Dario stared at Javier coldly.
In his mind, he imagined all the cruel things he wished he could do to him — his fingers sinking into Javier's stomach, his nails tearing across that endlessly running mouth of his.
But no,not now,one day, it would happen… unless Javier learned to stay out of his way.
"Repeat what you just said," Javier demanded.
"Get out of my face," Dario replied calmly.
Javier's anger instantly flared.He raised his hand to slap Dario.
But Dario waited,he allowed the hand to come closer, ready to grab it the moment it touched him. He wouldn't hold back this time.
Javier's hand was inches away…
"That's enough, Javier!"King Basmus's voice thundered across the hall.
Javier frowned and slowly lowered his hand.
He shot Dario one last deadly glare before returning to his seat.
Thank your gods your father saved you, Dario thought coldly.
"Leave us, Javier," King Basmus commanded.
Javier hesitated."But fath…"
"Now."
"…Yes, Your Majesty."He bowed stiffly and walked away, throwing Dario another icy glance before disappearing.
King Basmus turned his attention back to Dario.
"Why would you make such a statement before me? Do you not value your life?"
Dario's lips curved into a faint smile."Value my life?" he repeated softly. "There is nothing valuable about my life, Your Majesty."
The king sighed heavily.
"The words I said about you not being my father or my king… isn't that what you always wanted to hear from me? Why are you so worked up about it?"
"DARIO!"King Basmus slammed his fist against the arm of his throne.
Dario didn't flinch.He felt no fear anymore.
This man was no longer his father.Why should he be afraid?
"You dare speak to a king in such a manner?" King Basmus thundered.
"Then act like one," Dario replied.
The king immediately rose to his feet."One more word from you, and I will have your head removed from your neck."
Dario chuckled softly and lowered his head."Then do it. What value is there in living a life that feels like hellfire? Dying by your hands would be an honor, Your Majesty."
He stood still, exposing his neck willingly.
King Basmus grabbed a sword from one of the guards and stepped forward, pressing its cold tip against his throat.
"Since you do not value your life, I will help you end it," the king said.
"As you wish… Your Majesty," Dario murmured, waiting for the blade to cut through his skin.
"DARIO!" the king shouted again.
"I will always stand by my words," Dario continued quietly. "You are not my king… nor my…"
"Why would you say such a thing?" King Basmus demanded, his eyes blazing.
"Because a true king does not believe rumors without confirming them," Dario replied. "I never expected such weakness from you."
Silence fell.
Dario lifted his chin slightly."I am still waiting for my throat to be slit."
The king stared at him for a long moment,then slowly… he withdrew the sword.
"For the sake of your mother, I spare you,"King Badmus said, returning to his throne as a guard collected the weapon.
He watched Dario silently before sighing and looking away.
"I wonder what is keeping Arianna's father," he muttered tiredly. "I am growing weary of this nuisance."