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Chapter Text

Dark Cacao was trudging through the snow as fast as he could. The snowstorm that had formed spontaneously had covered Dark Cacaos' vision quickly. He held his arm up near his eyes trying to see through the storm without any luck. He sighed as he kept walking on trying to find his way back to the citadel. He didn't even know when he had left, or the reason for leaving. He paused when he saw what looked like a golden glow in the snow... Dark Cacao approached it cautiously unsure of where this glow was coming from. As he got closer the sight of a pocket watch formed in the golden glow. He stared at it in confusion, before reaching for the pocket watch. As his fingers brushed across the glass of the watch, the gold developed all around him. It was warm, and filled with a breeze as Cacao felt like the air in his lungs had been stolen. He fell to his knees, hand still on the clock as a voice rang all around him. 

"With this catalyst, let time be your savior" 

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Dark Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. He sighed softly sitting up as Affogato entered his bedroom without any warning. Cacao's eyes fell onto the clock on the wall, ticking away. He turned his attention to Affogato who held a cup of tea in his hands. 

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Dark Cacao huffed out softly as he moved his legs over the bed's side and glared at Affogato. 

"What is the meaning of this instruction?" Cacao asked confused as Affogato tilted his head with a smile. 

"Everyone in the castle has left already for the festivities down in the inner city, so I decided to allow you to sleep in." Affogato purred out crossing his arms with a smile. "I brought you, your morning tea as always" Affogato motioned to the table holding the tea. Dark Cacao groaned softly as he took the tea into his hand. He softly shook the glass watching the tea swirl in the cup before taking a long sip. He relaxed at the taste, gently holding the cup in his hands. 

"No work needs to be done today. Why didn't you join in the festival?" Cacao asked out of confusion since Affogato loved all and every eye on him, and any chance to flaunt his position as advisor Affogato took. Affogato chuckled softly as he played with the end of his braid with a finger. 

"Oh I just thought the king needed someone in case his health depleted throughout the day," Affogato said with an almost sickening smile on his face. Dark Cacao nodded softly understanding Affogato's reasons and moved to stand up. He immediately sat down coughing into his hand. When that itchy feeling In his throat persisted he took another chug from the tea. Dark Cacao coughed harder and harder the more he drank. He dropped his cup to the floor and held his throat. He noticed the reddish color appearing in his hand the more he coughed. The panic started to settle into his stomach as he tried to get up and move towards Affogato who only watched with a smile. Dark Cacao fell to his knees coughing hard as his lungs felt like they were burning. He looked up to Affogato who had his arms crossed with one resting on the other, curling his fingers in a wave. 

"Good night my liege" Affogato Purred out as the king's visions blacked out. 

Chapter Text

Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. He shot up fast in his bed as Affogato entered his bedroom without any warning. Cacao stared at the clock on the wall, ticking away before quickly turning his attention to Affogato who held a cup of tea in his hands. 

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Dark Cacao continued to stare at Affogato confused before looking down at the tea on the counter in silent confusion. Affogato gave a confused look at the king as well, before coughing softly and smiling.

"Everyone in the castle has left already for the festivities down in the inner city, so I decided to allow you to sleep in." Affogato purred out crossing his arms with a smile. Dark Cacao finally broke out of his trance and spook. “What?” Cacao said as he looked around his room trying to figure out what could be happening. Affogato stared at the king before sighing.

“I said everyone has already left-”

“No I heard you,” Cacao said softly as he got out of bed, he glanced at the tea on the counter and then back at Affogato. He knew his advisor was devious…not traitorous…but the last words Cacao heard from his advisor was mockery before he…died? Cacao was still confused about this aspect.  

“Then what is with all this confusion my liege? Do you need more rest?” Affogato asked faking care and sympathy. Cacao hummed with a frown before quickly shaking his head.

“Maybe your right…Thank you for the …tea, but I doubt I’ll be drinking it” Cacao mumbled sitting back on his bed. Affogato appeared happy but his Cacao could tell his smile was irritated. 

“Of course my Liege, I can leave in case you decide to drink it,” Affogato said setting the tea down on the counter and moving over to the sensor in the room. “You do seem a bit out to sea” Affogato said as he walked over to the incense holder that was placed upon a dresser near the front of the bed. “How about a relaxing scent to help soothe this mood of yours?” Affogato said as he lit the incense stick and gently set it on the holder. A familiar scent filled the room and Cacao sighed relaxing at the scent. Affogato smiled. “I’ll bring up your breakfast my Liege” Affogato said leaving the room. 

Cacao relaxed laying back in bed. Affogato wouldn't have poisoned him…right? Affogato was a perfect advisor who Cacao deemed extremely loyal… Though he did agree with some of the watchers that Affogaot did seem a bit deceitful. Cacao couldn’t help but relax more and more as the scent engulfed the whole room. He found his eyes were drooping, and his lungs felt heavy. Cacao frowned as he looked around his room, noticing how dizzying the room was getting, and how his vision was slowly fading. Cacao tried to sit up but found his body too weak to move. He glanced to the incense before softly cursing out his own stupidity for not thinking this through. This solidified Cacao's worries about Affogato since it seemed he was trying to kill him. With that final thought, the world faded to black.

