A Royal Obligation
Chapter 237: A Line Between Duty and Betrayal

Chapter 237: A Line Between Duty and Betrayal

Kaelix followed Drystan down the quiet corridor, his steps brisk and impatient.

Every moment he spent away from Eirik felt like a betrayal of his own resolve to protect and care for him.

The emotional toll of recent events hung over him like a storm cloud, and Drystan’s sudden need for a private conversation only added to his frustration.

Drystan walked ahead, his usual assured stride laced with hesitation.

He finally stopped in an alcove away from the main corridors. His usual calm demeanor seemed strained, his back to Kaelix for a moment, as though steadying himself.

Kaelix crossed his arms and frowned, impatience flickering in his eyes. "Drystan, what is this about? I need to get back to Eirik." His was voice clipped.

Drystan turned slowly, his face unreadable but the tightness in his jaw betraying his turmoil. He took a deep breath, and his eyes met Kaelix’s with quiet determination.

"I want to talk about Sadiki, Your Highness."

Kaelix’s expression darkened immediately, his arms tightening over his chest. "Sadiki?" he repeated coldly, his tone carrying the weight of his anger and betrayal.

"I know what he did is unforgivable," Drystan began, raising a hand to forestall Kaelix’s inevitable response. "But please, Your Highness, let’s be lenient in his punishment."

Kaelix’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "Lenient? Sadiki’s betrayal has shaken us all. You think.."

"I know," Drystan interrupted, his tone urgent but respectful. "I know that better than anyone, Your Highness.

I know how much he’s hurt us. Hurt you. But after learning the full story... I believe we shouldn’t be blind to his circumstances.

Kaelix’s voice dropped an octave. "Circumstances? Eirik lost our child because of him, Drystan. Do you think I should just forget that?"

Drystan stepped closer, his words quick and pleading. "No, Your Highness. That wasn’t Sadiki’s doing. Prince Eirik lost the baby because of the drug Prince Carl forced on him. If anyone deserves punishment, it’s Carl. Sadiki... his mother was kidnapped. What do you expect him to do? Sit back and do nothing while they threatened her life?

Kaelix’s jaw tightened. He stared at Drystan, disbelief flickering across his face. "You’re defending him?"

"I’m explaining him," Drystan corrected, his voice steady. "Sadiki made mistakes. I fault him for keeping everything to himself.

He acted out of desperation, any one of us would’ve been crushed under the weight of such a choice. He kept quiet because he was afraid, not because he wanted to betray us."

Kaelix’s hands clenched at his sides, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. He stared at Drystan, his voice low and edged with disbelief. "Are you saying you would betray me if the situation were reversed? If you were in Sadiki’s position?"

Drystan’s head snapped back slightly, hurt flashing in his eyes. "I’m saying no such thing, Your Highness. I’ve sworn my life to you, and you know that more than anyone. I would never betray you."

"Then don’t compare his choices to what you’d do." Kaelix’s tone softened slightly, but his words still carried weight. "Sadiki made his decisions, and those choices cost us all dearly and he..."

Drystan cut him off, his voice tinged with desperation. "At least he tried to redeem himself! He sent us that letter telling us where to find them.

And he fought alongside Prince Eirik when we arrived. Doesn’t that prove he regrets what he did?"

Kaelix’s silence was heavy. He folded his arms again, his gaze locked onto Drystan as he considered the man’s words.

"I’m not abandoning him again, Your Highness," Drystan said firmly. "I don’t care what it costs me. He’s been through enough."

Kaelix’s eyes narrowed, his voice measured but heavy with emotion. "You think I’d ask you to abandon him? I’m not heartless, Drystan."

Drystan exhaled shakily, his shoulders sagging in relief. But Kaelix wasn’t finished.

"I will speak with the Valeidio royals," Kaelix said, his voice quieter now but still firm. "But don’t expect their mercy to come easily. Eirik’s family will not forgive this lightly."

Drystan straightened. "With all due respect, Your Highness, Sadiki’s mother was kidnapped in their kingdom. They failed him first. This wouldn’t have happened if..."

"Stop it already, Drystan," Kaelix interrupted sharply, his patience wearing thin. "I said I’ll talk to them. Whatever their decision is, we will respect it."

Drystan clenched his fists at his sides, his frustration palpable. "But, Your Highness, I don’t think it’s their right to punish Sadiki."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation. "And why is that?"

Drystan’s voice grew stronger as he explained, "Sadiki betrayed Zephyros. It was our armory that was burned. Our trust he broke. Punishment should come from us, not them."

Kaelix’s laughter was bitter, cutting through the air like a whip. "And you think Valeidio will see it that way? Eirik was their son, their prince. They’re the ones who assigned Sadiki to protect him."

Drystan met Kaelix’s gaze unflinchingly, his voice unwavering. "And Prince Eirik is your consort, Your Highness. He is Zephyros now, and so is Sadiki because he served your consort. This isn’t just about Valeidio anymore."

Kaelix stepped closer, his presence commanding, his tone sharp. "So you think Zephyros should shoulder this alone? Let me remind you, Drystan, that this isn’t just about politics. This is about trust. Betrayal. Loss."

Drystan’s eyes burned with intensity, his voice almost breaking. "And redemption, Your Highness. Sadiki’s actions saved lives in the end. He fought beside us. If we don’t acknowledge that, what kind of people are we? What kind of ruler are you?"

Kaelix’s lips tightened, the weight of Drystan’s words settling over him like a storm cloud. Silence stretched between them, the tension almost unbearable. Finally, Kaelix exhaled, his voice softer but no less firm.

"I understand your loyalty to him," Kaelix said. "And I admire your compassion. But don’t mistake my silence for weakness. I will speak with Valeidio, and I will ensure Sadiki is given a fair chance. But if you question my decisions again, Drystan, there will be consequences."

Drystan bowed his head, his voice low. "I would never question your authority, Your Highness. But I will always fight for what I believe is right."

Kaelix stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he inhaled deeply, his emotions warring within him. He didn’t want to argue, but Drystan’s logic was compelling in its simplicity.

For a long moment, neither man spoke, the tension between them crackling like static.

Finally, Kaelix sighed and uncrossed his arms. "Fine," he said quietly. "I’ll consider what you’ve said, but don’t expect miracles. Convincing them will be an uphill battle."

Drystan nodded, his relief evident despite his attempts to remain stoic. "Thank you, Your Highness. That’s all I ask."

Kaelix turned to leave but stopped, glancing over his shoulder. "And Drystan?"

"Yes, Your Highness?"

Kaelix’s voice softened, though the steel in his gaze remained. "Don’t ever make me question your loyalty again. I need to know you’re on my side."

Drystan bowed his head, his voice low but sincere. "Always, Your Highness."

With that, Kaelix turned and strode back toward Eirik’s chambers, Drystan watched him leave, his fists unclenching at last.