Demonic Song 1

Coughing, wheezing, and infection everywhere as I wandered the streets to my destination. I could not believe that this was my future kingdom. As soon as winter hit this past year, the rats invaded to find shelter. They brought disease and death in their wake as they started from the towns on the edge and headed for the castle. It is now almost spring and the rats have not left yet. I pulled my hood closer to my face as I finally reached my destination, the small hospital.

"Thanks the gods that you came!" the head doctor told me as I walked in. "Get suited up and start helping anyone that looks like they need it."

Everyone normally calls the head doctor Doc because no one could tell if they were male or female. The hospital never cared that I was the crown prince but they liked that I help.

"There is one here! Kill it!" A nurse shouted before I heard the gunshot.

It would be terrible if the rats took over here too. Almost the entire kingdom has been taken over by the rats. I started praying for my father to send for help before we all die.

"Freshwater!" Someone called out and I ran over to deliver the water.

They kept on shouting requests and I worked as fast as I could to deliver everything. I am not as skilled as the other workers here are, but I was happy that I was still able to help in some way. I just hate how I have to sneak out to help my own people. I felt someone tap my shoulder as I was disinfecting the floor.

"Hey, it is getting quite late. You should get home before your father notices." Doc said to me as they helped me up. "Thank you for your help."

"Anything for my kingdom."

"Just watch out for the rats, they prefer wandering the night."

I grabbed all of my items and slipped on my cloak before finally heading out. The streets were empty as I walked up to the castle. There was a small opening in the east wall that I slipped into to enter the grounds. The servants always have a hot steaming bath prepared for when I sneak back in to reduce any chance of infection. I was so tired that I almost fell asleep in a warm bath. After I dried off, I wobbled over to my bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The next day, I woke up to a servant shaking me awake.

"Master Bastion, your father has called for your presence."

This was one of the newer servants and they do not last that long. There are only three left from the time I was born because my father did not care about their health. The servant helped me get dressed before I went to the throne room. The only person in the long empty room was my father sitting in his large throne. My footsteps echoed as I walked to the foot of his throne.

"You summoned me, father?" I asked him as I kneeled at his feet.

"Yes, I remember that you asked me to send for someone to hunt the rats," I asked him over a month ago. "Now is the perfect time because your brother has fallen ill with the plague."

I was shocked at the news; my brother is only ten years old. Which means that he could die from the plague.

"Then you must send word for help right away!" I told him before he sent me away.

I was happy that he finally plans on getting help but I could not believe that it took until little Felix falling ill. I cannot wait for the day when I can take over my father's place as ruler. He never cares about the people we rule over and he only helps them when it benefits him. I have never believed in the different views that my father had for ruling the kingdom. However, until it is my time to rule, I must listen to him.

I went back to my room to prepare for tonight before my royal duties start. Then, it was time for lessons on history, politics, and dancing. Halfway into my lessons, I was zoning out because I did not get that much sleep.

A few days later, a stranger came to the castle gate. He reported that he had a way to get rid of the rats. I was standing next to my father when he came in. He was wearing a green bard's outfit with golden hair and he was carrying a flute.

"You state that you can rid us of our plague." My father pointed out. "Tell me how you are planning to do the job."

"With this." He held up the flute. "I can charm anything and anyone with this flute."

With how deep and sultry his voice sounded, I'm pretty sure that the flute was not the thing that could charm people.

"What would you like as payment?"

"Just a simple home here and 500 gold."

I was surprised by how small and simple his request was. Normally, people would try to run a kingdom dry when the royals are desperate.

"May I ask why a house?" I asked him out of pure curiosity.

He turned towards me and I was surprised by how green his eyes were. They reminded me of small forests with mixed shades within his eyes. He gave me a small smile before speaking.

"I am a traveling bard, so I wouldn't mind a nice house for when I need to take a break to rest my poor lungs in this kingdom."

"Okay, I accept your offer." My father told him.

I saw the look in my father's eyes and I knew that he did not believe the bard. I do not know why but I felt that he might help with the problem. My father ended the meeting and I walked towards the bard.

"I hope that you will be able to help us. I would not mind hearing your music in our kingdom."

"Maybe tonight, you can hear my music before I get rid of the rats."

He motioned for me to follow him. We walked together to one of the castle gardens. We went to the benches and sat down. I watched as he put the flute to his plump lips. The tune was enchanting and it was light to listen to. I felt like I was being lulled to a half-asleep state. I almost could not tell that he stopped playing until I felt soft lips against my own. He pulled away as I started blushing.

"I told you that I could charm anything."

The look in his eyes was that of a hunter who caught their prey. It felt like I lost all of my will as he kissed my lips again.

"How do you do that?" I asked as the music left my system.

"You wouldn't understand it even if I did tell you." He licked his lips. "You taste delicious but I expected a Prince's lips to be softer."

"I thought that a bard's lips would be rougher from blowing all of that air."

"I see that you have a fire in your soul." He told me after he laughed.

I got up from the bench and turned away from him.