Chapter Text

Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. Cacao stayed laying down on the bed with a sigh as he heard Affogato enter his bedroom once again. Cacao turned his head to look at his advisor before his eyes fell on the cup in Affogato's hands.  

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Cacao turned his head away from Affogaot just staring at the ceiling above his head. Affogato frowned, tilting his head to the side as he stared at Cacao.

"Well…Everyone in the castle has left already for the festivities down in the inner city, so I decided to allow you to sleep in." Affogato said sounding a bit nervous. Dark Cacao nodded softly. 

“So they have…Affogato…could I be left alone for a while?” cacao asked turning his head back to look at his advisor. Affogato nodded softly and started his way to the sensor in the room.

“Do not light it.” Cacao said sternly, forcing himself to sit up quickly and sending the hardest death threat he could towards Affogato who froze in his actions.

“Pardon my liege?” Affogato spoke out, before turning to his king with his hands tightly closed together. “I am just lighting and incense to help you-”

“No I am alright. Leave” Cacao demanded as he moved his legs out of the bed, Affogato seemed taken aback but smiled as he slipped his arms into his sleeves and bowed softly. “Of course, my liege” Affogato said softly leaving the room.

Cacao stared at the door for a while, before slowly nodding to himself alone in his room. He was alive… right? Now what? Cacao sighed resting his arms on his thighs and his head in his hands. He wasn’t sure what to do. Did he just thwart Affogato's murderous plans? Did he just have to survive til the end of the day? Cacao rolled his shoulders gently with a groan as he stood up, turning to where his armor stand was. He frowned as he just noticed that it was…empty. Cacao nodded softly before looking back at the door. Did Affogato take his armor? Does this mean Affogato prepared for Cacao to get up? Cacao sighed as he grabbed his brush and started fixing his hair up. 

As he stared into the vanity in his room, brushing through all the knots his hair has created in his sleep, Cacao heard the door open once again. He looked up to Affogato who had peered into the room a bit before glaring and stepping in fully. 

“I just wanted to ask if you would like me to bring your breakfast up,” Affogato asked softly walking up to his normal spot behind Cacao. Cacao frowned as he looked at Affogato through the mirror before shaking his head. “No. It’s fine. I’m not hungry” Cacao mumbled as he set the brush down. 

Cacao didn’t even see Affogato move, he just felt the prick of a needle in his neck. Cacao shot up out of his seat turning around fast to Affogato who backed up fast. Cacao didn’t hesitate to follow Affogato fast, and as soon as he got close enough, slipped his hand into Affogato’s hair and forced him closer. 

“What did you just do.” Cacao snarled out as Affogato hissed out in pain, trying to pry Cacao's hand out of his hair. “What was-..” Cacao felt dizzy as this searing heat poured from the prick wound on his neck. Cacao scowled as his vision started to sway as he let his hand slip out of Affogato's hair. “Di-did you fucking poison me again!?” Cacao yelled as he stumbled on his feet, before looking down at a long but thin needle on the floor. Cacao hissed out before looking at Affogato. “Y-you traitor” cacao felt his words slur as fell to the floor.

Affogato stared at cacao confused before chuckling. “Oh? Again? So you did know I had been slowly poisoning you mmm?” Affogato said kneeling down to cacao with a small smile. “I may be a traitor…but no one will know…So long my liege” Affogato purred out. Cacao stared at Affogato before everything faded to black once again

Chapter Text

Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. Cacao quickly moved off the bed fast as Affogato entered the room. He looked at the king with confusion before it turned to one of panic when Cacao knocked the tea from Affogato’s hand and onto the floor. Affogato looked at Cacao with a glare as he opened his mouth to talk, but Cacao moved his hand to Affogato's mouth covering it.

“I do not want to hear it.” Cacao hissed out as he grabbed Affogato's wrist and spun the advisor around pulling his arm behind Affogato's back. Affogato let out a hiss of discomfort as he struggled against the larger man's hands. 

“What is the meaning of this!? My liege I am not your enemy!” Affogato yelled, keeping his free arm away from the king. Cacao glared watching his body closer to make sure Affogato wasn’t going for anything before tightening his grip on his wrist. 

“Lies.” Cacao only mumbled as he looked around the room for something to tie Affogato’s hands together. He heard Affogato scowl softly before his struggling stopped. 

“My liege, where did you ever get these preposterous ideas?” Affogato said sounding smug now as if he was in control of this situation. Cacao looked back at Affogato with a glare.

“You were going to poison me.” Cacao hissed out as he started to drag Affogato to the curtains on the window, which had a rope tied to them. Affogato hummed confused before looking back to the curtains and panic settled in affogatos face again. Cacao kept a hard grip on Affogatos's wrist as he turned slightly to pull the rope from the curtains. He felt Affogato shift in place, and the sound of Affogato’s fabric moving. Cacao turned quickly, to find that Affogato had seemingly pulled the long thin needle from his right boot, before stabbing it hard into Cacao's calf.

Cacao let out a yell as he let go of Affogato gripping the needle in his leg. Affogato scrambled fast from Cacao, moving to the other side of the room. Cacao scowled as he glared at Affogato. 

