The King Returns

King Dilbert returned unexpectedly. 300 Word Flash

The King Returns

King Dilbert appeared before his courtiers. They cried out in fear and drew their weapons. As they converged, Claude held up a hand.
“Be not so hasty, I shall interrogate this person.”
He approached the figure, his dagger drawn. Pacing in front of him, he began to question him in a low voice. The answers he got pleased him for he smiled.
“This is our King, released from being held for ransom by our enemies!”
“But my Lord Claude, we did not send ransom. You said it did not do to give in to thugs!” shouted one courtier.
“Obviously, it worked! Now, leave us so the King and I can have speech about his ordeal.” Claude made shooing motions with his hands until the throne room was empty.
“What did you expect? The people would fall over you, when they have accepted my rule.” Claude roared, advancing on King Dilbert menacingly.
Dilbert drew his sword to defend himself. Remembering the king was an expert swordsman, Claude stopped in his tracks. The king moved forward and place the point of his sword against his vizier’s throat.
“You are the reason I was kept for ransom. In fact, apparently you had bargained to have me killed after you convinced the people to make you king!”
Claude began to shake. The guards moved silently in behind him.
“Bind him! Take him to the dungeon. Torture him if necessary to find out if he was alone in this treason!” the king shouted.
King Dilbert sagged when the guards left with the prisoner. He dragged himself to his throne and sat down.
“My dear husband,” he heard a voice say. He looked up to see his wife. Her smile was false and her eyes hid fright. The king drew his sword again.