So many thoughts hung over my head that it was nearly impossible to keep track of them all. Even so, I’ve never once considered myself scattered, even as a child. I’ve always had one goal above all else. One that guided my every move and dictated every decision.

  I, Midas, would one day free my people from a throne of power. I strive to work towards that goal in every action I take, which includes attending this tedious meeting today.

  My eyes glance out the window of the carriage to the passing scenery of towering trees as we head into the grasslands, the first signs of Horinn. It’s a necessary appointment, known across the four great nations of the world as the Ruler's Summit. It marked my official debut into the role of ‘Ruler’ amongst the other nations' leaders.

  My hands fiddled above my lap, so as not to become idle. Sparks of golden light trickled between my fingertips as I gently snapped them together in constant intervals. A pastime I found myself repeating daily.

  It was a remarkable gift, one I needed to hone and make my own. Strangely enough, it felt as though I knew exactly how to use it from the moment it first manifested. As if the power was ingrained in me from birth. My cheeks raised slightly as a curt smile formed, then disappeared promptly.

  “Show yourself, One.”

  Without a second of delay, the vacant seat opposite me was filled by a woman with deep black hair. Her body was mostly exposed, only clothed by a thin piece of cloth over her intimate parts, and the bands of silk over her thighs and arms.

  A Viper.

  Trained assassins that serve the wealthy of Jeddan for coin, or at least they used to. Since my ascension to the throne, I realigned their abilities as personal guards to me alone. Untraceable until their swift strikes, they were accurately named, Vipers.

  “Yes, my lord.” She bowed her head low to the carriage floor.

  A golden mark stretched over her right eye. Its shape arched over the majority of her face and down her shoulder with the same brilliant glint that sparked between my fingers. A reminder for each time I saw her, of where and how we were first acquainted.

  My eyes remained forward on the approaching scenery. “Do you know where the name for this meeting originates?”

  “I do not.”

  “I suppose that makes sense. Not many people from Jeddan do. It’s not in our nation's interest to hold onto history when there’s no real profit in it. Are you all from the slums?” I flicked the spark of gold to the windowsill beside me. In a flash of golden light, the bottom corner of the glass was coated in solid gold and stole a nervous glance from One’s concentration.

  “We Vipers come from all areas of backgrounds… My lord. Some fallen nobility, most from the slums. I am a slum survivor, my lord.” She answered swiftly, head still down.

  “I see. Well, the name originates from the fabled Creators of this world, and the meetings they held when shaping the land and seas. A quaint idea, really. But one I’m finding more and more believable each day.” I offered a smile as I admired the lush grass in the near distance.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “My lord?” One's eyes rose to meet mine.

  I gently raised my finger to the window, and with a single tap, coated the entire pane of glass in solid gold. A crack streaked across the glass like lightning, causing a bead of sweat to roll down her temple.

  “This so-called ‘Rulers Summit’ is not some boring formality. It marks the beginning stages of my end goal, my only goal.” My eyes drifted to hers, “Therefore, I cannot afford any potential surprises that will ruin my plans. Much like the Creators, I plan to shape this world in a new direction. Lead ahead of the carriage and gather information on our hosts.”

  “Yes, Lord Midas.” She bowed her head with a small nod and disappeared behind a mirage of distorted air, as if she were never there in the first place. She carried no scent, no trace to be left behind. She only spoke when spoken to and disappeared whenever I gave the signal. A perfect tool for my cause.

  “Yes, I hope you don’t fail me.”

  It wasn’t much longer before we crossed over into the nation of humans, Horrin. Cobbled streets paved the way into the capital as we reached our destination. The bustling streets were filled with weapon merchants and other assorted goods, lining the path to the main plaza. Just ahead of that was the king's castle, a focal point of the city, where massive flags holding the sigil of the king flew gallantly under the slightest breeze.

  No matter how light the wind settled, the flag remained full and taught, as if it were a declaration directly to me.

  “Tsk.” I clicked my tongue at the sight.

  Climbing out of the carriage, I was met with four guards dressed in solid steel armour. They held swords at their waists, one hand on the hilt at all times. The proud sigil stained to their chest plates caught my eye. A single sword, over two angelic wings. The same house brand I saw all the way to their palace, the same symbol of the king of this nation.

  The guards moved aside as a shorter figure dressed in robes appeared from the castle doors in a rush. His round glasses hung over the bridge of his nose, just barely clinging to his face as he paced over to the carriage.

  “Good day, lord Midas of Jeddan! I am Belliar Larsen, tasked with taking your attendance and escorting you into the room where the summit will take place.” He said, taking a courtesy bow.

  I heard the people of Horinn practiced good manners, but I had no idea it was this flashy. Honestly, what a waste of time. I suppose I ought to show proper respect, since I’m a guest here.

  I let out a chilling breath, both eyes closed, then returned a quaint smile in return.

  “Very good. Let’s get this started, shall we?” I answered back.

  “Y-yes, well, first, I don’t seem to see your attendant with you.” Belliar's eyes wandered between me and the carriage rider, but after he drove off, he seemed even more confused. “Will they be joining you at a later stage? We really should be heading in…” Panic rose in his voice as he searched frantically through the bundle of notes in his grasp.

  I walked past the babbling fool. He seemed like the type to have a meltdown when things didn’t go his way. One of the types I respected least.

  “I have no use for an attendant.” I waved my hand, paying no attention to the man chasing behind me.

  “Uh–um, excuse me! You can’t pass through without–”

  “I wouldn’t move, Belliar Larsen. That is, if you value your fingers.” I noted, gesturing to the golden glint that crept up his jacket sleeve.

  He quickly pulled away from my arm, and I dusted myself off, smiling all the while. The guards moved in, ready to attack, but stopped as soon as Belliar spoke up, “I’m fine! Don’t worry… It’s just a misunderstanding, that’s all. We can proceed.” His eyes immediately fell to the floor as he walked ahead of me.

  “Excellent. That’s just what I wanted to hear.”