“You rea-really think you’ll get away with this?” Cacao snarled out at his Advisor who, still looked scared but wore a smile on his face. 

“Oh…my liege…I already have” Affogato said softly as he watched Cacao move to make his way to Affogato’s side of the room, only to fall to the floor halfway. Cacao reached his hand out to Affogato with a glare.

“Sorry, my liege… but this is meant to be” Affogato purred out as he walked over kneeling beside Cacao. Affogato softly moved some of the hair that had fallen into Cacaos's face back to the side, before giving Cacao a kind smile. “Rest well my king”

Chapter Text

Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. Cacao sighed softly as Affogato entered the room. He moved covering his head with his pillow, but could still that same damned line. 

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Cacao let out a groan to acknowledge Affogato's presence but still stayed under the covers. Affogato hummed softly but decided to not question his king's behavior. Everyone in the castle has left already for the festivities down in the inner city, so I decided to allow you to sleep in." Affogato purred out crossing his arms with a smile. Affogato frowned when he didn’t get a response from Cacao and gently tapped where he thought his kind shoulder would be under the blankets. 

“I would like to get up affogato,” Cacao said softly before sitting up. Affogato nodded softly as he stepped away from the bed, giving Cacao room to move his legs off the bed. He stared at Affogato with caution, as he got up off the bed and made his way to his vanity. He sat down and picked up his brush, He watched Affogato through his mirror, watching his movements carefully. He wasn't about to get stabbed in the back again. 

He continue to brush his hair and got up as soon as Affogato took a step toward him. Affogato seemed thrown off but smiled happily at his king.

“I wish to head downstairs now” Cacao mumbled softly as he fixed his robe tighter around his waist, Affogato hummed with a small nod of his head before turning away to the door and opening it. Cacao nodded his head for Affogato to take the lead, which he did. Cacao followed behind quietly watching every move Affogato ever made. 

He did it…He had made it out of his room! That had to be it…right? There was no more? Affogato didn’t plan for anything else right? Cacao calmed himself down as they approached the stairs. Affogato got out of the way, to let his king go first. Cacao hardly thought about it as he descended the steps. He felt his feet slip on something wet on the stairs, and fell down hard, crashing down into the hard floor. He heard Affogato calling his name, but cacao felt too sick to reply… actually his head and neck really hurt…

Wait a damn minute… Cacao could feel the world turning dark. 

He couldn't fucking believe it…

Chapter Text

    Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. Cacao snarled softly as he moved his hand to the back of his neck and gently rubbed it. He pulled back with a small hiss as he felt a pain blossom there. Odd…was he feeling pain from how he died? Cacao turned his attention to Affogato coming in, the same old cup in his hand, and the same old smile.

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Dark Cacao sighed sitting up slowly with a groan as he looked to Affogato. 

“You alright my Liege?” Affogato asked looking at cacao confused at the pained groan he gave. Dark cacao hummed softly with a nod as he looked at Affogaot with a glare.

“You..oiled the stairs?” Cacao said softly with a scowl. “Why…?” Dark cacao said as he got up off the bed and towered over Affogato. He looked confused and sort of sunk in his form as his smile turned more nervous.

“My Liege what are you talking about?” Affogato questioned looking up to the taller male. Dark Cacao scowled at Affogato before turning away. 

“You snake” Cacao mumbled as he made his way to the door behind Affogato. He could see Affogaot move from the corner of his vision and quickly turned around. He grabbed affogatos wrist hard with a glare but froze seeing his arm was empty and his face was one of shock. 

“M-my Liege…? Calling me a snake? What have I done to condone this beheaviour form you?” Affogato asked as he tried to read Cacaos expression. Cacao sighed softly letting go of Affogatos wrist and opened the door, 

“I just want to head downstairs.” Cacao mumbled softly as he made his way out. Affogato followed behind quietly. They made there way to the stairs and Cacao carefully took the first step, placing his hands on the walls as he descended. At about the 4th step down he heard a small yelp from Affogato who seemed to have slipped on the 1st step. Affogato had caught himself before slipping all the way down on Cacao back and just ask quickly pushed off with a small flsutard. “S-sorry my liege! I have no idea why the stairs are…waxed” Affogato mumbled out as he held onto Cacaos night gown as they headed down the stairs. Dark Cacao hardly gave a response as he finally made it down the stairs. With a heavy sigh of relief, Cacao headed onwards towards the kitchen. As he had gotten into the kitchen he noticed a plate of food on the table. He frowned before turning to face Affogaot who gave a soft smile to him.
    “You’r breakfast my liege crafted all by me” Affogato said with a small bow, as if this was some sort of amazing feat for the advisor. Cacao could only assume that meal was tampered with.

    “No thank you Affogato. I will find my own food “ Cacao said softly as he entered a side room from the kitchen. It was a small little cupboard like room for basic food that could be held on shelfs. Cacao could barely ifit inside, but he wasn’t about to die at Affogatos hand again. Cacao had made one mistake, which was turn his back to Affogato with his guard down. He heard something hit the floor, with a loud sizzle noise, as the door behind him was closed, and locked. Cacao tried his best to turn around, struggling a bit with the tight space. When he finally got to facing the door, this hazey purple smoke was filling the room from the floor. Cacao banged on the door, but with the lack of space, he couldn’t  move enough to gain enough momentum and strength to kncok the door down. His vision got blurry and his cursed loudly, his banging getting weaker. “Affogato…why?” Cacao whispered out before slouching in place, his breathing getting heavier before his vision slowly faded to black. . .

