Challenge of the Week #56: Write the beginning of a story about a tyrannical king who threatens the entire realm. The most masterfully written piece, as voted and determined by the Prose team, will be crowned winner and receive $100. Quality beats quantity, always, but numbers make things easier for our judges, so share, share, share with friends, family, and connections. #ProseChallenge #getlit #itslit

The Cup-bearer

I closed my eyes as his steps echoed closer and closer: The clank of his golden-heeled shoes, the rotten-peach grin. I could feel his hands at my shoulders, at my sack-cloth shirt, pulling me up. I coughed, looking away.

He handed me a cup of wine. If it was laced with poison, I would die. Usually this job is honored, but not sought after. Mine was neither of them. I was treated like dirt and forced to risk dying every week.

I took a sip of the wine. Its bitter sweetness stung my tongue and burnt down my throat. The King watched anxiously.

My eyesight blurred slightly. Everything slowed down, then sped up. I heard an angry roar as I fell to the ground.

I closed my eyes as he held my face in his hands.

"Toby.... I never told you.... you're my son..."

His face disappeared in shards of gold and red as I fell into oblivion.