A Royal Obligation
Chapter 235: Shocking Turn of Event

Chapter 235: Shocking Turn of Event

Drystan reached out and placed a hand on Sadiki’s shoulder, his grip firm but gentle. "Because I love you," he said simply. "And I’ll never make the mistake of walking away from you again."

Sadiki closed his eyes, his head bowing as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. For the first time since Drystan had entered the cell, his rigid frame seemed to relax, though only slightly.

"Thank you," he whispered, the words barely audible.

Drystan nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "We’ll get through this, Sadiki. I will get you out of here. I promise you that."

As the hours passed in the dimly lit dungeon, Drystan stayed beside Sadiki, refusing to leave even as silence stretched between them. He leaned his back against the cold stone wall, his thoughts racing with how to follow through on his promise. Sadiki, still curled against the opposite side, seemed to have momentarily drifted into an uneasy sleep.

Drystan’s gaze lingered on Sadiki’s fragile figure. The weight of his guilt clawed at him as he replayed every moment he had overlooked Sadiki’s struggles. How many times had he dismissed Sadiki’s distant stares or the quiet tension in his voice as something fleeting?.

He remained seated on the cold stone floor of the dungeon, and watched over Sadiki. His mind raced with thoughts on how to convince his prince and the Valeidio royals to show mercy. Sadiki’s betrayal had cut deeply, especially with its catastrophic consequences, Prince Eirik’s miscarriage.

Even though Drystan knew the miscarriage was mostly due to the drug Prince Carl had forced upon Eirik, the blame still lingered heavily on Sadiki. After all, it was Sadiki who had brought Eirik to Carl in the first place. But the truth of Sadiki’s desperate actions to save his mother couldn’t be ignored either.

Drystan clenched his fists at the thought. Sadiki wasn’t a heartless traitor; he was a man who had made an impossible choice under unimaginable circumstances. If anyone would have done the same for their mother, surely the Valeidio royals, especially Queen Morgana, could understand. Still, he knew it wouldn’t be easy to sway them. Their mercy wouldn’t come freely, not after everything that had been lost.

The soft echo of boots against the stone floor broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. Drystan tensed for a moment, his body instinctively ready for confrontation, but he relaxed slightly when he saw it was the guard who had been stationed outside Sadiki’s cell earlier.

"Sir Drystan," the guard said quietly, stopping at the cell door. His gaze shifted briefly to Sadiki, still slumped against the wall, before returning to Drystan. "Your time is up."

Drystan sighed, the weight of leaving settling heavily on his chest. He glanced back at Sadiki, who had fallen into a restless sleep, his face still streaked with dried tears. The sight twisted something deep inside Drystan.

Carefully, he rose to his feet, trying not to make too much noise and risk disturbing Sadiki. He hesitated for a moment, then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of Sadiki’s head.

"I won’t give up on you," Drystan whispered, more to himself than to the sleeping man.

Reluctantly, he stepped out of the cell. The guard quickly locked the door behind him, the metallic clang echoing through the corridor like a finality Drystan refused to accept.

He stood there for a moment, staring at the cell door. His resolve solidified. He would fight for Sadiki, no matter the cost. He would find a way to convince his prince and the Valeidio royals to see the truth behind Sadiki’s actions. And more importantly, he would do everything in his power to bring Sadiki’s mother back, dead or alive.

Drystan turned and walked away, the sound of his boots echoing faintly in the quiet dungeon as a promise to himself played over and over in his mind: I won’t abandon him again.

---

The late morning sunlight filtered gently through the drawn curtains, casting soft golden hues across the Eirik’s chamber. The air was quiet, save for the rhythmic sound of Prince Kaelix’s steady breathing as he lay curled around Eirik, his arms protectively wrapped around the smaller frame. Eirik’s tear-streaked face had finally relaxed into an uneasy slumber, his back rising and falling against Kaelix’s chest.

Kaelix’s head rested against Eirik’s shoulder, exhaustion evident in the dark shadows under his eyes. He refused to leave Eirik’s side, holding him close as though his presence alone could shield the prince from further pain.

Suddenly, Eirik startled awake with a gasp, his body jerking upright as he clutched his chest, eyes wide with fear. Kaelix bolted upright as well, his grip tightening instinctively around Eirik.

"Shh, shh, shh," Kaelix whispered softly, his voice laced with concern. "It’s just a dream, my love. You’re safe now. I’m here. It’s just a dream." He repeated the words like a mantra, rocking Eirik gently as he brushed a soothing hand over his back.

Eirik’s breath came in ragged gulps, his trembling fingers clutching at the sheets beneath him. Slowly, Kaelix’s steady murmurs and warmth pulled him back from the edge of panic. He exhaled shakily and leaned into Kaelix’s embrace.

After a long moment of silence, Eirik spoke, his voice hoarse but clear. "I’m hungry."

Kaelix froze, stunned by the simple yet monumental statement. His heart swelled with immense relief and joy. It was the first time Eirik had initiated any words since the harrowing incident, let alone expressed a need. He blinked rapidly, fighting the sudden sting of tears.

"You’re hungry?" Kaelix asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as though afraid to break the fragile moment.

Eirik nodded, and Kaelix scrambled out of the bed with surprising speed. "Stay right here. I’ll get the food," he said, his voice carrying an urgency that belied the situation.

He rushed to the small table where he had arranged the untouched dishes earlier. The sight of the now-cold food dampened his enthusiasm for only a second. "Let me call the maids to warm this up..."

"No," Eirik interrupted quietly but firmly. Kaelix turned, surprised to see Eirik watching him with tired but resolute eyes. "I want it like this."

Kaelix hesitated. "But..."

"Please," Eirik said softly.

Kaelix nodded quickly, unwilling to risk Eirik changing his mind. He carefully transferred the dishes back to the bed, setting the platter of honeyed rolls within easy reach.

Eirik didn’t wait. He grabbed a roll and began eating with fervor, his hunger evident in the way he tore into it.

"Easy," Kaelix said, worry creasing his brow as he handed Eirik a cup of water. "You’ll choke if you eat too fast."

Eirik took the water without complaint, muttering a soft, "Thanks," before gulping it down and returning to the food. His movements were hurried but determined, as though satisfying his hunger might banish the lingering shadows of his nightmare.

Kaelix watched him with an unrestrained smile, his heart lighter than it had been in days. He reached out and gently patted Eirik’s back as he continued to eat.

The sound of footsteps nearing the door drew Kaelix’s attention, but before he could react, the door opened. Queen Morgana stood there, her eyes instantly falling on the scene before her.

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