Chapter Text

Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. Cacao groaned loudly as he sat up slowly holding his head. He felt dizzy still, which didn’t seem like a great outcome for dying and coming back to life. He turned his attention to Affogato who smiled as he entered as always holding a tray with tea on it

"Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed. Cacao hummed softly before looking down at the cup of tea and grabbing it. He knew well that it was poisoned and sighed deeply before holding it out to Affogato.

“You always bring me tea, sweet Affogato…It’s a celebration is it not? Why not drink it yourself?” Cacao said softly smiling at Affogato, though he could tell his eyes were anything but kind. In a sick twisted way, he enjoyed the shocked expression on the other's face before the cunning smile returned. 

“Ah my liege I couldn’t possibly! It is our morning routine and would hate to have you without tea on just for some celebration!” Affogato said waving his hand around as if trying to dismiss the idea. 

“My dear Advisor…I insist.” Cacao said standing up to tower over Affogato who only seemed to get more fidgety. “Unless there's something wrong with it?” Affogato seemed to puff his cheeks out in an almost horrified reaction before hiding it quick with a laugh.

“My liege! In a joking matter, today are you?” Affogato said with a smile as he took the cup. “Why would I ever try to poison my dear Liege?” Affogato said softly looking at the cup as if truly examining it. “mmmMmm seems fine by me my liege” Affogato said as he held the cup back at Cacao who hummed in response and shook his head.

“Affogato…who said it was posioned?” Cacao said softly as Affogato became fidgety. His dear Advisor got nervous, flew too close to the sun, and made one mistake. 

“Hahaha Oh I only assumed that's what you feared! My dear Cacao if anything was wrong with the tea you would have drunk it anyway to please me, so not taking a sip I can only assume you thought poison” Affogato quickly recovered from his panic and smiled. “If your so nervous, I can take a sip” Affogato said softly. Cacao gestured his hand to urge Affogaot on. In turn, Affogato put the cup to his lips. As fast as Cacao could he grabbed the cup and Affogatos' chin, pressing his fingers onto the latches of his jaw, and pushing the entire liquid down Affogatos's throat. Affogato stumbled on his feet and closed his eyes hard trying not to choke on the liquid forcing itself down his throat. Cacao pulled off watching as Affogato coughed loudly gasping with air gently before glaring at the king,

“My-my liege!” Affogato sputtered out with a scowl, He wiped at his mouth and turned his head away with a cough. “What is the matter with you?!” Affogato hissed out now looking at the king who stood there almost shocked but seemed relieved. 

“Is…is it over?” Cacao asked softly with a nervous chuckle staring at his advisor who only glared at him. Cacao knew that the poison worked fast on him, and just stared as Affogato caught his breath. Affogato seemed…fine. Just a bit tossed up by Cacao's sudden outburst over the tea. 

“What’s over…?” Affogato coughed out as he moved his hand over his stomach. Was it kicking in?

“You trying to kill me!” Cacao yelled loudly as he watched Affogato scowl out before backing up. He didn’t seem dizzy, or like he was dying, but it seemed his stomach hurt. 

“Where did you get such a silly idea like that..” Affogato groaned out trying to stay confident. Cacao only glared at Affogatos's stature,

“Don’t play with me! I know that tea was poisoned! “ Cacao said softly glaring. “You're even holding your stomach, it is poison!” cacao said sharply pointing at Affogato. Affogato’s hand twitched almost like he was getting ready to grab something, maybe the weapon attached to his ankle? But no Affogato calmly sighed.

“You just forcefully poured hot tea  into me… of course, my stomach is going to hurt!” Affogato rebutted as he turned away. It seemed he wasn’t going to attack him, seeming to understand just what had gone down between the two of them. 

“I know it was poisoned. Affogato …I don’t…” Cacao could feel his walls shattering, that grief and annoyance tearing away at his cold exterior. “For the love of witches why,” Cacao said softly glaring at Affogato who stared at him confused. 

“You…” Affogato was trying to snake his way out of this, Cacao could tell by the look on his face but seemed so confused and unsure. He seemed to want to try again but couldn’t with the pain he was currently feeling from the poison. “How…” Affogato asked glaring at Cacao. Cacao just shook his head before scowling. 

“Anwer me. Why” Cacao asked more of a statement than a question and Affogato seemed reluctant to answer. “Why.”

“You have lost your ways Cacao, this kingdom needs a new lead, a new king” Affogato hissed out glaring. Cacao glared as he took a few steps toward Affogato closing the small distance Afoogato had made. In a panic, Affogato moved to grab the needle from his ankle, and Cacao tackled him hard to the ground. Affogato let out a yelp as he was slammed into the floor by Cacao and stared up at him horrified. 

“My-my liege…” Affogato whimpered out scared for his life now that his arms are pinned to his side. 

