Chapter 4: Bait

  The stifling heat and humidity of the outdoors fades away in the refreshing, lively atmosphere of the auction hall. Simon loves this place. There is something about spending vast amounts of money on ancient Ria Lima artifacts and relics that brings him pride and puts a smile on his face. Currently, there is a one of a kind kaleidoscope from the distant past that is up for auction.

  Simon sits high up in one of three exclusive, luxury booths overlooking the entirety of the arena beneath him and giving him a dominating advantage in bidding. He sees Loid Ferguson sitting the adjoining booth, adorned in his fluffy mink overcoat and flashing his massive ruby and diamond rings - a worthy adversary. Simon has bid against him a number of times since arriving in Ria Lima from Krystonia, his homeland. Loid isn’t going to win this one. Simon is determined: This kaleidoscope is his.

  Simon wears a puffy black wig to cover up his aging bald spot, matching his exotic vortex eagle feathered tunic with his silky smooth black trousers that reflect the overhead lights, as does his opulent jewelry.

  His big nose curves slightly to one side, and his eyes are black and sunken into his pudgy face.

  Simon is not a handsome man; his face has a roughness that mirrors his personality - yet he and his race of humans are far superior to all others. But, felinas are special in their own way. They are gorgeous and elegant, agile and resilient.

  “Do I hear five hundred thousand rubies?” The auditor’s voice suddenly cuts through Simon’s thoughts.

  He raises the numbered picture attached to a piece of beautiful maple wood, gaining the bid. Loid then says, "One million ruby!”

  The crowd gasps and Simon rolls his eyes. The audacity of this buffoon.

  “One point five million ruby!” Counters Simon.

  After a moment of silence, the auditor bangs his gavel on his lectern and shouts “Sold!” Glancing below him, Simon sees rows of guards searching through the milling crowds and those gathered at their seats.

  Just then, one of Simon’s five bodyguards taps him on the shoulder and whispers into his ear, "The queen needs you… There is a problem of great concern.”

  Simon lets out an irritated sigh. ”What does she want?”

  “Something has happened to Jak.”

  “Oh, well I shall head there post haste - after I reclaim my reward!”

  ***

  Cradling his newly procured treasure, Simon walks through the main gate of the Blue Palace into a state of absolute chaos.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “What did that troublesome cat do this time?” He muses to himself.

  Of course… he knows, but he won’t even admit that to himself. Logically and methodically, everything has been orchestrated perfectly.

  All according to plan…

  Simon makes his way up the stairs, down the hall and up another set of stairs, where he hears a woman crying hysterically, screaming Jak’s name and blaming the instructors for losing her.

  Yes… Feel the loss, you bitch!

  “Simon! Where have you been? Collecting more of my culture to put on your pathetic shelves to stare at all day!?”

  Beyond the present moment, queen Selena Rory is a beautiful felina, with her long, soft black tail and her big, fluffy ears, with a caramel complexion and bright green eyes.

  She may be beautiful, but ever since losing her youngest daughter a couple of years ago, Selena has become increasingly more and more unstable and chaotic.

  She is a failure of a queen and a mockery of all felinas.

  Simon clears his throat, hands the kaleidoscope off to one of his bodyguards and asks calmly, "What happened, my queen?”

  “Jak’s lessons were scheduled to have a physics class earlier, but she never showed up. She is missing. Someone has stolen her from me!”

  Simon releases a long breath before ordering the guards, "Take a dozen men and survey her favorite places within the forest. She is easily recognizable, so if she is seen, we will know.

  Then he turns to Selena, asking, "Is that acceptable, my queen?”

  “Uh… yeah, yes. Thank you, Simon.”

  The queen falls upon her bed, wiping away tears, before continuing, "I knew I could count on you for direction. I can’t lose her too, Simon. I don’t think I could make it if something happened to my only baby.”

  “Do not fear, your highness! You can count on me…”

  ***

  The crowd has blossomed into quite a melee. Felinas gather as they await Simon’s speech, largely discussing his plans for the restoration of ancient Ria Lima sights and artifacts, as well as the queen’s distaste for such a thing. Most felinas want to see what Ria Lima was like before Arkana’s reign, yet some view the whole thing a lofty expense; They desire, rather, to focus on expanding into the forests for more businesses and hotels.

  Selena hates the idea of encroaching upon the wilderness more than they already have. Simon couldn’t care less. He only cares for how Ria Lima used to be. The elegance. The purity. Perfection.

  Simon is uneasy, for he expects resistance, but he trusts his men will take care of it. Anonymous tips only take you so far…

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…” introduces the announcer, “Simon Luther!”

  Simon plasters his usual agreeable smile onto his face as he walks out from behind the curtain and onto the main stage. There must be hundreds out there!

  “Hello, my fellow Rians! First, I wish to announce our newest addition to our excavated land within the deep forest to the south. The ancient felina king and hero Xero Canin’s pyramid was discovered last month and the artifacts within will be in the Azule Museum shortly. I expect great things from my excavation team, so you should too! Any questions?”

  Hands shoot up all around, yet one person immediately peaks his interest, for she wears a mask. No. Not just a mask. The mask.

  Simon motions to his men, and before she can put her hand down she is tackled to the ground and placed in handcuffs.

  “Why are you arresting me?” Io exclaims, her blonde hair dirtied by the ground upon being tackled.

  “Silence, assassin. Your words mean nothing. Take her to the catacombs for interrogation!”

  “Forgive me, my friends,” announces Simon, readjusting his attention back to the crowd as Io gets hauled away. “Any other questions?”

  “What the fuck is going on?” Asks Io, bewildered.