29 "I thought you were dead" + Charpocalypse please? Or 47 if you prefer?
29 - “I thought you were dead.”
They bring him in, bound and collared and bruised all over, and drop the boy unceremoniously at his feet. It's not how he expects to see Charles returned to him, since he was crystal clear with his instructions; for his men to locate and retrieve him without delay, and most importantly - in pristine condition.
With a bare nudge of his power, the two guards disintegrate in an instant, floating into piles of dust on the throne room floor.
Charles’ eyes go wide and his body still, as En Sabah Nur steps down from the dias with a relieved sigh, and pulls his wayward Consort into his arms.
“I thought you were dead.”
He can feel the boy shiver, though his eyes are sharp and defiant as he answers, “Yes, that was the point.”
Of course he knows that the death had been staged, and the fire set on purpose to cover Charles’ escape. What he doesn’t understand is--
“Why did you leave, Charles? When you’ve been given everything I have to offer? Have I not loved you, child? Cared for you? Taught you to master your Gift and allow you to rule at my side? What more can I do to make you happy, hmm? Tell me, and I will make it so.”
Charles laughs, high and hysterical, and wrenches himself out of En Sabah Nur’s arms. “You don’t get it, do you? You! You’re a monster! Look at what you just did to those guards! You didn’t even give them a chance to explain!”
He frowns. “They were given instructions they did not follow. I have always been plain with my expectations, Charles. And what I want from those under my rule.”
“You are cruel and a despot, and I can not stand to be in your presence any longer!” Sagging in his arms, Charles blinks back unshed tears and begs, “Kill me, if you will not let me go. Just please don’t make me...don’t make me...”
Collapsing before he can say any more, En Sabah Nur sweeps the boy gently into his arms, and proceeds to carry him back to their quarters. He will find the culprit that poisoned his Consort’s heart against him, and take measures to ensure that it never happens again.
Perhaps he’ll install one of his trusted Horsemen at Charles’ side, until the War with the humans is over.
