A Royal Obligation
Chapter 186: Mission to Rescue (1)

Chapter 186: Mission to Rescue (1)

Xavian’s gaze swept over his sons, his expression steeling with determination. "Then we won’t let him manipulate us any longer. Cedric, rally the sentinels. But first, we need to send word to Zephyros. We can’t face this alone."

Cedric nodded, his tone dark. "It’s the least they can do. They stood by and let this happen."

Theron took a step closer to his father, his eyes fierce. "If we’re going to war over this, then we need to know every detail. Where is Eirik, and how can we bring him home?"

Xavian placed a firm hand on his son’s shoulder. "We’ll find him, and we’ll end this. I won’t let Carl’s ambition tear us apart. Mbuzuoria will pay."

---

Prince Kaelix’s heart thundered as his horse galloped down the well-worn path, flanked by his loyal men. Each beat of hooves on earth matched the anxious pulse in his chest. He kept his eyes forward, focused, while Drystan rode beside him, face clouded with both worry and determination. There was no time for questions, just purpose, speed, and the flickering hope that he wasn’t already too late.

Drystan cast a sidelong glance at Kaelix, the unspoken questions pressing heavily on his mind. Why had Sadiki had a sudden change of heart? And, more importantly, was this change genuine? His grip tightened on the reins, knuckles paling. Despite everything, he still hoped, prayed, that Sadiki and Eirik were alright.

Kaelix resisted the urge to steer his horse straight toward Mbuzuoria, where Eirik was believed to be held. But recklessness wouldn’t save his consort now. He needed someone well-versed in Mbuzuoria’s territory. The Valeidios, his in-laws, could provide him with such a man: Lord Cedric. With every mile, his desperation grew, and he silently urged his horse faster. They had to reach the Valeidio border as swiftly as possible.

Hours passed in silence, broken only by the steady rhythm of hooves. Before the knew it, they arrived at the edge of Valeidio’s territory. Here, an imposing stone structure rose from the ground, both fortress and gateway to the Valeidio kingdom. Towers stretched skyward, connected by thick walls where sentries patrolled tirelessly. Flags bearing the Valeidio crest flapped in the morning breeze, as Kaelix and his men approached the looming iron gates.

At the head of the post stood Theo Warcrest, Eirik’s cousin, and a sturdy warrior in his own right. He wore his usual armor, the family insignia proudly etched onto his chest plate. Upon seeing Kaelix approach from the Zephyros side of the border, Theo raised his hand, signaling his guards to remain alert.

Theo’s brows knitted as Kaelix reined in his horse. "Kaelix?" he called, surprise evident in his voice. "What brings you so far from Zephyros?" He lowered his tone, his gaze shifting between Kaelix and Drystan. "I assumed you’d still be searching for Eirik. Even we’ve sent scouts combing through every corner of the territories," he continued. "My sister, Ella, insisted on joining them."

Kaelix didn’t waste a second. "I need to pass through, Theo," he said, his tone clipped but resolute.

There was no mistaking the urgency in Kaelix’s voice. Theo, though visibly concerned, nodded immediately. "Open the gates!" he ordered, and the guards moved quickly, swinging the massive iron gates wide.

As soon as Kaelix passed through, Theo rode alongside him, sensing the gravity of whatever Kaelix needed to discuss. They halted only for a moment, enough for Kaelix to explain the situation in low, hurried words. Theo’s expression shifted, shock widening his eyes. "Mbuzuoria? Eirik been held there?" he murmured, incredulous. He turned to his second-in-command, relaying quick instructions. "Hold down the border. Send a message to our scouts; have them return immediately. And tell Ella to wait, this matter requires my presence."

With that, he swung into his saddle and joined Kaelix and his retinue, determination hardening his features.

The two of them spurred their horses, falling into step together as they made for the Valeidio palace, their faces tense. There was no more conversation as they focused on the ride ahead, the gravity of their mission hanging between them like a shadow.

Their horses pounded through the Valeidio fields, and they leaned into the wind, cutting through the morning light as it cast long shadows across the green plains. Kaelix barely registered the landscapes speeding by, the castle coming into view as the sun climbed higher in the sky. They pushed on without pause, not slowing even as they neared the palace gates. By midday, they reached the towering stone walls of the Valeidio palace, its grand architecture carved from ivory and gray stone.

The palace guards, upon recognizing Theo, opened the gates without question. Their respect for the Warcrest family, along with Theo’s urgency, cleared the way with remarkable efficiency. Theo and Kaelix led their horses through the open path, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air.

The palace grounds bustled with servants and soldiers, all of whom paused to glance at the unexpected arrivals. Kaelix swung down from his horse and turned to his men. "Wait here," he instructed, his voice firm. His men nodded in unison, falling back respectfully as Kaelix turned to Theo, who was already striding towards the palace doors.

Kaelix followed close behind, his gaze steely. Although this was his first time inside the palace, he had no time to absorb the grandeur of his surroundings. All he could think about was Eirik, where he was, what might be happening to him, and whether Kaelix could still reach him in time. His stomach twisted with anxiety, but he forced himself to focus.

They moved through the corridors, their footsteps echoing against polished marble floors and high, vaulted ceilings. At the far end of a grand hall, two ornate doors led to the throne room. Theo glanced at Kaelix, a determined look flashing in his eyes before he pushed the doors open without hesitation.

Inside, the throne room was quiet but charged with an atmosphere of intensity. King Xavian stood by a table, a map unfurled before him, alongside Lord Cedric, Theron, and the twins, Lucian and Julian. Their expressions were serious, brows furrowed as they pored over the map, discussing strategies in hushed tones.

The sudden entrance drew their attention, and they looked up in surprise. Lord Cedric’s eyes widened, shock momentarily breaking his usual composure as he saw his son, Theo, and beside him, Kaelix.

"Son?" Cedric’s voice was filled with surprise. "What are you doing here?"