't lie to help him."

"Then doesn't this prove he is a demon? No person can just come back to life."

"Be careful with what you say. Although I agree with you, those fanatics have quickly joined his side. After all, they all claim it's God's will." All of them became sombre. The image of one man appeared in all of their minds. "Still, brother, you must be careful of him when you inherit."

They all looked towards their oldest brother sitting at the head of the table. The man put his fork down. "I understand he already has a lot of support, but I wonder how long it will last. He's still a kid, after all."

"Don't be too sure, brother. He's not as wet behind the ears as you think. He apparently walked through the palace halls the other day covered in blood."

The oldest brother just snorted as he continued to eat. The other siblings just shrugged, understanding their brother's arrogant nature.

"Anyway, it might be a blessing in disguise that Father got arrested. We now know at least to be more careful in the future. He doesn't hold enough power to strip us of power."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They finished eating, ringing a bell afterwards. A knocking came from a door on the side, followed by servants with carts. They walked into the dining room, taking plates of food and replacing them with desserts and drinks. The family looked at the cakes covered in white powder with joy.

"I have received words from the Marquess. It's done." Chris bent down next to Alfred's ear as he worked. Alfred nodded slightly, stopping what he was doing.

"Let's begin the preparation for the next phase." Alfred reached into his drawer and pulled out a bundle of envelopes. "Send these off tomorrow." Chris took them and left. Alfred put his pen down and leaned back in his chair. He grabbed his forehead and let out a sigh.

He stared at the empty ceiling. He was scared. Scared at how easily he had ordered the death of four people. He now truly realised the power he held as King. If he found the right people, he could do anything to anyone. Alfred looked at the document he was working on. He picked it up and held it over a candle, watching it slowly burn.