A Royal Obligation
Chapter 187: Mission to Rescue (2)

Chapter 187: Mission to Rescue (2)

The others turned their attention to Kaelix, each expression morphing from curiosity to astonishment. The unannounced arrival of a Zephyros prince in the Valeidio palace was unexpected enough, but Kaelix’s grim demeanor told them this was no social visit.

Kaelix met King Xavian’s gaze, his face set with determination. He took a step forward, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, Lord Cedric, Prince Theron," he began, his voice steady but urgent. "I apologize for arriving without notice, but there’s an urgent matter that concerns us all."

Xavian straightened, his eyes narrowing. "What matter?"

Kaelix glanced at Theo, who gave a solemn nod, silently affirming his support. Taking a breath, Kaelix began, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "I’ve received a message that Eirik is being held deep within Mbuzuoria’s territory. I believe he’s in grave danger, and I need someone who knows Mbuzuoria’s terrain well."

With a grim expression, he handed the letter he’d received that morning to King Xavian. The king’s face darkened as his eyes scanned the message, absorbing its contents. The weight of the silence was broken by Lucian and Julian, who both took a sharp breath, exchanging a horrified look. Theron’s fists clenched, and anger sparked in his gaze.

"So, it’s true..." Theron’s voice shook with rage. "Prince Carl was actually holding my brother?" His jaw tightened. "He dared?"

Kaelix’s gaze snapped to Theron, taken aback. "You... you knew about this?"

Theron shook his head, his features hardening further. "Not exactly. Someone from Mbuzuoria sent a message to my uncle, suggesting that Carl was likely behind Eirik’s disappearance. But we couldn’t confirm it." He glanced briefly at his father, then back to Kaelix, frustration evident in the crease between his brows. "They believe Carl is holding my brother, and worse, they’re planning an attack against our kingdoms while we’re distracted with Eirik."

Lucian’s voice, usually calm, wavered as he finished the thought. "While we search for Eirik, Mbuzuoria plans to strike." A shiver of anger tinted his tone. "They mean to catch us at our weakest."

Kaelix’s fist tightened as he felt his own anger surge. The letter he’d received gave Eirik’s location but provided no hint the mastermind behind his capture.

The name that slipped from his lips felt like poison. "Carl..."

Cedric, who had been watching with a mixture of anger and disbelief, finally spoke up. "If you had protected my nephew properly, this might never have happened," he snapped, eyes hard. His accusation hung in the air, an unspoken reminder of what he thought should have been done.

Kaelix’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, King Xavian raised a hand, his tone carrying an edge of authority.

"Enough, Cedric. This isn’t the time." Xavian’s attention returned to Kaelix, the weight of his stare intense. "We had already planned to send a message to Zephyros, to alert them of Mbuzuoria’s intentions. Whoever sent you that location timed it well," he acknowledged. There was a hint of respect in Xavian’s eyes.

Kaelix gave a single, tense nod. "When do we leave?" He spoke with a quiet desperation, unable to keep the impatience from his voice. The knowledge that Eirik was within reach, but still just out of his grasp, was almost unbearable.

"Immediately," Julian replied, his tone firm. He stepped forward, ready to act.

But Xavian placed a steady hand on his son’s shoulder, grounding him. "Julian, we must be prepared. If things turn hostile, we can’t afford to be unprepared."

Xavian’s words hung in the air, his face hardening as he processed the implications. His fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight as he considered the looming threat. He exchanged a look with Cedric, who nodded in silent agreement.

"We cannot let Mbuzuoria make the first move," Xavian murmured, his voice laced with determination. "If they’re using Eirik to weaken us, we’ll be ready to turn the tables."

Cedric’s face was pale, but he was resolute as he replied, "Agreed. I’ll rally the forces and begin preparations immediately." He glanced at Theo, who inclined his head in understanding and followed his father out of the room.

King Xavian turned to Kaelix, his gaze softer but no less firm. "Your mother has just awakened. Are you sure you don’t want to see her before you leave?"

Kaelix’s face tightened, emotions flickering briefly in his eyes before his resolve hard. "Rescuing Eirik comes first." He replied, his voice unwavering.

"I can see her any time, but I may not have another chance to save him."

Cedric, who had reached the door with Theo, paused and looked back. A flash of surprise passed over his face as he regarded Kaelix, an unspoken understanding settling between them. He gave Kaelix a brief nod, a rare gesture of approval, before leaving the hall with his son.

The room settled into a tense silence as Xavian and his sons absorbed the gravity of Kaelix’s determination. Julian was the first to break the quiet, his voice softer than usual. "He would give everything to save Eirik," he murmured, a trace of admiration evident in his tone.

Lucian’s usual guarded expression softened as he glanced at Kaelix. "I never realized how far Kaelix would go. I thought I understood his loyalty, but this..." His voice trailed off, and he exchanged a look with Julian, both brothers recognizing the depth of Kaelix’s commitment.

Theron, who had kept his gaze fixed on Kaelix, felt a wave of guilt and respect clash within him. He had never truly understood Kaelix’s bond with Eirik, had underestimated the intensity of it. Meeting Kaelix’s gaze, Theron spoke with an edge of regret in his voice. "Kaelix... I didn’t see it before. I thought..." His voice faltered, and he fell silent.

Kaelix’s eyes softened as he looked at Theron, a subtle nod conveying his forgiveness. "None of that matters now," he replied. "What matters is getting him back."

Xavian observed the interaction, his heart swelling with pride and sorrow. He stepped closer to Kaelix, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I never doubted your loyalty to my son, but seeing this..." His voice lowered, thick with emotion. "I know you’ll do whatever it takes."

Kaelix gave a solemn nod. "I won’t fail him again," he vowed, his tone resolute.