A Royal Obligation
Chapter 214: Updates on his Family

Chapter 214: Updates on his Family

King Reagan of Zephyros sat in his study, the letter from Valeidio’s messenger clutched tightly in his hand. His normally steady composure wavered as he read the words again, his heart sinking further with every line. His mind raced with fragmented thoughts, each one heavier than the last.

Kaelix, his strong, resilient son, had been forced to make an unimaginable decision. The thought alone made Reagan’s chest tighten. Kaelix had chosen to save Eirik, sacrificing the life of his unborn child in the process, a child Kaelix had been so overjoyed to learn about.

Reagan’s hands trembled as he set the letter down, his gaze falling to the polished oak desk. He could still see Kaelix’s radiant smile the day he had shared the news of Eirik’s pregnancy. It had been one of the rare moments when Kaelix’s usual stoic demeanor had melted into sheer joy.

And now... that joy was gone, replaced by grief and guilt.

"My poor boy," Reagan muttered, his voice barely audible. He rubbed a hand over his face, his thoughts shifting to Eirik.

Eirik, his son’s consort, still unconscious after all that had transpired. A boy who had already endured so much, the abduction, the betrayal, and now the devastating loss of a child he never had the chance to hold. Reagan closed his eyes, his throat tightening as he imagined Eirik’s gentle face marred with pain when he woke to learn the truth.

"This isn’t fair," he said quietly, anger bubbling beneath his sorrow.

Eirik didn’t deserve this, none of them did. All because of Mbuzuoria’s insatiable greed, their relentless desire to conquer Zephyros and Valeidio. The audacity of their actions, abducting a prince, attempting to destabilize two kingdoms, was beyond comprehension.

Reagan’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening. "They will pay for this," he vowed aloud. His voice echoed in the silent chamber, a promise carried by the weight of his authority.

He stood and paced the room, his thoughts spiraling further. It felt as though his family had been cursed. First, his beloved wife Elena had fallen gravely ill with Nyrax Syndrome, a disease so rare and insidious that even the best healers struggled to slow its progression. And now this, a devastating betrayal from within their own ranks, a shattered bond of trust, and the loss of an innocent life.

Reagan leaned against the grand window, staring out at the city of Zephyros below. The bustling streets were filled with life, the people going about their day, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding within the palace walls.

He thought of Elena, who was still in Valeidio, recovering. It had been months since he had last seen her. The distance between them felt unbearable, especially now when he needed her calm presence more than ever. She had always been his anchor, the one who steadied him when the weight of the crown threatened to overwhelm.

"How are you, my love?" he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Do you feel this ache as I do?"

He missed her terribly. He longed to hold her, to seek her counsel, to face these trials together as they always had.

A knock at the door broke his reverie.

"Enter," Reagan said, his voice regaining its usual authoritative tone.

The door opened to reveal Alaric, one of his generals and trusted advisor. The older man stepped inside, his expression grim. He carried an air of quiet respect, bowing slightly before speaking.

"My king, I heard there’s a messenger from Valeidio?" Alaric asked.

Reagan gestured to the letter on the desk. "Read it," he said simply, turning back to the window.

Alaric moved forward, picked up the letter, and quickly scanned its contents. His face fell as he read, his brows knitting together in a mixture of sadness and outrage.

"This is... heartbreaking," Alaric said softly. "Prince Kaelix must be in agony."

Reagan nodded without turning around. "And Eirik... he doesn’t even know yet." His voice was laced with bitterness. "How much more must they endure, Alaric? How much more can this family take?"

Alaric set the letter down carefully, his gaze steady. "They are strong, Your Majesty. They might have faced more than most but I believe they’ll find a way to persevere. But even the strongest hearts need time to heal."

Reagan sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "Time. That is the one luxury we cannot afford. The Mbuzuorians won’t stop, they’ve shown that much. We must act before they strike again."

Alaric hesitated before speaking. "You’re right, my king. But perhaps we should wait until Eirik awakens. His insight into what happened during his captivity could prove invaluable."

Reagan turned to face Alaric, his expression hardening. "And what if it’s too late by then? What if they’ve already set their next plan in motion?"

The general bowed his head, conceding the point. "Then we must prepare for war."

Reagan sank into his chair, the weight of the crown pressing down on him. He was no stranger to the burdens of leadership, but this, this felt different. It wasn’t just the fate of his kingdom at stake; it was the fate of his family, the people he loved most.

His thoughts turned back to Kaelix. How was he holding up? Was he putting on a brave face for Eirik’s sake, or had the cracks in his armor begun to show?

"Send a message to Neomenia," Reagan said suddenly, his voice firm. "I want updates on Kaelix and Eirik. Every day, if necessary."

Alaric nodded. "I’ll see to it personally."

"And another thing," Reagan added, his tone dark. "Begin preparations for a council meeting. We don’t have time for grieving. If Mbuzuoria wants a fight, we’ll give them one."

Alaric bowed again. "As you command, my king."

As the door closed behind his general, Reagan leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of his grief.

He heart goes to his son Kaelix, of the child they would never meet, of Eirik and he thought of Elena, his anchor, so far away when he needed her most.

Tears threatened to spill, but Reagan blinked them away. A king could grieve, but he could not falter. Not now.

Taking a deep breath, he straightened his shoulders, his resolve hardening. His family would heal. His kingdom would prevail. And Mbuzuoria would pay for their crimes.

No matter the cost.