A Royal Obligation
Chapter 174: I Deserve to Know

Chapter 174: I Deserve to Know

A stunned silence settled over the room, each face frozen in a mixture of shock and apprehension as they tried to absorb the implications of his words. Queen Morgana gasped softly, her hands trembling as they tightened around Cedric’s arm.

"No... no, that can’t be," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. Her eyes searched those of her husband, her expression betraying a desperate hope that someone would counter Theron’s revelation, dismiss it as a terrible misunderstanding.

But the king, too, looked troubled, his jaw clenched in thought, Cedric’s expression turned dark, a ripple of concern mixing with anger. They twins exchanged uneasy glance, their minds churned with questions and fears they hadn’t dared to voice.

"What do you mean?" Cedric and King Xavian both demanded at once, their voices sharp and probing. The room tensed further, eyes shifting between Theron and the queen, waiting for an answer.

Theron’s gaze drifted from his mother to his father and uncle, his face pale yet determined. He took a measured breath before explaining. "Everything inside that house was... left as if the occupants had simply vanished. Thick dust covered every surface. It looked like no one had been there for a very long time. Nothing was even packed, as if they’d left in a hurry... or never planned on returning."

Cedric clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "You’re saying there’s no trace of Sadiki’s mother either?"

Theron nodded, the frustration evident in his voice. "I spoke with some of their neighbors, and they claim it’s been over a year since they last saw her. They didn’t know where she went, and they’ve had no word from Sadiki himself. It seems he stopped visiting as well."

A shiver ran through the room, as the implications of his words settled on each of them. The twins exchanged another glance, both visibly shaken.

Julian cursed under his breath, while Lucian’s gaze grew dark with suspicion. "So Sadiki’s been living a lie, leading us to believe his mother was around?" Julian muttered.

King Xavian’s expression hardened with resolve as he signaled to his guard. "Summon the council. We need answers, and we need them now."

---

Not long after, the council gathered, filling the great hall with murmured conversations and anxious glances. Tension filled the space like a tangible weight as members took their seats.

They’ve all heard and knew of the weight pressing on their kingdom, the turmoil that threatened to undo them if left unchecked.

King Xavian was the first to speak, his voice laced with determination. "As you all know, this situation grows more complicated by the hour. Eirik’s kidnapping, combined with what we’ve learned of Sadiki, raises grave concerns. We’re looking at something much larger than a simple betrayal."

Soon enough, voices began to fill the room as opinions quickly divided. Some argued that Prince Eirik’s kidnapping could only be part of a larger conspiracy, an orchestrated plan aimed at destabilizing the kingdom and plunging them into chaos. Others leaned toward a more personal vendetta, whispering of grudges and political rivalries that had smoldered for generations.

"How do we know it’s not Zephyros they’re targeting?" one councilor muttered darkly. "After all, they’ve had no shortage of enemies since the enjoyed waging war to get what they want. We all know that an alliance between our kingdoms might be a threat to many."

Lord Cedric shot him a sharp look. "And what of our enemies, hmm? To assume it’s Zephyros alone is shortsighted. There are plenty who would see our kingdom crumble, just as much as theirs." His voice was laced with irritation, the veins in his neck straining as he spoke.

Sensing the growing friction, the king held up a hand. "Enough," he said, though the slight waver in his voice hinted at his own unease. "I will tell you this much, we’ve kept something hidden for a reason, but I believe it’s time you all knew."

A murmur of anticipation rippled through the council, and Lord Cedric’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What exactly have you kept hidden, Your Majesty?"

King Xavian exhaled heavily, then straightened. "There were assassination attempts made on Eirik before his disappearance.

King Reagan of Zephyros and I chose to keep it quiet, deciding to investigate in private. We believed the attempts were a means to disrupt the alliance, to prevent our kingdoms from uniting."

Shock colored the faces around the room, and whispers sprang up among the council members. Lord Cedric’s face darkened as he absorbed the revelation, anger flashing in his eyes. "And I’m just hearing of this now?" he demanded, his voice carrying the sting of betrayal.

"How could you keep something of this magnitude from me?" He paused, his voice rising with anger. "Did my sister know?"

The king met Cedric’s gaze evenly. "No. Cedric. It was Eirik’s decision. He didn’t want to worry anyone, especially not his mother or the twins. He wanted us to handle it discreetly. As his father, I respected his wishes."

Cedric scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Not to worry them? And what about me? I am his uncle, Xavian! Don’t I have a right to know what’s happening to my nephew? Am I not family?"

The king sighed, his voice controlled but weary. "You’ve always opposed the alliance, Cedric. You would’ve only added more pressure, pushing Eirik toward a decision he wasn’t ready to make.

And given your... protectiveness, I can only imagine how you would’ve reacted."

The council shifted uncomfortably, some nodding while others watched Cedric warily. The king’s words, though measured, held an undeniable sting. Cedric’s face grew red as his anger simmered, and a few councilors cast wary glances at each other, sensing the growing tension between the two men.

Finally, Cedric snapped, "And do you think this secrecy has served us well now that my nephew is gone?" His voice rang out sharply, echoing through the chamber.

Before the king could respond, Theron, who had been growing visibly frustrated, finally spoke up, his tone sharp and urgent. "Enough! Uncle, Father, this is not the time for personal grievances." His gaze hardened as he looked at them both.

"We don’t have time for this. Arguing over who knew what won’t bring Eirik back. Eirik is missing, and every second we waste is another second he’s in danger. We need to focus on finding him, not dwell on past mistakes."

Cedric let out a low, disgruntled grunt, he crossed his arms but said no more, his face still twisted with tension and irritation.

His silence allowed the room to refocus on the matter at hand, and a sense of somber determination settled over the council.

After a heavy pause, one of the council members spoke up. "Perhaps we should seek alliances with our neighboring kingdoms," he suggested ccautiously

"They may be able to help us track down Sadiki. His mother’s disappearance is suspicious, and it’s possible Sadiki holds the answers we desperately need."