A Royal Obligation
Chapter 207: The Reluctant Departure (2)

Chapter 207: The Reluctant Departure (2)

The early morning sun bathed the Neomenia palace courtyard in a pale golden light, casting long shadows across the cobbled stones.

The scene was one of quiet preparation, where duty loomed over hearts burdened with farewells.

Horses stood at the ready, snorting and stamping as the riders prepared themselves, armor and saddles gleaming. The Valeidio banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, yet none of the men gathered looked joyful at their departure.

King Xavian tightened the strap on his gauntlet, his brow furrowed. His gaze moved from one end of the courtyard to the other, settling on his brother-in-law, Lord Cedric. Cedric, with a steady and reassuring expression, approached him. Xavian’s voice was low, weighted by emotions he struggled to hide.

"Cedric," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’m entrusting my sons and Kaelix to you. Look after them... look after Eirik in my stead." His gaze turned to the palace walls, behind which his son lay, still fighting for his life.

Cedric placed a firm hand on Xavian’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You can always count on me, Xavian, They will be safe here, and I’ll do all I can to help Kaelix and the boys through this." His tone was resolute, yet softened with empathy.

Cedric understood the sacrifice Xavian was making, leaving behind a son so close to the edge.

Xavian nodded, drawing in a steadying breath. "Thank you Ced. I could not have asked for better family." He hesitated a moment before turning to his men, gesturing to begin preparations for departure.

From the shadows of the palace dungeon, there was a sudden commotion. Neomenia guards appeared, dragging a disheveled figure between them.

Sadiki, bound and bruised, stumbled forward under their harsh grip. His once-proud demeanor had all but faded; defiance in his eyes was replaced by a flicker of shame and resignation. He barely lifted his head as he was pulled into the daylight, and his face twisted as he felt the piercing gazes of the Valeidio royals upon him.

Prince Theron looked on, his lip curling in disgust as he observed Sadiki. The betrayal of his brother Eirik was fresh in his mind, and he found himself struggling to contain the contempt boiling up inside him. Beside him, Theo wore a similar expression, the usually calm captain’s face hardened with silent judgment.

King Xavian’s eyes narrowed as he watched the guards fasten Sadiki to the horse meant to carry him back to Zephyros. "A fitting way to return," Xavian murmured, his voice cold. This man had almost taken his son from him, and yet he would still be delivered back to face justice. It was a decision that weighed heavily on him, but one he had made as a ruler and father alike.

At that moment, Queen Aveline and her daughter, Princess Abigail, appeared, gracefully descending the palace steps to bid farewell. Queen Aveline’s demeanor was dignified yet warm, her poise the embodiment of her role. Beside her, Abigail’s gaze drifted, seeking someone in particular.

King Xavian’s expression softened as Queen Aveline approached. "Your Majesty," he said with a respectful bow. "Thank you... for everything. For allowing Eirik to recover here, for your hospitality."

Queen Aveline inclined her head, her expression understanding. "It is nothing, Xavian. Eirik is welcome here for as long as he needs. This kingdom will stand as his sanctuary until he is ready to return." Her words held both comfort and strength, and Xavian felt a flicker of relief as he listened.

"I am grateful," Xavian replied, his voice thick with gratitude. He knew her offer was sincere and knew that the kingdom would indeed offer Eirik the safety and care he needed.

As Xavian turned to address his men, Princess Abigail stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Theron. She wore a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and warmth as she approached him.

Over the days spent together in Neomenia, a quiet friendship had blossomed between them, one that surprised even herself. Now, as they stood on the brink of parting, she felt an ache she hadn’t expected.

"Prince Theron," she began softly, her fingers brushing over the small token he had handed her the night before. "I will miss you." Her voice was barely a whisper, but it carried with it the weight of all the quiet conversations they had shared, the tentative companionship that had grown between them.

Theron’s gaze softened as he looked down at her, a rare gentleness crossing his face. He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.

"And I, you," he replied. Then, in a move that surprised everyone, including Abigail, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

The young princess closed her eyes, holding on to the moment as if it were something precious.

As he pulled away, she clutched the small token he had given her, a pendant shaped like the symbol of his kingdom. She held it tightly, feeling its cool weight, and a promise to write to her danced between them, unspoken yet understood.

At a distance, Queen Aveline and King Xavian exchanged a knowing glance, both of their eyebrows raised in surprise at the iinteraction

Queen Aveline’s lips curved slightly as she observed her daughter’s softened demeanor. She knew Abigail well enough to recognize that only someone exceptional could reach the heart of her daughter, a heart often hidden behind cold reserve.

Xavian, for his part, felt a twinge of relief. He and Queen Morgana had often worried that Theron’s disinterest in relationships would leave him lonely. But now, as he observed his son’s tender farewell to Abigail, he saw a glimmer of something he had hoped for.

"It seems this journey brought more than sorrow," Xavian murmured to Aveline, his voice low but touched with quiet joy.

Aveline nodded, a glimmer of pride in her gaze. "Theron seems to have awakened something in Abigail as well." She watched her daughter, marveling at the sight of her usually reserved daughter letting someone in. Perhaps, she mused, there was a silver lining to this visit after all.

Nearby, Theo was sharing a solemn goodbye with his father, Lord Cedric. The two stood close, their voices low amidst the surrounding bustle.

"Keep them safe, Father," Theo murmured, his voice filled with the weight of responsibility. "I wish I could stay with you."

Lord Cedric placed a firm hand on Theo’s shoulder, his eyes reflecting both pride and a lingering concern. "Your place is in the border and with your sister, Theo. Protect her as I would."

Theo nodded, a quiet resolve setting in. "I will, Father. I won’t let you down." He bowed his head, feeling the familiar but heavy mantle of duty settle upon him.

A moment of silence passed, but words weren’t necessary; they shared a bond forged from years of understanding.

Finally, King Xavian turned to mount his horse, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard one last time, imprinting the sight of Neomenia’s palace upon his memory.

Sadiki was tied to a horse near the back of the formation, flanked by guards from Valeidio. His expression was one of resigned bitterness, though he caught the condemning stares of the royals who watched him with thinly veiled contempt.

He looked away, but the weight of their judgment clung to him, palpable and heavy.

At last, the command was given. Xavian’s voice rose, firm yet tempered with a trace of sorrow. "Let’s go!" The horses stirred, the men positioned themselves, and with a final look at Neomenia’s regal stone walls, they began their journey.

As the procession moved toward the grand entrance, Theron reached out and placed a steadying hand on his father’s shoulder. In that single gesture, he offered the reassurance that he, too, understood the pain of leaving loved ones behind. Xavian looked at him, a shared sorrow and strength reflected in his eyes.

They exchanged a brief, understanding glance, bound by duty yet softened by the weight of their shared sacrifice. Turning back to the palace one last time, Xavian whispered, "Hold on, my son... hold on until you can be brought back home."

With a gentle nudge, he urged his horse forward, and the procession quickened as they disappeared down the winding path. Behind them, Sadiki was dragged along, bound and broken, his fate sealed by the choices he’d made.

Back in the courtyard, Queen Aveline, Princess Abigail, and Lord Cedric stood silently, shadows stretching across their still forms. Abigail’s gaze remained fixed on the distant figure of Theron until he faded from view, her fingers clutched tightly around the pendant he’d left her, the warmth of his parting kiss lingering like a ghostly memory.

From behind a nearby pillar, Drystan watched the procession vanish, his jaw clenched, fingers digging into his palms. A storm of emotions churned within him, anger, regret, and an ache he couldn’t shake. He turned away slowly, slipping back into the palace, his heart burdened with a silent, unspoken sorrow.

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