A Royal Obligation
Chapter 189: Suspicious Servant

Chapter 189: Suspicious Servant

King Xavian took one last look at the palace behind him. The towering gates were still and solemn, as though holding their breath for what lay ahead. He took a deep breath, tightening his grip on the reins. A sense of duty and urgency flickered in his gaze as he turned he back, his expression hardened, and he nudged his horse forward.

With a shared determination, Kaelix and the others fell in behind him, and the rhythm of hooves began softly before building into a determined thunder.

Together, they rode with a fierce purpose, leaving the familiar stone paths of the palace behind and heading out toward the unknown.

Palace guards and a few servants who hadn’t been assigned to the mission watched them depart, murmuring among themselves as the group disappeared from view.

Near the entrance, a particular female servant, a curious spark in her eyes, approached one of the remaining guards, who stood tall and stoic.

"Excuse me, sir," she said, her tone careful yet probing. "That man riding with the king and Lord Cedric...was that Prince Kaelix of Zephyros?"

The guard, used to the palace’s whisperings, nodded with a slight sigh. "Yes, that’s him. He’s the one married to our Prince Eirik."

Her brows knitted with curiosity. "Do you know where they’re headed?" she pressed, glancing anxiously in the direction the men had gone.

The guard hesitated. "The king didn’t any of that details with us. We’re here to guard the palace, not question his plans."

But another guard, overhearing, scoffed. "Where else would they be going? They’re out to find Prince Eirik, obviously."

The servant’s expression remained puzzled, though a flash of excitement crossed her eyes. "But why would Prince Kaelix come all this way to Valeidio? I thought they were searching separately."

The second guard, with an annoyed huff, shot her a hard look. "How the king and his in-law choose to search for Prince Eirik isn’t any of your concern. Now, go back to your duties and leave us to ours."

Her face flushed under his stern gaze, and she gave a hasty bow before scurrying off, though not without casting one last glance down the path. Her mind buzzed with the intriguing idea of what kind of the mission, wondering if they has find any lead to where prince Eirik might be.

Inside the palace, Queen Morgana gently helped Queen Elena sit up on her bed, plumping the pillows for extra support. Elena’s strength had only begun to return, and she leaned back with a weary smile. Morgana was unsure how to explain why Kaelix hadn’t come to see her before setting off, why his urgency for Eirik had taken precedence.

Morgana reached out, her voice soft with apology. "Kaelix didn’t mean to slight you, Elena," she murmured. "He’s just so worried about Eirik. Please, don’t take it to heart."

A weak but understanding smile touched Elena’s lips. She shook her head slowly, her hand reaching to grasp Morgana’s in a gentle squeeze. "There’s no need to apologize. I understand... more than you know. I’m grateful that Kaelix cares for my prince Eirik so deeply. If Eirik’s in danger, there’s nothing I want more than for him to be found and brought back safely."

Morgana’s heart swelled with relief and respect for the woman before her. Elena, despite her own frailty, carried herself with quiet resilience. She returned the gentle squeeze, feeling a surge of strength from Elena’s words. "Thank you," Morgana whispered, her voice catching as she fought back a tear. "I pray they find him soon... I need my baby boy back."

They shared a somber moment of silence, each lost in their own thoughts, but united by a mutual hope.

Outside the royal chambers, the same female servant from before stood by, trying her best to be discreet as she leaned close to the door, straining to catch any snippets of conversation from within. She held her breath, eager for any information she could catch.

Amarok, carrying a tray with refreshments for the queens, rounded the corner and stopped short at the sight of her lurking there. Frowning, he cleared his throat loudly, causing the servant to jump and whirl around, her face paling as her eyes landed on him.

"What exactly are you doing here?" he asked, his tone polite but edged with suspicion. He knew this particular servant well; she’d always been one to sneak around, asking questions and prying into matters that didn’t concern her.

She faltered, her words a stuttering mess as she quickly bowed. "I-I was just... checking to see if the queens needed anything, of course, sir."

Amarok raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Then perhaps you should go check the kitchens and see what real duties await you there." He kept his tone firm, the subtle authority in his voice reminding her of her place.

She mumbled an excuse, bowing hurriedly before practically fleeing down the hall. Amarok watched her go, shaking his head with a sigh before turning back to the door. With a small shrug, he pushed the door open and entered, careful to balance the tray he carried.

Queen Morgana’s face lit up when she saw him. She rose and reached to take the tray from him, her maternal instincts shining through. "Amarok, you didn’t have to bring this yourself," she said with a smile. "You’re not a servant anymore, you know."

Amarok chuckled softly, his cheeks tinting with warmth. "I know, Your Majesty, but I like to keep myself busy."

Queen Elena observed him with a curious expression, her gaze sharp and knowing. If her memory serve her right, she remembered this boy to be the twins servant, she felt a subtle sense of intrigue.

Morgana noticed the interest in her friend’s expression and placed a gentle hand on Amarok’s shoulder.

"Amarok, of course you remembered Queen Elena. Eirik’s mother in-law." She turned to Elena with a warm smile. "Amarok is the twins’... well, their partner."

Elena’s eyes widened, her face showing a hint of surprise before softening into a warm smile. She chuckled, her voice light and teasing. "Ah, now that is a dynamic I hadn’t expected. Those two must keep you on your toes."

Morgana burst out laughing, her laughter filling the room, and Amarok blushed deeply, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. "They certainly do, Your Majesty," he managed, his tone sheepish. "But... I wouldn’t trade it for anything."

Elena reached out to him, her frail hand resting gently on his arm. "That’s good to hear, Amarok. You’re a good soul, I can see why the love you."

Amarok, visibly moved by the queen’s words, bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to hear that from you."

Queen Morgana’s heart softened as she watched the exchange, feeling a deep, renewed sense of pride in both her sons and the man they loved.

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