A Royal Obligation
Chapter 195: Rescue Team, Finally

Chapter 195: Rescue Team, Finally

As dawn’s first light broke over the horizon, a worn but determined company thundered toward the borders of Mbuzuoria and Neomenia.

Prince Kaelix’s mind churned with fear and frustration as they raced through the night without rest. Every second felt agonizingly slow, and though the horses’ hooves pounded urgently against the earth, it wasn’t fast enough for him. He could barely think of anything but Eirik, trapped, suffering, and vulnerable.

Kaelix’s jaw was set, his gaze fixed straight ahead. In his mind, flashes of Eirik haunted him, Eirik smiling, laughing, or looking up with the soft, vulnerable gaze that he alone shared with Kaelix. The thought that Eirik might be hurt, or worse, terrified and alone, gnawed at him with every passing mile.

Eirik’s brothers, Theron, Lucian, and Julian, rode beside Kaelix with equally grim expressions.

Theron’s knuckles were white as he clutched his reins, his eyes steely with a fierce protectiveness that masked the underlying worry for his younger brother.

Lucian’s face was unreadable, though his clenched jaw and furrowed brow betrayed the turmoil within.

Julian’s expression wavered between anger and fear, his shoulders rigid with the need to reach Eirik in time.

As they neared the dense forest bordering the two kingdoms, Lord Cedric took the lead. He motioned for everyone to dismount, signaling for them to proceed on foot to avoid alerting any possible guards ahead. But before they could go far, a sound split the air, the unmistakable clashing of swords.

Kaelix’s heart lurched, and without thinking, he bolted toward the sound, ignoring Lord Cedric’s shout.

Drystan and the soldiers from Zephyros followed closely, their loyalty to Kaelix unwavering. Forced to abandon caution, the Valeidios and the rest of the party raced behind them, their focus now entirely on the source of the commotion.

The closer Kaelix drew to the sounds, the faster his heart pounded. He tore through the underbrush, emerging into a small clearing. There, amidst broken branches and trampled earth, stood Eirik, struggling to his feet. His face was pale, his breaths labored, one hand clutching his stomach as he swayed on weakened legs. Surrounding him were a group of armed men, their weapons raised, advancing toward him.

A surge of panic shot through Kaelix, sharp and cold, rooting him to the spot for a heartbeat. Eirik’s pain, visible in every strained movement, twisted his heart painfully. Rage followed close behind, fierce and blinding. Eirik looked so vulnerable, his face contorted in agony, and Kaelix knew he had to act now, or risk losing him again.

Raising his hand, Kaelix signaled to his men. "Fire!" he ordered, his voice tight with command.

Arrows whistled through the trees, slicing the air with deadly precision.

Several of the advancing men cried out in surprise and pain as they fell, struck down by the sudden assault.

The remaining soldiers turned, shock flashing across their faces as they took in the sight of the reinforcements surging toward them. Some of them hesitated, their confidence wavering, realizing they were now outmatched.

"Protect Prince Eirik!" Kaelix shouted as he and the rest of his men charged forward. Swords clashed, the sound of metal against metal ringing through the forest as Kaelix and his warriors tore into the attackers with ruthless efficiency.

A glimmer of relief washed over Eirik’s face as he spotted Kaelix and the others. His vision was hazy from pain and exhaustion, but hope shone in his eyes.

Sadiki, emboldened by the sudden reinforcements, gritted his teeth and turned to confront the man who had slashed his arm. He parried a blow, then surged forward, delivering a swift cut that took the assailant down.

Drystan reached Sadiki’s side just in time, his gaze hard and unyielding as he sliced through an attacker with a swift stroke. For a brief moment, Sadiki’s heart stuttered at the sight of Drystan, a flicker of emotion crossing his face before he schooled his features.

Drystan, however, kept his focus entirely on the fight, their unspoken past adding a tense edge to the synchronization of their movements. Years of training together allowed them to anticipate each other’s moves seamlessly, cutting down opponents as one.

Eirik’s vision continued to blur as he tried to focus, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. But he could see the Valeidios soldiers, his brothers, and their men, entering the fray.

They fought with precision and lethal efficiency, cutting through the remaining attackers with practiced ease. The tide of the battle had shifted, and the enemy soldiers, sensing their inevitable defeat, began to falter, their confidence shattering.

Kaelix fought with an unmatched fury, his focus unbreakable as he slashed and struck with each step that brought him closer to Eirik. At last, he broke through the chaos and reached Eirik’s side, his hands reaching out to steady him as he wavered.

"I’ve got you," Kaelix murmured, his voice a balm amidst the chaos.

Eirik’s strength faltered completely, and with a relieved sigh, he collapsed into Kaelix’s arms, the world spinning as darkness closed in. The last thing he heard was Kaelix’s voice, steady and warm, wrapping around him like a protective shield. He gave in to the exhaustion, feeling safe in the embrace of the one person who had always been his strength.

Kaelix’s face was taut with worry as he held Eirik close, cradling him protectively. He felt a rush of helplessness claw at him, something he rarely allowed himself to feel. He had been just moments away from losing Eirik, and the thought alone was unbearable. His hands shook slightly as he brushed a few stray strands of hair from Eirik’s face, his heart twisting at the pallor of his skin.

As the final remnants of the enemy soldiers were subdued, Theron, Lucian, and Julian pushed through the crowd, their expressions a mixture of relief and disbelief.

Theron’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of his younger brother, lying pale and still in Kaelix’s arms. His stoic facade broke, and he knelt beside them, his hand trembling as he reached out to touch Eirik’s shoulder.

"Baby brother..." Theron’s voice was thick with emotion, his usually composed demeanor fractured by the sight before him. Lucian knelt beside him, his hand resting on Theron’s shoulder, his own face etched with worry and exhaustion.

Julian, usually the lighthearted one, looked on with a somber expression, his gaze fixed on Eirik with a sense of profound relief. "We found him," he whispered, almost as if reassuring himself. "We finally found him."

As the brothers surrounded Eirik, a figure emerged from the remaining soldiers, King Xavian, his steps purposeful but heavy with worry. His gaze softened as he took in the sight of his son, lying unconscious in Kaelix’s arms.

For a moment, the composed, regal air that usually defined him faded, replaced by the raw, aching fear of a father.

Xavian knelt beside Kaelix, his hand reaching out to rest gently on Eirik’s head, his fingers brushing over his hair. His face was etched with sorrow and guilt, the lines on his face deepening as he looked at his son, pale and unmoving. He closed his eyes briefly, as if fighting back the emotions that threatened to overtake him.

"Thank you," he murmured to Kaelix, his voice hoarse. "You’ve brought him back to us."

Kaelix nodded, his throat tight with emotion. He glanced up at Xavian, meeting his gaze with a fierce resolve. "He needs help, immediate medical attention," Kaelix managed, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him.

At that moment, Lord Cedric approached, his eyes surveying the scene before he turned to Xavian. "We must return at once, Your Majesty," he said urgently. "Prince Eirik’s condition is critical. We cannot afford any delay."

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