“You will leave this castle. Now” Cacao hissed out standing up and pulling Affogato to his feet and forcefully putting his arms behind his back. “You are hereby banished from the kingdom indefinitely.

“M-my liege! If I leave now I will surely die!” Affogato panicked trying to pull away from the king's hard grip.

“Not my problem.” Cacao hissed out pushing Affogato out of the room, down the all, down the very slippery stairs, and to the front gates. He threw Affogato out with a scowl. “Never come back or it will be execution,” Cacao said closing the gates tightly on Affogato's horrified and pained expression. 

Cacao…was free…? Cacao sighed loudly slamming his fist onto the gate before locking it up and turning away. He got to one of the higher wall windows, to watch where Affogato walked off to, and it seemed he had stumbled his way into the forest hopefully to never be seen again. 

Cacao got rid of Affogatos breakfast and sighed making something else to eat. He couldn’t handle this, this new feeling of dread in his life. His advisor…had betrayed him. So many times he had just died and it was over. Cacao tried to get over this bitter feeling rising in him, but it had to be done, Affogato was a traitor to him and the kingdom…who cared if he died outside in the cold and poison. Hell Cacao was sure Affogato would somehow pull through like the cockroach he was. 

It was a rather tiring and lonely day. Cacao had retired to his room for a while cleaning up the cup and any that spilled on the floor. 

It was around late evening, and just before everyone would return to the castle, Cacao sat on his throne waiting for everyone to warn them of Affogato and his betrayal. It was just a moment. One moment that Cacao closed his eyes and that's when he heard it….the small yet sharp gust of wind with the sharp pain blossoming in his chest. Cacao’s eyes snapped open as he jolted in his throat looking down at the arrow in his chest. He gasped loudly in shock before hearing another gust of wind and…

Black…

Chapter Text

Dark Cacao awoke in his bed from a knock on the door. He stared at the ceiling with a shaken breath as he sat up silently looking at the door before it opened revealing Affogato who smiled at Cacao that same traitorous smile. Though Cacao could see this nervous body language on Affogato. 

    “G-Good morning my liege, I'm sorry for interrupting your rest, but you have already slept in," Affogato said softly as he set the tea down on the counter beside Dark Cacaos' bed with slightly shaky hands. Cacao frowned softly before staring at Affogato with a loud sigh and looking away.

    “My dear Affogato…what can I do for you to stop..” Cacao said softly staring at Affogato with a soft sob which caused Affogato to stare taken aback. 

    “My Lieg-” Affogato started but Cacao just growled putting his head into his hands.

    “Shut it Affogato. What can I do to stop you from betraying me and this kingdom” Cacao laid it out flat for the advisor. Hoping he wouldn’t get any more lies and have a straightforward conversation with the Advisor. Affogato looked confused before laughing softly.

    “Oohohoho my liege! What has gotten into you? I have nothing but undying loyalty to this kingdom!” Affogato retorted with a smile, though Cacao could now easily hear the deceitfulness Affogato hide in those words.

    “Lies” Cacao said sharply as he got up from the bed. “This has been…a week's worth of deaths, over and over again,” Cacao said falling to his knees now in front of Affogato cookie. He felt so..weak and powerless. “Please…” Cacao begged him bowing his head

    “What…” Affogato mumbled softly staring at Cacao with a frown. He stares at Cacao before kneeling down to Cacao but still far away. “What do you mean…a week?” Affogato said looking at Cacao with a confused look on his face before tilting his head. 

    “I have been killed…for 7 days…every time by you…” Cacao mumbled putting his head on the floor. “Just..stop, please…I need a break please..” Cacao asked looking up from the floor to Affogato who stared down at Cacao in what appeared to be a confused disgust.

    “My…leige…Are you…in some sort of time loop?” Affogato asked confused as Cacao nodded his head quickly. 

    “Hah. Some odd joke you’d be pulling on me..” Affogato said softly as he stood up taller. 

    “No! You’ve poisoned the tea! Have poisoned smoke bombs, traps all around the castle, and these needles at your ankles, and- “ The king sighed taking in a deep breath. Affogato blinked before nodding softly. 

    “Alright…fine I believe you…what have you done so far to avoid this all?” Affogato asked softly. Cacao stared at him unsure of what to say before sighing loudly and sitting on his knees resting his hands on his knees.

    “I…just made it to the end of the day…” Cacao said softly as he stared at Affogato who frowned deeply.

    “How about this…if you find yourself in a time loop….tell me Velvet roses,” Affogato said softly.

    “W-what..” Cacao said softly confused. Looking up at Affogato who smiled softly. 

    “Oh dear Cacao, in the meantime, leave. ” Affogato said softly smirking darkly down at the fallen king. 

    “P-Pardon..” Cacao said softly frowning at Affogato.

    “I want you to leave this castle…if you do, you won't die and the time loop might reset” Affogato purred as he moved back to the door. “Do that…and maybe you’ll be free” Affogato said softly turning his head back to the king. Cacao started at Affogato horrified before nodding slowly.

 “Please...Affogato “ Cacao said softly as he moved to his feet tiredly. “Please…let me stay until this evening..I need rest..please” Cacao said softly frowning. His mind was haze, he could barely understand why he was just giving up. If his people knew they would be devastated. He looked to Affogato with a frown. 

