A Royal Obligation
Chapter 192: Empty Room

Chapter 192: Empty Room

Sadiki stood in the crumbling hallway of the old castle, his gaze flicking down the path where Prince Carl would arrive any moment now. He had spent the entire night waiting, his body tense, his mind turning over every possible plan to keep Prince Eirik safe. The thought of what Carl might do to Eirik if left unchecked had haunted him, especially after seeing the sheer malice in Carl’s eyes the last time he visited.

It had been close to two weeks since Eirik had been brought here, drugged and kept captive in that lonely purple chamber. Sadiki had seen the bruises of restraint on the young prince’s wrists, the fading glimmer of rebellion in his eyes, and it was more than he could bear. He felt the weight of his own choices pressing on him, the guilt for standing by Carl’s side, for betraying his own loyalty to Prince Eirik.

But this, this he could no longer stomach. It was time to act, to make a choice he wouldn’t regret. He would redeem himself today or perish trying.

As he neared the room where Eirik was imprisoned, a familiar unease crept over him. Every stone in this forsaken place seemed to hold its breath, as if bracing for the storm that was coming. He could almost feel Carl’s dark presence lurking nearby, an ever-looming threat.

Sadiki opened the chamber door as silently as he could and slipped inside.

The sight before him tightened his resolve. Eirik was slumped against the bedpost, looking more fragile than Sadiki had ever seen him. His skin was pale, nearly translucent, his hair spilling around him like white silk, now long enough to graze his ankles. His eyes flickered with weariness and a guarded distrust as he looked up at Sadiki.

Sadiki swallowed the lump in his throat. "Your Highness," he whispered, stepping closer, his tone a plea as much as a promise. He knew how this must look, his former betrayal fresh in Eirik’s mind.

"Can you stand?" Sadiki’s voice was low, urgent.

Eirik’s eyes narrowed, wariness etched deep into his gaze. The skepticism was there, unmasked. But then Eirik took a shaky breath and nodded, forcing his frail body to respond. It was a gesture of resilience that ignited a deep-seated respect in Sadiki. He could only imagine the thoughts racing through Eirik’s mind, the pain of betrayal layered with the confusion of sudden, unexpected aid.

Yesterday, Sadiki had taken his first step toward redemption, swapping the drugged meal Carl had ordered for one he’d prepared himself. It was risky, but it had worked; Eirik’s strength was beginning to return, though the effects of the drug still clung to his limbs like invisible chains. Sadiki held out his arm, steadying him as he rose, their movements painfully slow, each second adding to the danger.

"Hold onto me," he instructed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Carl could be here any moment.

Prince Kaelix’s rescue team... they were supposed to come last night. We may run into them in the forest."

At the mention of Kaelix, Eirik’s eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting his face. Could it be true that Sadiki had actually reached out to Kaelix?

He had harbored doubts, but now, seeing Sadiki’s determination, he wondered if he could trust his words. He wanted to ask more, to understand what had changed in Sadiki’s heart and why he had betrayed him in the first place, but his voice still refused to cooperate. His throat was dry and raw from weeks of disuse and the effects of whatever drug Carl had laced his food with.

All he could do was nod, his mind swirling with questions as Sadiki helped him to his feet.

Together, they moved through the silent corridors of the abandoned castle, Eirik’s unsteady steps barely keeping pace.

Sadiki bore most of his weight, one arm wrapped around the prince’s waist, the other firmly gripping Eirik’s wrist to guide him. Every step was a struggle for Eirik, his body still suffering from the effects of the drugs, his limbs protesting each movement.

At last, they reached the castle’s outer door. As they stepped outside, the morning sunlight spilled over them, bathing the forest in a soft, golden glow.

Eirik’s eyes squeezed shut, blinded by the light after being confined in darkness for so long. He faltered, his legs buckling slightly, and Sadiki tightened his grip to steady him.

The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of wet leaves and earth. Eirik breathed deeply, savoring the freedom of being outside, feeling the sunlight on his face. The light was almost too much, too intense, too bright after the weeks spent in that dark purple chamber. Tears stung his eyes, not from sadness or fear, but from the sheer overwhelming sensation of being free, if only for a moment.

Sadiki cast a wary glance over his shoulder, his eyes scanning the treeline. The world felt too quiet, the forest holding its secrets close. But there was no time to savor their escape. "We have to move quickly," he urged. "Carl won’t be far behind."

They pushed forward, Sadiki’s arm a lifeline as Eirik forced his legs to keep moving, each step a rebellion against the pain and exhaustion threatening to claim him. But they had barely crossed the first line of trees when a distant sound chilled Sadiki’s blood.

The thunder of hoofbeats echoed through the forest. He stopped, tension snapping through him like a bowstring, and looked back, dread clawing up his spine.

Carl had arrived.

---

Carl’s heart raced as he approached the rundown castle, his eyes scanning the worn stone walls with a mix of anticipation and frustration.

His ride had been filled with dark impatience, knowing his father’s men would soon be on their trail. The thought of losing Eirik to his father’s schemes ignited a fury in him, but that fire quickly transformed into eagerness as he imagined seeing Eirik again, possessing what he had yearned for so desperately.

As he reached the castle, Carl dismounted, tying his horse to a gnarled tree. The shadows swallowed his form as he made his way inside. The silence was profound, heavy, as if the castle itself sensed the violence coiled in Carl’s heart.

He neared Eirik’s chamber, but a creeping unease washed over him. Sadiki was supposed to be guarding the door. He should have heard him. Where was he?

Carl’s expression darkened, fury radiating off him as he reached the door, each step echoing with deadly intent. If Sadiki had abandoned his post, he would pay. His mind whirled with possibilities, but irritation quickly turned to suspicion. Sadiki knew the price of defiance too well; he wouldn’t disobey unless...

Carl threw open the door, his eyes scanning the room. It was empty.