TWD ~ Daryl + Reader ~

The King's Decree

Unlike Jesus who has ventured to the Kingdom many times, you had only been within its borders twice. During both of those times, the people welcomed you with open arms and so did King Ezekiel. 

In the weeks that Negan wouldn't visit you, you would beg Jesus to let you come and see your friends that resided within the Kingdom's walls, Shiva included. It was like its own world. A world where you didn't have to worry about the walkers lurking outside or the saviors bursting through its gate whenever they wanted. You found it nice and comforting, but you also knew that it was one giant lie that King Ezekiel was keeping from his people and you didn't approve of that. 

Though, in the seconds of joy that you feel as the two guards from the Kingdom rides towards, reminds you of the first times you and Jesus came to this place. Richard, as always, rides his horse in silence with his eyes as cold as ice. Alvaro, on the other hand, rides with his hand always on his sword ready to use at any moment, and when he sees unfamiliar faces he pulls it out at the ready.

"Who dares trespass on the sovereign land of the-" But as they ride closer the act drops and so does Alvaro's sword. "Oh shit. Jesus, is that you?" Jesus lightly smiles and holds his hand up to say hello.

When the horses stop beside the vehicle and Richard looks around at the unfamiliar faces he asks, "Who are all these people, Paul?" 

"Hi, Richard." Jesus almost sighs as he takes a few steps towards Richard, "Nice to see you."

"It's good to see you, too." He breathes, waiting for his initial question to be answered. When Jesus doesn't come forth with the answer Richards says, "You're friends, who are they?"

"This is Rick Grimes." Jesus motions to Rick then turns his attention back towards Richard, "He's the leader of a like-minded community." Jesus starts to motion to the Durango, "These are some of his people. We would like to request an audience with King Ezekiel."

 Richard slowly and sturdily drops down from his horse and walks around it with his gun in hand.  "Get out of the car." 

You walk to stand beside Jesus and you feel Richard's eyes on you as you do so. 

"You say they're a like-minded community." His eyes flicker from you to Jesus, "Like-minded how?"

"We live, we trade, we fight the dead." Jesus smirks at him.

"And others." You breathe.

"Yes, and sometimes we fight others." 

Richard gives you and Jesus both stern looks, he knows exactly who the 'others' are.

"Line up." 

All of the people from Rick's group start to line up in a row, ready for what comes next, except for Daryl.

"Okay. This is a waste of time. Come on. Let's go." Daryl turns back to the car, expecting the others to follow him. But Richard's next words stop him.

"Maybe you're right, but the King is a busy man. And it's a dangerous world." You watch as Richard stares dagger towards Daryl, and Daryl does it right back, even when he's slightly standing within the line of his people. "We don't usually allow a pack of strangers to waltz through our doors." Richard states as he brushes his eyes over all of them.

"We want to make the world less dangerous," Michonne speaks up from where she's standing at the head of the Durango, "and we are here to show the King how serious we are about that."

Richard nods a few times as if he really cares what she's saying. "The car stays outside, and you gotta hand over your guns." 

"We only have two." Rick says with no hassle. He looks to Carl who has the other gun and nods to him, saying it's alright to give it. Carl pulls his gun out and hands it to Richard after he takes Rick's.