"Hopefully this solves your little took Loop issue, and you live the rest of you pathetic life somewhere far form here" Affogato said softly as he brushed his gown off and moved to leave. 

"Meet me at the back gates…  we'll let you slip out so no one sees you" Affogato purred out. "If you try anything funny my Liege I'll have no other choice then to kill you once more" Affogato said seeming to believe the time loop idea Cacao has had. Cacao swallows hard as the door closes leaving him alone in his room. . . 

Cacao didn't eat, barely rested at all just thinking about leaving his kingdom. Knowing full well he had given up… and the idea of dyeing again was torture enough… he looked out the window to his kingdom for what he would assume the last time as king before very tired my making his way down the stairs, carefully off course though they seemed to have been cleaned up.  Cacao was still trying to decide to attack Affogato, to protect his kingdom and his title. He arrived at the back gate entrance and waited… 

And waited… 

Cacao hummed softly as he looked around the room with a frown. Where was Affogato… Cacao wondered if something scared that traitorous snake somewhere else…  he took his leave heading to the little office room Affogato had begged for as a private study. As he approached he saw the rooms door ajar…  he walked into the room and hummed. 

"Affoga-" Cacao voice caught in his throat clearly seeing the advisor was… no longer alive. A rope tightly wrapped around his neck. Cacao back out with a confused and shocked expression unsure of how to process this, before feeling a knife at his throat, with a fluid swipe and a dazed king, there was no fighting back. Cacao had let his guard drop once again. 

Cacao choked as he fell to the ground holding his hand to his throat. What… What did this mean… 

There was someone else trying to kill him as well…  Cacao tried to look at the intruder but frowned only seeing black garb. Before the rest of the world faded to dark… 

Chapter Text

(AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. JUST a reminder! This is hardly edited and I have no beta reader! Good luck)

Cacao awoke in bed. There was no knock on this door. He slowly came into consciousness on his body of free will. With a slight groan, Cacao sat up with a frown and looked around the room. He felt like something was wrong, and with a quick motion, Cacao got up from his bed, threw on his bed robe, and headed out of his room. The hall was empty, lonely, and cold. No sign of the traitrous Advisor...

"Affogato?" Cacao asked softly as he walked down the hall, carefully looking behind him as he made his way to the advisors room. As he approched it he gently knocked on the door...

"Don't come in" Affogatos voice hissed through the door, sounding hoarse. Cacao frowned being taken aback by how terrible Affogato sounded, but nonetheless opened the door and looked in. Affogato yelped and stepped back from his mirror, turning his body away from Cacao. Though it had't stooped Cacao from seeing the deep bruise that had formed on Affogatos neck. Cacao stared at the back of Affogatos head for second before approaching.

"Affogato what happened?" cacao asked, though he thought he mya already know the answer, he prayed he was wrong.

"I...I don't know. Woke with it" Affogato said softly, his hands coming to play with his hair infront of him where his braid would be. "I'm sorry my leige...I wasn't there to wake you." Affogato said softly before turning to his mirror again and touching the bruise. Cacao stared at him for a second before closing Affogatos door and dragging his drawer in front of it. Affogato frowned and watched with a curious glare. "Excuse you," Affogato said crossing his arms.

"We need to talk" Cacao said softly as he finished pushing the drawer in front. He looked to Affogato before approaching him. "Uh ah" Cacao frowned softly as he grabbed Affogato's shoulders and stared at him.

"About what?" Affogato said softly with a frown. "I..." Affogato frowned looking to Cacao neck before reaching a hand up. Cacao flinched back at the touch and frowned looking to the mirror and seeing what had caught Affogatos attention. There on his neck was a scar, long and deep. Cacao tighten his grip on Affogato as he stared at it with a scowl.

"About that." Cacao said softly as he turned his eyes back on Affogato with a frown. "I woke up with this..but really didn't," Cacao said as he watched Affogatos eyes fill with confusion. "It happened... I got... attacked"Cacao said sternly. "So did you... but you were dead dead"

"Ahaha what" Affogato said with a frown now. "My liege that is absurd. Whatever got you into this mood can't be healthy" Affogato said with a scowl.

"No no, listen to me uh" Cacao frowned as he turned his head in thought trying to remember the words Affogato had said if he were caught in another loop. "I'm looping, in a loop, possibly? I must be? Uh Vel....uh velvet roses...?" Cacao said unsure if that was even right. He knows it's a loop since he's not dead, but Affogato also didn't wake him. He looked into Affogatos eyes and blinked at the shocked expression on Affogatos face.

"Really?" Affogato said softly. "Your in a time loop?" Affogato asked softly with a frown. Cacao sighed happily and let go of Affogatos shoulders with relief.

"Oh thank the witches," Cacao said stepping back and leaning against the wall before sliding down. "Yes! I don't even remember what loop this is!" cacao said with a frown before glaring at Affogato. "You have been killing me!?" Cacao said standing back up quickly and glaring at his advisor. Affogato pursed his lips before smiling awkwardly with a small shrug.

