A Royal Obligation
Chapter 180: A King’s Delight

Chapter 180: A King’s Delight

King Thaddeus reclined back into his seat, his fingers drumming lightly against the gilded armrests. The polished metal felt cool under his fingertips, a stark contrast to the surge of satisfaction coursing through him. The news had spread all over the realm,Eirik of Zephyros was missing. The kingdom was in disarray, rumors of betrayal and fear spilling from every corner of the palace. His smile deepened at the thought of it.

Zephyros and Valeidio, locked in uncertainty and weakness, teetered closer to vulnerability than they had in years. It was a dangerous game they had played in trusting each other, and now it was turning to Thaddeus’s advantage. This was the opening he had waited for, their distraction could be his gain.

Beside him, Caledon, his advisor, stood with his usual calm presence, eyes keenly observing the king. Thaddeus tilted his head, glancing at him thoughtfully. "What do you think of this, Caledon? Fortune finally smiles upon us, does it not?"

Caledon dipped his head in agreement, yet a slight furrow in his brow betrayed his own inner calculations. "It does, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice smooth. "But fortune can be a fickle thing. This situation could indeed play in our favor...if managed carefully."

Thaddeus gave a chuckle, a short burst of laughter as he nodded. "Ah, careful management. Indeed." He leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Caledon, do you think this has anything to do with Prince Carl? He did, after all, make a rather bold promise to destabilize those very kingdoms. Three months, he said."

The advisor’s gaze shifted to the window, as if he could see beyond the palace walls, into the lands where Prince Carl might be enacting his plans at this very moment. "It’s possible, sire. But...we have no confirmation. Prince Carl is capable of much, and yet he tends to operate on his own terms." His tone was carefully measured, his words chosen with precision.

The king studied him, his smile slipping into something more thoughtful. "But what if it is him, Caledon? What if he’s struck the very blow we need?"

A pause lingered between them before Caledon offered a respectful inclination of his head. "If it were Carl’s doing, Your Majesty, I would advise giving him room to carry it forward. His success would bring you greater glory, while any failures would lie solely on his shoulders."

Thaddeus’s eyes sparkled, clearly entertained by this prospect. Letting Carl handle it alone could indeed provide him a victory without ever lifting a finger. He imagined the chaos spreading through Zephyros and Valeidio like wildfire, a slow, smoldering collapse that could leave them ripe for his intervention.

"Perhaps, then, we allow things to unfold," Thaddeus murmured, leaning back again with a smile that was as cold as it was satisfied. "In any case, I’ll speak with him."

Thaddeus turned to a waiting guard, lifting a hand in signal. "Summon Prince Carl."

The guard bowed deeply, ready to carry out the order, but hesitated with a glance up at the king. "Your Majesty, Prince Carl...left the palace early this morning. His destination was unknown."

For a fleeting moment, Thaddeus’s expression soured, a hint of annoyance crossing his features. It quickly passed, replaced by intrigue. Where would Carl be going, so early? What could be so pressing that he would leave without informing his father?

"No matter," Thaddeus said, waving a hand dismissively. "When he returns, ensure he knows I want to speak with him. Without delay."

The guard bowed again, departing swiftly from the throne room, leaving only Thaddeus and Caledon in the quiet space. The king’s eyes narrowed, drifting back to the advisor beside him.

"Carl is playing this game, Caledon, and I intend to see how well he handles it." His voice was almost a whisper, a murmur shared only with his advisor, but the satisfaction in it was unmistakable. "And if he succeeds...if he truly brings those kingdoms to their knees...he will finally prove himself worthy."

Caledon watched the king, his expression inscrutable as he carefully nodded in agreement. "The prince has ambition, Your Majesty. If he has taken this step, he will stop at nothing to see it through."

Thaddeus’s smile returned, slow and predatory. "Good. Let’s hope he remembers to return for his audience. I have no intention of letting him take all the glory, after all."

---

The morning sun cast long shadows over the forest as Carl descended from his horse, tying the reins securely to a post outside a hidden, old castle. The structure was shrouded in vines and layers of neglect, blending into the thick foliage, seemingly forgotten by the world. Carl, however, strode forward confidently, his steps echoing faintly in the vast emptiness.

A low whistle escaped his lips, reverberating through the halls, as if calling out to the old stone walls. The sound bounced back to him, filling the silence with an eerie melody that hinted at his own dark amusement. Carl’s eyes gleamed as he reached a chamber door, where a lone guard, Sadiki, awaited him.

Sadiki inclined his head, stepping aside as Carl approached. "How is he?" Carl asked, his voice soft, almost too casual.

"Not better, Your Highness," Sadiki replied, bowing slightly.

Carl gave a low chuckle, his gaze narrowing. "Well, I’ll just have to see for myself."

He pushed open the door and entered. Inside, the room was immaculate, a stark contrast to the ruin around it. Rich drapes adorned the walls, and the air was laced with the scent of lavender and herbs. In the center of the room sat Eirik, dressed finely but with an unmistakable look of fatigue etched into his face.

Carl moved closer, his smile widening as he took in the sight before him. Eirik barely registered his presence, his gaze unfocused, his expression detached. It was as if he were a mere shell, present in body but far removed in spirit.

Carl leaned in, his voice a whisper. "Did you miss me, Eirik?"

Silence met his words. He waited, watching for any reaction, a flicker, a change in expression, but Eirik remained motionless, as if lost in another world.

Undeterred, Carl reached out, brushing a strand of hair away from Eirik’s face, his fingers lingering a moment too long. "One day, Eirik, you’ll see that I am the only one who can truly understand you. No more struggling, no more defiance."

As he sat back, a faint sound caught his attention, a soft sigh, barely perceptible. For an instant, he thought he saw a glimmer of emotion in Eirik’s eyes, something beyond the emptiness. But just as quickly, it faded, leaving Carl feeling both frustrated and exhilarated.

He straightened, his gaze hardening. "Sadiki!" he called sharply.

Sadiki entered, his expression wary as he glanced between Carl and Eirik.

Carl’s voice held an edge as he spoke. "Ensure he’s taken care of, but..." His gaze flicked back to Eirik, and he smiled darkly. "Remind him that his choices are limited."

With one last look at Eirik, Carl turned and strode out of the chamber.

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