A Royal Obligation
Chapter 197: Race Against Time

Chapter 197: Race Against Time

The journey to Neomenia was a desperate race against time. Kaelix’s eyes never left Eirik, whose pallor grew more alarming with each passing moment.

The relentless flow of blood stained Eirik’s cloak and pooled on Kaelix’s hands, a grim reminder of the urgency. Every jolt of the horse drew a faint groan from Eirik, spurring Kaelix to push their pace faster, beyond the limits of endurance.

Eirik’s brothers, Theron, Lucian, and Julian, rode alongside in grim silence, their faces masks of fear and frustration. Theron frequently glanced back to ensure Sadiki, bound and guarded, wasn’t causing any trouble. Lucian’s knuckles were white from gripping the reins, while Julian, seemed to have aged years in mere hours, his gaze fixed on his wounded brother.

When Neomenia’s towering gates finally appeared on the horizon, a wave of relief washed over them. Neomenia was unlike any kingdom they had seen, a realm of artistic splendor.

Buildings reflected a musical rhythm, with curved, harmonious lines carved in smooth stone, and vibrant mosaics and intricate carvings adorned the structures.

Wind chimes sang gently in the warm morning breeze, creating an ethereal melody. The streets were filled with elegant sculptures and bold murals depicting ancient heroes, queens, gods, and celestial creatures.

Queen Aveline awaited them at the gates, her presence exuding grace and quiet strength. Dressed in robes of deep indigo and silver, she commanded her guards to assist Eirik. "Bring him to the healing chambers," she ordered, her voice calm yet authoritative.

Kaelix clung to Eirik’s hand as they carried him into the palace. The halls were wide and airy, with walls painted in muted pastels, adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures. The air was fragrant with fresh herbs and the faint sweetness of incense.

In the healing chambers, sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting a rainbow of colors across the stone floor. Healers, their faces serene but focused, took Eirik from Kaelix’s arms. Kaelix instinctively moved to follow, but a healer blocked his path.

"Your Highness, we must work undistracted," the healer said gently but firmly. "Please, wait outside."

Kaelix opened his mouth to argue, but the door closed before he could speak. He stared at it, feeling a helpless rage build inside him. Eirik’s brothers stood around him, visibly shaken.

Theron paced the hallway, his footsteps echoing against the stone. Lucian leaned against the wall, his eyes red-rimmed, glancing at the door every few seconds as if willing it to open. Julian sat on a bench, his head in his hands, muttering quiet prayers to any gods who might be listening.

"We should have been faster," Lucian muttered, his voice breaking. "If we had..."

"Stop it," Theron interrupted, his voice rough with guilt. "We got here as fast as we could."

"But was it fast enough?" Julian whispered, his eyes haunted. "If anything happens to him..."

Kaelix said nothing, his hands still stained with Eirik’s blood. He felt numb, his mind replaying every moment of the journey, every stumble and breathless minute. He pressed his hand against the closed door, as if somehow that connection could keep Eirik tethered to him, safe within the healer’s hands.

Meanwhile, Queen Aveline led King Xavian and Lord Cedric to a private chamber that was adorned elegantly, depicting Neomenia’s famous orchards and mountain views. She took a seat opposite them, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Last night, you requested permission to pass through Neomenia without much explanation," she began, her voice gentle yet probing. "Now that you’ve returned with your prince in such a dire condition, I need to understand what happened."

King Xavian straightened, his expression grave.

"Queen Aveline, we owe you our deepest thanks for allowing us passage through your kingdom without delay.

My son, Eirik, was taken by under the command of the crown prince of Mbuzuoria. And this was no ordinary act of hostility. King Thaddeus intended to wage war on us while we’re all distracted looking for Eirik, but they underestimated our resolve to bring him home."

Lord Cedric added, "Had we approached directly, we would have given him time to anticipate us. Coming through Neomenia allowed us the element of surprise."

Queen Aveline’s expression softened, though her eyes remained sharp.

"I understand. Rest assured, Eirik is in the best hands. My healers have saved many lives under even graver conditions. They will do everything to protect him and the child."

King Xavian nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Queen Aveline. I am indebted to you, as are my people."

Aveline inclined her head. "Please, think nothing of it. It is our duty to stand against cruelty, even if it comes from our neighboring kingdom. For now, I have arranged chambers for all of you to rest. And, if needed, supplies for the journey home."

Queen Aveline’s face revealed a rare expression of quiet anger. Being closer to King Thaddeus, she knew how ambitious and ruthless he could be. "You were wise to seek another path, though it pains me that such drastic measures were needed."

King Xavian leaned forward, his voice earnest. "Queen Aveline, your support means more than you know. We will not forget this kindness."

Lord Cedric added, "Indeed, your kingdom’s hospitality and aid have been invaluable. We are in your debt."

Queen Aveline smiled faintly, though the concern never left her eyes. "I’m glad to be of help. For now, rest and regain your strength."

Lord Cedric shifted, his gaze turning sharp. "There is one more matter, Your Majesty. We brought along a traitor who betrayed Prince Eirik. His name is Sadiki, and he must be held securely."

Queen Aveline’s expression hardened as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. "Consider it done. We have secure dungeons beneath the palace. I’ll have my guards escort him there."

Cedric nodded in thanks, and with a wave of her hand, Queen Aveline ordered for Sadiki to be taken to the dungeons.

Theo, stepped forward to lead the way. Sadiki was roughly pulled to his feet, his face a mix of defiance and guilt as they bound his hands more tightly.

"You should pray nothing happens to Eirik," Theo hissed at Sadiki, his voice thick with anger. "Because if he doesn’t survive, there will be no corner of this world where you’ll find peace."

Sadiki swallowed, his defiance faltering as he took in the hatred on the faces surrounding him.

He cast a desperate glance at Drystan, his former companion and lover, but Drystan avoided his eyes, his face unreadable and cold as stone.

The sting of that silent dismissal hurt Sadiki more than he’d expected.

As Theo secured the last knot and yanked him toward the dungeons, Sadiki’s expression faltered, and he whispered, "I didn’t want it to end this way..."

But Theo merely tightened his grip, dragging him down the winding corridors that led to the palace’s depths. The sound of the doors slamming shut behind them echoed through the stone halls, a final sentence on whatever they had once shared.

Drystan watched until Sadiki disappeared from sight, his jaw clenched, every muscle in his body tense.

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