"Well that's behind us now isn't it" Affogato said nervously with a laugh. Though the laugh was cut off when Affogato saw how serious Cacao looked and he took a precautionary step back. "Okay...I can see this is terrible...oh my why have you told me" Affogato said softly with a frown.

"Someone else...is also killing me" Cacao said softly with a scowl before starting to pace in Affogatos room. Affogato frowned looking at Cacao before giving off a small chuckle. "I'm sorry my liege, but someone else is also trying to kill you?" Affogato said with a sly smile on his face. "Here I thought you were the most beloved king" Cacao gave a glare to Affogato but said nothing as he thought longer on who might be attacking him.

Cacao frowned as he thought about the ways he died. Anything revolving Affogato was mostly posion, while the other was using weapons from the Cacao watchers. Cacao froze as he thought it over before a new fear washed over him. It couldn't be...right? He looked to Affogato who tilted his head confused. "I believe...maybe a watcher?" Cacao said softly as he watched Affogatos expression change from it's typical calm expression to one of confusion. "I'm sorry, but I doubt it. The watchers are your most loyal assets my liege. I doubt they would have any bad blood with you" Affogato said softly as he crossed his arms. "That's what I'm worried about...who knows the motive" Cacao mumbled as he leaned his back on the door rubbing his temple with his thumb and finger.

"Could it be dear Caramel? She was devastated when you denounced Dark Choco from the kingdom. If I can hide my deceit from you with a smile, maybe she can hide her aswell" Affogato said softly. "Don't" Cacao said quickly, moving his body from the door. "Don't you dare even suggest her" Cacao said with a hiss and pointing a finger at Affogato. Affogato huffed softly as he shrugged. "It was merely a suggestion my liege" Affogato said with a sigh and a roll of his eyes. He walked to his window and opened it up with a hum. "No one else gets back until this evening..." Affogato mumbled as he looked outside for a moment before turning back to the king. Cacao seemed upset now. "What now?"

"I was only killed in the evening..." Cacao said softly frowning as he thought it over in his head."Somone... someone may have come back from the celebration early...in the evening....it.." Cacao scowled as he looked to Affogato. "It has to be a watcher..."

Chapter Text

“You're absolutely sure it could have been a watcher?” Affogato asked with a tilt of his head as he closed the window in his room now. “Which watcher could it even be?” Affogato mused as he now fully turned his body to the king. In response, the king hummed trying to rack his brain through any and all watchers who could, possibly be upset with him. “Clearly I don’t know Affogato.” Cacao hissed out as he started to pace the room back and forth. “There highly trained in archery, like most watchers, but also sneak”, Cacao said, he paused seeing Affogato counting on his fingers. “What are you doing?” Cacao asked with a tilt of his head at Affogato who seemed confused but smiled at his king. “I”m counting out how many watchers are trained in stealth and archy. It’s 12” Affogato said gently moving all 10 fingers in the air slowly. Cacao sighed and slid his hand down from his forehead to his chin. “You kept watch on what each watcher was skilled in?” Cacao asked curious on Affogato knew about said watchers. “Well of course! I needed to know which watchers were competent enough to handle certain tasks…and which ones to avoid” Affogato said softly, the last bit turning into a whisper, as if embarrassed. Cacao sighed and shook his head softly before grabbing Affogato's shoulders tightly.

“Skilled in weapons, lean figure, knows the castle inside and out,” Cacao said softly now as he looked Affogato in the eyes. “Can you list how many fall into that category?” Cacao asked softly watching as Affogato started to fall deep in thought counting out again. “I would say… 4, my liege,” Affogato said softly. “Carmel for one, the second watcher, Sour cream, and Bittersweet” Affogato said softly with a smile. “Hopefully we can knock the first two off see-” Affogato was squashed by Cacao who quickly placed his hand over the advisor's mouth. “No. Were not giving anyone slack, it could still be the” Cacao said, his anxiety creeping out of him like an overwhelming darkness threatening to consume him if he faltered once. Affogato frowned and with a look of doubt in his eyes gave a small sigh and nodded slowly. “Fine fine, your right, my apologies my liege. Anyone of them could” Affogato said softly and watched as the king looked back at Affogato with a glare. “Your proof of it” Cacao hissed out and stepped back starting to pace the room again.

