The Killer King

Chapter 24: Regis POV

We had just stepped into the tavern, and the first thing that hit us was the smell—a mix of blood, rot, and mold. The walls were splattered in dark stains. Even Bom looked unsettled.

"We all sleep here," Bom said. "No dividing into rooms. Safer this way."

Hector looked concerned. "In the same place as Regis? But he—"

I shot him a glare so sharp he lowered his head like a punished child.

"I know, Hector," Bom said, raising his hands. "I've experienced it. But we don't have a choice."

Clavis and Bob both nodded. Faye looked around.

"Okay, let's rest a bit. We need full energy tomorrow."

"We should set a guard," Bom said. "One hour each."

"I'll start," Clavis offered.

"Perfect," I said.

We were just settling into makeshift positions on the floor when—boom boom! Someone knocked at the tavern door.

Bom sighed. "I knew it. Our last night."

Bob was frozen in place, traumatized by fear. Faye said, "What if they need something?" And to our horror, she moved to open the door.

We all screamed, "NOOO!"

But it was too late. Faye swung the door open. Maybe thirty villagers stood outside, faces twisted with anger.

They entered, filling the tavern. Rage filled the room. I was in the center with my team: two clowns, a pretty monster, and a few knights.

Is this how I die? In some bloodstained backwater tavern?

One villager stepped forward and pointed at me. "You."

Wait—did they know who I was?

"Uh, yes?" I said.

He smiled. "Tell us how you became a king killer."

What.

Bom leaned toward me. "He's a very popular king killer. Even has fan clubs named kill me baby !."

I glared at him. Then turned to the villagers and forced a smile. "Sure, why not."

I cleared my throat. "There was this king. Egotistical. Arrogant. Thought he was the most handsome man in the world."

One villager leaned in. "What was his name? How'd you kill him?"

I replied smoothly. "Bom."

Bom gasped dramatically. "Excuse me?!"

Bob leaned toward Faye. "He definitely hates him."

Faye chuckled.

I continued, improvising. "I snuck into his royal bedroom. He was sleeping. I cut off his head."

Bom clutched his head with one hand, staring at me like I'd just destroyed his entire world — as if I'd actually killed him.

The villagers cheered and clapped.

"I've got another one," I added. "This king's name? Bob."

Bob gasped, scandalized.

A villager laughed. "He's allergic to the alphabet B."

"This one," I said, "I kidnapped. Then I tortured him. There was blood everywhere."

Bob looked pale. Faye giggled again. "He hates you too."

More cheers. I was becoming a local legend for all the wrong reasons.

Everything was going great—until one of the villagers stepped closer to me.

Hector, ever the loyal knight with bad timing, mistook it for a threat. He unsheathed his sword.

A villager screamed. "Look! His sword! The royal crest!"

Every head turned. Silence fell. Then rage returned tenfold.

Oops.

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Bom (grinning): "Dear reader, she changed my cover! What do you think? Do you like it?"

(He winks dramatically.)"And to those of you reading without adding it to your collection yet... I'm coming to kiss you next."

Regis (groaning): "Stop spouting nonsense! Just because you're handsome doesn't mean you can say whatever you want."

Bom (smiling wider): "But I am chaotically handsome."

Regis (rolling his eyes): "Please, dear reader. If you enjoy the story, don't forget to add it to your collection. Our weird adventure is far from over."

Bom (striking a model pose): "And I'll keep flirting until you do~"

Regis (shoving him): "Okay, that's enough. Let's go."