A Royal Obligation
Chapter 188: Mission to Rescue (3)

Chapter 188: Mission to Rescue (3)

A somber anticipation hung in the air as everyone prepared for the journey to Mbuzuoria. The twins, were focused but wore expressions shadowed with worry. As the preparations continued, they made their way to their chambers, where Amarok was methodically arranging their gear.

The twins slipped quietly into the room, watching Amarok for a moment before Lucian stepped forward and gently touched his shoulder. Amarok turned, his eyes softening as he looked at the two of them, a mixture of relief and concern on his face.

Julian reached for Amarok’s hand, entwining their fingers. "We wanted to see you before we left," he murmured.

Amarok’s gaze shifted between the two, his usual warmth dulled by worry. "I know things have been... heavy," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "You’ve been distant, both of you. But it’s okay, I know how much finding Eirik means."

Lucian’s shoulders slumped, guilt written in his expression. "We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to push you away... it’s just, Eirik... he’s our baby brother. Losing him, it’s like losing a part of ourselves."

Julian squeezed Amarok’s hand. "But we haven’t forgotten you," he whispered, leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to Amarok’s forehead. "When we return, we’ll make it up to you."

Amarok’s eyes softened, and he pulled them both into a hug, wrapping his arms around each of them. "That’s all I ask," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "Just... come back to me. Both of you. And bring prince Eirik home." He pulled back, looking at them with steady determination. "I’ll be here, waiting. Just be careful, alright?"

Lucian and Julian each took a turn pressing a lingering kiss to his lips, savoring the quiet warmth that steadied their hearts. "We’ll come back to you," Julian promised. "And we’ll have Eirik with us."

Amarok nodded, a hint of sadness still in his gaze as he released them. "Good luck," he whispered. "And please, stay safe."

Outside the palace, Kaelix stood with Theron, his posture tense and his eyes fixed on the palace doors, an impatience radiating off him that the other prince couldn’t ignore. Theron placed a steadying hand on Kaelix’s shoulder, trying to ground him, but Kaelix barely acknowledged the gesture.

His focus remained fixed on the palace, waiting for any sign of King Xavian, Cedric, Theo or the Twins.

The men Kaelix had brought with him were busy making last-minute checks on their weapons, tightening reins, and murmuring amongst themselves in hushed tones, fully aware of the urgency of the mission. The men of Valeidio, led by the King’s guard, joined them in a flurry of preparation, mounting horses and adjusting their armor with grim determination.

Though they moved efficiently, there was a sense of weight in their every action, as if each of them understood the gravity of what lay ahead.

Theron, observing Kaelix’s restlessness, spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "You’re wound tighter than a spring, Kaelix. Eirik wouldn’t want you to lose your head before we’ve even left."

Kaelix’s jaw clenched as he took a sharp breath, struggling to contain the worry and impatience that simmered within him. "I know," he muttered. "But every second we wait feels like another second Eirik is... suffering." He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, casting another look back at the palace doors.

Theron’s face softened, and he nodded in understanding. "I get it. Just... hold on a bit longer. They’ll be out any moment."

Inside the palace, King Xavian made his way to the dimly lit room where Queen Elena rested. Though she was now awake, her frail body lay motionless on the bed, her skin pale against the sheets. Seated beside her was Queen Morgana, gently dabbing a damp cloth on Elena’s forehead. Morgana’s worry-lined face softened as she sensed her husband’s presence, and she turned, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Xavian dressed in armor.

"What’s going on?" she asked, setting down the cloth and rising to her feet. The sight of him, ready for battle, sent a shiver down her spine.

Xavian’s gaze flickered between Morgana and Elena, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice. "We’ve found Eirik’s location," he said quietly.

A small, shocked gasp escaped Morgana’s lips as tears filled her eyes. "Eirik..." she whispered, the relief breaking over her like a wave. "How?"

Xavian glanced back at Elena, whose weak smile hinted at her joy despite her inability to fully express it. He leaned closer to Morgana, his voice almost a whisper. "Kaelix came with a letter, a message revealing where Eirik is being held. But it appears Mbuzuoria is behind this."

Morgana’s face fell, a mixture of anger and disbelief coloring her features. "Mbuzuoria?" Her voice was barely a whisper, struggling to grasp the betrayal behind the revelation.

Xavian reached out, brushing a reassuring hand over her shoulder. "I need you to take care of the kingdom while I’m away," he told her firmly. His gaze held hers, silently communicating both his trust and the weight of responsibility he was leaving in her hands.

Morgana’s eyes drifted toward Elena, whose hopeful gaze rested on her, then returned to her husband. "Won’t Kaelix come to see his mother before you set off?" she asked, the mother in her aching for a last moment between them.

Xavian sighed, glancing at Elena before shaking his head. "He won’t. He said saving Eirik couldn’t wait."

A small, bittersweet smile touched Morgana’s lips as she wiped away a stray tear. "He’s a good man," she murmured. "Thank you for telling me." She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her husband’s cheek, and whispered, "Bring my baby back."

Xavian nodded, his expression resolute, and with a last look at the two queens, he turned and left the room.

Back outside, Kaelix’s impatience had reached a boiling point. He paced in short, agitated strides, his gaze flicking toward the palace entrance every few seconds. The men around him had noticed his restlessness; some exchanged knowing glances, while others murmured quietly among themselves.

One of Valeidio’s soldiers leaned over to another, shaking his head with a smirk. "The man looks like he’s ready to charge off alone if they don’t hurry."

The other chuckled at that, watching Kaelix’s behavior with a mix of amusement and sympathy. "Honestly," he muttered, "I’d be surprised if he could sit still for another minute."

Finally, the doors opened, and King Xavian stepped out, flanked by Lord Cedric, Theo, and the twins, all dressed and prepared for the journey. The moment they appeared, Kaelix’s body snapped to attention, his eyes sharp with determination. Without waiting for formalities, he turned to his men and barked an order, his voice ringing with authority.

"Mount up!" Kaelix commanded, his voice edged with a sense of urgency. The soldiers obeyed immediately, swinging themselves into their saddles with practiced ease. Kaelix wasted no time mounting his own horse, his grip on the reins firm, his body tense with barely contained energy.

King Xavian approached him, a steely resolve in his gaze. "We ride together, Kaelix. But keep your wits about you. We’re not rushing into this blindly."

Kaelix gave a terse nod, his gaze set forward, but the urgency in his stance was unmistakable. "Let’s head off," he replied, barely able to contain his eagerness.

Xavian nodded to the rest of the group. "Everyone, mount up!"

The men followed suit, each climbing into the saddle with the discipline of seasoned warriors, their faces marked by the same resolve that carried their leaders. Cedric positioned himself near the front, Theo by his side, each giving Kaelix a look of silent support.

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