“Actually while we have this moment, Affogato why?” Cacao asked looking to Affogato who’s expression turned dark as he glared at Cacao. “Oh come now, this isn’t fair. The dead aren’t supposed to ask questions” Affogato mumbled as he crossed his arms. “I wanted a peaceful ruling,” Affogato said as he rolled his eyes and looked at Cacao. “What else is there my liege? I wanted your crown. Your throne, the power” Affogato said softly, watching the king closely to make sure the king wasn’t going to lunge at him from afar. Cacao’s expression was hard to read before he glared at Affogato and took on a rather aggressive stance. “That’s what this was all about? My throne? The kingdom?” Cacao asked with a shout. “You had everything Affogato?! You threw away everything for that!? You greedy, selfish, snake” Cacao yelled watching as Affogato took a more defensive stance with a nervous smile. “Oh pardon me, but it seems my plan doesn’t work out” Affogato motioned to everything in the room and then his neck. “So technically I haven’t done anything yet!” Affogato yelled out, he regretted it when the king easily slammed Affogato into his wall, the window’s shutters bursting open and letting in a cold breeze that bit at Affogotas neck. “Wait wait wait! My liege doesn’t let your anger consume you! Currently, I am your ally!” Affogato yelled grabbing onto Cacao's shoulders fast in panic, his eyes meet Cacaos and his fear only grew. “And how long until you aren’t my ally? How long until you betray me again Affogato” Cacao said with a hiss as he moved Affogato over to the window now, pushing him against the open window. Affogato yelped, his hands faltering off the king's shoulder as he moved them to the window ledge to hold on. “I won’t! My liege! Please do not push me!?” Affogato yelled in fear of what the king was planning. “This won’t solve your issue!” Affogato said sharply as he watched the king think it over for a bit. “What if it does? What if getting rid of you myself fixes it?” Cacao asked softly, his anger still prominent in his eyes, but no longer his tone. Affogato gave a nervous chuckle as he seemed to think it over trying to find an excuse to not be pushed out of the window. “Wel,l what if it doesn’t? What if you just die again, and again!” Affogato said softly feeling the king shift his weight, getting ready for something, and Affogato feared the worst. “ Then it restarts and I get to try again,” The king said softly.

“What if it doesn't?” Affogato said quickly as he felt Cacao move, picking his legs up and sitting Affogato on the edge of the window. “What if you only have a select few chances?! You need all the help you can get!” Affogato stated as he dug his nails inot the wall, flinching at the pain it produced. Cacao seemed to take this into account and paused, looking Affogato in his eyes, looking deep into Affogatos trying to read him, to figure him out. To see if he could trust his advisor even for a bit until this was all over. “You swear you won’t try to kill me while we figure this out… together?” Cacao asked softly with a scowl on his face as if threatening Affogato to pick the right choice.

“Of course my liege! As advisor and king!”

Cacao nodded and pushed Affogato out of the window.

Chapter Text

The wind blew hard against Affogato's form as he dangled from the window. A tight grip was suffocating the blood around his left wrist as he stared up at the king, his eyes unmoving and uncaring. He isn’t fast enough to pull Affogato back up in his opinion, but eventually Affogato was back in his room. He looked at the king horrified his left wrist still encased by the king as he pulled him away from the window and to the door. “That was a warning” The king hissed out with a glare directed to the advisor. He slowly moved the dresser away from the door and turned to Affogato who still seemed shocked. “We're going to figure out what is going on” Cacao said sternly as he settled the dresser down back in it’s original home in Affogato's room.

“Don't ever do that again” Affogato mumbled softly watching the King closely and with a nervous twitch in his body langue. The king grumbled softly before looking over with a sigh and nod. He opens the door to Affogatos room and hummed. “Fine, but no promises.” The king huffed as they left the room. Affogato followed his king at some distance behind him, which only seemed to stress Cacao out more. They followed against the right wall, down the stairs. With one look Cacao could tell it was oiled. He scoffed before frowning and looking to Affogato. “You never left your room today right…?” Cacao said with a curious frown towards Affogato who nodded. ‘You never oiled the stairs?” Cacao mumbled softly confused fully now as he turned to Affogato. “Oiled the- what kind of assassin do you take me for?” Affogato scoffed with annoyance at the idea that Cacao thought o him as some fool. Cacao nodded slowly before looking to the step, and looking at Affogato. “Let’s actually go down the south stairs,” Cacao said walking past Affogato who nodded and followed the king to the south stairs. They weren't grand and were a tiny cramped space and Cacao had some difficulty going down with his larger frame, Affogato, not so much. They finally made it down the stairs ending up near the kitchen, more then likely these were the stairs Affogato would take to make his tea and seat the traps…

With a look around the kitchen, everything seemed normal. Nothing seemed out of place as the two made their way around the Castle keeping an open mind. After a bit Affogato sighed softly as they passed through the side rooms attached to the throne rooms once again. “I haven’t seen anything about of place my liege, no other footsteps, no missing weaopnary from the armour stands, and decore of the walls” Affogato mumbled crossing his arms in thought. “But that isn’t to say they don’t have access to the weapons in the wall for the watchers.” Affogato mumbled as he watched the king pace around. “Maybe we in turn could set a trap?”
“A trap?”

“Yes! Where would the king be seated the most? The throne room. Let’s say we set you up in your throne room, a magic circle to capture whoever it is, is trying to assassinate you. “ Affogato said as he walked up to his king and gently rested a hand on his arm. “I am sure we’ll figure this out” His voice was soft, smooth as it always has been, and it made Cacao feel safe. It was odd knowing this man had tried killing him countless times, yet here he was fine with his touch. Though Affogato was weak, and would be the last person anyone should choose to protect them, that feeling of safety remained. He nodded and gently took Affogatos hand off his arm and gently moved it back to his side, he tightens his grip on Affogatos's hand before letting go trying to show he appreciated the gesture. Affogato smiled seemming to understand what Cacao had been trying to convey. With that Affogato turned to the door and opened the doors leading to the throne room.

The sound of an arrow flew through the air past the creaking of the door opening.