Only one month had passed since he'd assumed the throne at the young age of 26, and there was not a thing in his kingdom that he did not control. The people were appalled at his strictness, but he told them, "My parents were too lenient, and look at what happened to them. Now, I'm taking charge of the kingdom, and I'm making sure that never happens again!" The people were miserable, but their feelings and opinions held no interest to him.
His army was growing in strength and numbers. His generals were the best, and carried the ideals of the king. The power-hungry men of his kingdom were flocking to the castle, and training there with guns and swords.
The king was pleased. It's time to take over some new territory. Soon, the world will be under my control, starting with... Guardia. He growled inwardly and shifted in his plush throne.
The kingdom of Guardia was a peaceful country consisting of several islands to the east of Valdir. He had studied about it for years from books given to him by his tutors. Guardia had celebrated its first one thousand years of existence three years ago (it had been founded in the year 0), and the realm had been enjoying peace since the year 600 AD. Well, that peace is going to end very soon! he thought to himself as the smirk reappeared.
The rulers of Guardia tended to share the same ideas about running a kingdom as his own parents. He thought back to his history lessons when he learned about the brutal, dictator-like monarchs who had once run Valdir from the same throne that he was relaxing in. He had admired those men and women—they had truly been in charge of their country, and the people had obeyed them whether they agreed or not.
"King Damien?" An attendant entered the throne room, breaking into his reverie. "The king of Fortran to see you, sir."
"Show him in." Damien cracked his knuckles with pleasure as he awaited the arrival of his guest.
An older man in his early forties entered the room as the attendant held the door for him. He wore a green uniform and a matching cape that trailed down to the floor in heavy folds. A small crown sat on his balding head. His steps were long and confident as he strode down the carpet to Damien's throne. The attendant quietly left the room and left the two monarchs to discuss the matters at hand.
"Your highness," Fortran's king said as he bowed before him. "You sent for me?"
Damien smiled slyly. "I did, Cedric. I plan on taking over the kingdom of Guardia."
A devilish grin appeared on Cedric's lips, as he chuckled softly. "Ah, that is fascinating news."
The kingdom of Fortran was a country of about the same size as Valdir on the other side of the islands of Guardia. Fortran appeared almost backwards compared to the advancements achieved in Guardia. Cedric, who had been king of Fortran for about ten years, was jealous of Guardia's technological and other achievements. Guardia, on the other hand, was always willing to trade their products and was oblivious to the growing hatred of Fortran's king. He'd wanted to declare war on Guardia, but his forces were weak, and victory was unlikely for his country. So, he'd had to sit and wait for a chance to someday have his revenge.
"I knew you'd be pleased," Damien said. "We have a mutual dislike for Guardia. If we unite, we can conquer it easily. I suggest an alliance. My generals can train your forces, and together, our armies could win!"
Cedric pounded a fist into his other palm with anticipation. "And then my country will take their scientists, and we'll become more advanced!" he declared. His face glowed with the prospect.
Damien was pleased. Cedric's kingdom would make an excellent ally. Strategically, Valdir could close in on Guardia from the west, while Fortran's army advanced from the east. Plus, Cedric had no desire to rule Guardia as he did, leaving him with no competition for Guardia's soon-to-be-vacant throne. "When the world is mine, I will give you a high position in my cabinet," he said, getting off his throne and heartily shaking the hand of the other sovereign, verbally sealing the alliance.
He went to the ice chest and selected a bottle of perfectly aged champagne. He found two glasses and filled them with the bubbly liquid. He handed one to Cedric and kept the other himself. "To Guardia and its forthcoming demise." Damien said, raising his glass in a toast.
"Here, here!" exclaimed Cedric, and the two men clinked glasses and drank the champagne. Their loud laughter that followed resounded throughout the castle as they drew up a written pact between their countries and made their plans. Within six months, the Guardia kingdom would be no more.