I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
George Cooper walked through the streets of the Lower City, Corus, wondering about why he had accepted the pardon and title from Jon. He was a street boy, from the moment his mother had been cast from the temple. And these had been his streets.
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
He had lived for the thrill of watching fear cloud his opponent's face, and toy with them as they made sloppy mistakes. His first true moment of glory, as he watched the old Rogue fall to the floor, bloody and lifeless. The Dancing Dove had been silent, and then the celebrations began, as they cheered on the new King of the Court of the Rogue.
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand
But then Claw had come. He had bought out or blackmailed George's people into turning their backs on him. The Court of the Rogue wasn't the place it had been, where honest folk could buy protection from them. Now it was what all the legends made it out to be: a wild rebellion, formed by thugs who ruled by knives.
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
Now all George could do was trust in those he could, and those Rispah felt she could. Those who had fought him were now on his side. His former enemies and him were now connected by their mutual hatred of Claw, because the acid-marked man was destroying everything they had been taught to believe in.
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
He had been a honest Rogue, or at least as honest as he could be. After all, he was the King of Thieves. He knew that with power, came responsibility, and when he was responsible, he had to protect his people. And that meant telling quite the number of lies over the years.
It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become
Above his head, George heard a muffled thump. He jumped, two knives out, looking for the source. It was a woman in a window, who had worked at the Dove for years, but had found a new place recently. She stared down at him, pity showing for him in her eyes and face. He turned away; he didn't want their pity.
Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?
George had been realizing for a while that being King of Thieves wasn't all that great. He couldn't steal what he wanted, and he had to keep his standing with his kingdom. He was a puppet of his people, doing what they wanted. Until they pushed him too far. Then they got to see his interesting collection.
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Being the Rogue hadn't been all it was cracked up to be. No, it was more. So, so much more than anyone could ever guess, and now George Cooper couldn't believe he was leaving.
A/N: Hey, I'm back! I know it's been awhile since i published a story, and I thought of this in English class one day as I was zoning out. I've edited it a bit since I first published it. Hope you like it!
Love, AbjectTerror
DISCLAIMER: Does it look like I own any of the genius that is Tamora Pierce OR Viva La Vida by Coldplay. HA! I wish!