Chapter 14
There was something every ruler knew when it came to their position. They would eventually lose their power and status. It was only a matter of when and how they would lose it. Death? Coup d'état? Revolution of the common people? Any combination of the three?
That half-blooded brother of his was still out there. Luckily the princess was currently locked away in the tower and he sent a threat to kill her if the prince tried to pull another stunt. Though something was still amiss and he couldn't determine where the feeling stemmed from.
These thoughts plagued the king's mind as he sat in the office with a cup of tea in one hand. The office had to be repainted soon as the murals were becoming faded and paint peeled in certain areas. The depictions of people crowding a large elaborate building and lots of greenery. His eyes couldn't help but wander to the figure that represented the king on the mural.
"Ritthirong."
Very few people were allowed to address the king by name. He lifted his head and saw who it was. His most trusted servant greeted him with her hands pressed together and her head lowered. She seemed calm and even had her eyes closed but Ritthirong knew better.
"What is it, Charunee?"
She slowly raised her head as she opened her eyes. "The last white elephant has died, your highness."
Before Charunee could meet the king's gaze, there was a distinct sound of a ceramic being smashed. She eyed the area where the cup was shattered and the tea was dripping down the wall, taking some of the paint with it.
"Your highness, please refrain from ruining the walls. The murals may need to be redone but damaging them further will only be harder to bring them back to original form."
The king only scowled angrily as his mind was still focused on the news. "How did it die? How did all five elephants die during my reign?"
"It seemed it was due to natural causes this time. It was an older elephant after all."
"Ugh," The king rubbed a temple with a finger. If the royal court had no white elephants then it would look poorly on him. "Does anyone else know of this?"
"Only the mahout, sire."
The king can only vaguely remember the elephant caretaker. He would see him with the elephants doing the morning routines but he would have trouble getting them to worship his own image. They were probably too used to worshiping the old painting of his late father but it didn't matter anymore.
"Does he speak much?"
"He cannot speak since he is mute. That's probably why he enjoys his time with the elephants so much."
"Guess I won't have to execute him then." Ritthirong glanced at an area of the mural where the depictions of people were. "Perhaps he can take a vacation. Spend time with his friends and family. Do tell him that if he tries to communicate this news via writing or any other means, he will face severe consequences."
"Wonderful idea your highness." Charunee bowed her head once more and the king nodded mindlessly.
"Have there been any white elephants offered?"
"None of good quality, your highness."
"I don't care if the elephants being offered are considered low quality. If the public finds out that all the white elephants have died under my reign..."
"Understood your majesty."
The last sign of prosperity and luck had left with the white elephant's passing. If the common people learned that there are none left, they may suspect and even question the king's rule. If they began to revolt, then all of his hard work would go to waste.
He let out a sigh and looked at Charunee. She had her eyes closed again and he gave her a wary look.
"Do you have any other news for me?"
"There have been sightings of the disgraced prince near the borders of the country. We suspect that he fled to another country to avoid retribution."
A fire lit in the king's eyes. It has been so long since he had seen his brother. The mere mention of his existence just made him furious.
"Hm, guess we can't do anything about that unless we want to provoke the neighbouring country. Unless..." His voice trailed off causing Charunee to look at him with interest.
"What do you have in mind, sire?"
He chuckled as he stroked his chin with a hand. It was fortunate that he had put his darling sister in a tower but the timing wasn't right. At least not now.
"Nothing just yet. Give me some more to think and I'll give you the full details when I'm ready."
"Yes, your highness."
"You are dismissed."
Charunee gave a final bow before crawling away to the exit.
The king sat alone in the office one more, this time with a ghost of a smile.