A Royal Obligation
Chapter 198: Save Eirik

Chapter 198: Save Eirik

Drystan felt a pang of sympathy for Sadiki. Lingering love and concern tugged at him, though his loyalty to Zephyros and the weight of Sadiki’s betrayal, which had nearly cost Eirik his life, held him back.

Knowing Sadiki will now be locked up in the dungeons stirred a tangled mix of emotions, guilt, regret, and reluctant empathy.

Drystan shook his head, forcing the thoughts aside, and turned to the men under his command. "Stay close and remain vigilant. We can’t assume safety just because we’re within our own borders."

Meanwhile, outside the healing chamber, Kaelix remained standing, his hand pressed firmly against the closed door, every sense tuned to the faint sounds beyond it.

The world around him had shrunk, leaving only the fragile thread of hope that Eirik would be alright.

A light touch on his shoulder drew him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Lucian standing beside him, his expression steady but etched with concern.

"They’ll take care of him, Kaelix," Lucian murmured, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance that seemed as much for himself as for Kaelix. "Eirik is in good hands. He’ll pull through."

Kaelix managed a brief nod, though his jaw remained tense, and the hollow ache in his chest refused to ease.

Every passing moment felt like an eternity. Images of Eirik’s pale face, the blood darkening his clothes, and his labored breaths haunted Kaelix’s mind. He closed his eyes, a silent plea escaping his heart, a desperate wish that Eirik and their child would be spared.

Around him, Eirik’s brothers wore their worry in different ways.

Theron paced relentlessly, fists clenching and unclenching as he struggled to contain his anxiety. His jaw was set tight, as if sheer willpower could change the outcome.

Julian sat slumped against the wall, his eyes distant, hands clenched in his lap, braced for whatever news might come.

Lucian’s gaze remained fixed on the door, his body coiled with tension, ready to spring the moment it opened.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the healer emerged from the room. Kaelix’s heart leapt as he stepped forward, searching her face for a glimmer of hope. But instead, the healer’s face was lined with exhaustion, her expression grave.

Kaelix’s stomach twisted. He already knew, deep down, that the news was bad.

The healer spoke softly, her words slow and careful. "Prince Eirik’s condition is... critical. We’ve stopped the bleeding, but he’s incredibly weak. There is a complication." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "To save him, we may need to sacrifice... the child."

The words hit like a blow. Kaelix’s vision blurred as he felt the air rush out of him. Beside him, Eirik’s brothers reacted in different ways, but their shock and horror mirrored his own.

Theron’s face drained of color, his fists clenching at his sides as if he could somehow force this nightmare to end by sheer force of will. "No," he whispered, his voice cracking. "There must be another way."

Julian’s head dropped into his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent emotion. "This... it can’t be..." he murmured, his voice hollow.

Lucian looked torn, his gaze flicking from Kaelix to the healer, as if searching for any glimmer of hope, any small chance that both Eirik and the child could be saved. But the healer’s somber expression left little room for comfort.

Kaelix felt the hollowness inside him grow, his heart aching with the realization of what he was being asked to choose. How could he choose between his husband and their unborn child? He had imagined a future with both of them, a family they would raise together.

But then the healer continued, "There is... something else we’ve discovered." She took a deep breath. "A drug called Dronumb was found in Eirik’s bloodstream.

It’s a rare and dangerous substance, one that paralyzes the body and affects speech. Typically, its effects subside once the user stops taking it. But in Eirik’s case, it appears he’s been consuming it for quite some time."

The room went silent again, and Kaelix’s hands curled into fists as he processed this new information. Eirik had been poisoned slowly, weakened over time in captivity.

Rage simmered in him, directed at prince Carl. He swallowed hard, barely keeping himself under control.

The healer went on, her voice laced with sorrow. "Because of this drug’s prolonged effect, Eirik’s body is weaker than it should be. He simply doesn’t have the strength to fight for both his own life and the life of the child. If we attempt to save them both... I fear neither will survive."

Kaelix’s jaw tightened, and his gaze fixed on the healer with steely determination. "Save Eirik," he said firmly, his voice barely above a whisper, but his tone left no room for argument. "He has to live. Do whatever you must, but Eirik must survive."

The healer nodded solemnly, her eyes full of understanding and empathy. She turned and went back into the room, leaving the others to process the weight of Kaelix’s choice.

Theron, Julian, and Lucian looked at him, their expressions reflecting a mix of emotions. Theron seemed torn, his face a mask of grief and helplessness.

Julian, who had been silent up until now, wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. "Eirik’s life... that’s what matters most. We’ll all grieve for the child, but Eirik... he deserves to live, please save him."

Lucian placed a hand on Kaelix’s shoulder, squeezing it in silent support. "You’ve made the right choice, Kaelix. You did what had to be done. My brother will understand."

At that moment, Queen Aveline arrived with King Xavian and Lord Cedric. The grave expressions on their faces hinted that they sensed the severity of the situation.

Queen Aveline’s gaze flicked between Kaelix and the brothers, concern evident in her eyes. "Is... is Eirik going to be all right?" she asked softly.

Kaelix swallowed, struggling to find the words. "The healers believe they can save him, but... we’ve had to make sacrifices," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "The baby... to save Eirik, they need to sacrifice the baby."

Xavian’s expression turned somber, his brows furrowing as he absorbed the information. He closed his eyes briefly, a silent prayer on his lips. "The cost is high, but if Eirik survives, we will be forever grateful."

Lord Cedric, who had once opposed Eirik and Kaelix’s union, regarded Kaelix with a newfound respect.

There was a look in his eyes, an unspoken acknowledgment of the strength and sacrifice Kaelix had just shown. He nodded, his voice quiet but resolute. "Eirik’s life is what matters most now. You’ve done well, Kaelix, standing by him with such resolve."

Kaelix gave a slight nod, his throat tight as he struggled to contain the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm him.

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