A Royal Obligation
Chapter 246: Going after Carl

Chapter 246: Going after Carl

The bitterness burned in Kaelix’s chest, but it only hardened his resolve. If he wanted decisive action, he would have to speak with someone with courage. Lord Cedric. Eirik’s uncle. The only member of his family who had ever shown true grit. Kaelix made up his mind to seek Cedric out and enlist his help.

As he made his way toward the courtyard, Kaelix’s sharp eyes caught sight of Drystan. He stood near a sparring ring, his sword clashing rhythmically with another guard’s blade. Sweat glistened on Drystan’s brow as he moved with precision and strength, parrying and striking in perfect form. His opponent staggered back after a particularly brutal blow, and Drystan lowered his weapon, nodding in acknowledgment of his victory.

Kaelix raised a hand, signaling for Drystan to come over. Drystan sheathed his sword and approached, his expression serious as he noticed Kaelix’s intensity.

"Follow me," Kaelix said curtly, leading Drystan to a secluded corner away from prying ears. Once they were alone, Kaelix turned to him, his voice low but firm.

"I need you to leave for Zephyros immediately," Kaelix began, his gaze locking onto Drystan’s. "Carl is on the loose. I want you to inform my father and request a team of our best men to track him down. Once you find him, bring him back alive. No exceptions. And forced him to answer for where Sadiki’s mother is being held."

Drystan’s brows furrowed slightly at the command, but he nodded. "I’ll do as you ask. But...what about Sadiki? Have you spoken to the Valeidios about him?"

At the mention of the Valeidio royals, Kaelix’s face darkened, a flash of disdain hardening his features. For a moment, he didn’t speak, but when he did, his voice carried a sharp edge. "The Valeidios won’t lay a hand on him," Kaelix assured. "Sadiki acted under impossible circumstances. I won’t let their cowardice destroy him."

Drystan exhaled, relief flickering across his face. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Your Highness. For that, and for everything. I’ll leave at once."

Kaelix nodded, watching as Drystan turned and walked away to carry out his orders. As he disappeared into the distance, Kaelix’s fist clenched at his side. If the Valeidios wouldn’t make a move, he would. Every second wasted gave Carl the chance to strike first, and Kaelix wasn’t about to risk Eirik’s safety again.

---

Drystan made his way to the dungeon, his boots clicking softly against the stone floor as he descended. The air was damp and stale, carrying the faint scent of mildew. When he reached Sadiki’s cell, he found him sitting cross-legged on the cold ground, picking at a small plate of stale bread and watery soup. The sight made Drystan’s chest tighten, this wasn’t food fit for anyone, let alone someone like Sadiki.

He turned to the guard stationed nearby. "Open the cell," Drystan commanded, his voice firm but calm.

The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding, retrieving a set of keys. The lock clicked, and the cell door swung open with a low creak. Drystan stepped inside, the sound of the door closing behind him echoing faintly.

When Sadiki looked up and saw him, his face lit up, his lips parting in a soft, disbelieving whisper. "Drystan..."

Drystan smiled gently and lowered himself to the floor beside Sadiki. His heart ached at the sight of him, and his eyes briefly flicked to the pitiful meal. Reaching into his coat, Drystan pulled out a wrapped piece of roasted meat he’d hidden earlier.

"Here," he said, holding it out to Sadiki.

Sadiki stared at the offering, his expression a mix of shock and hesitation. He glanced toward the guard standing outside the cell, his movements cautious.

"Don’t worry," Drystan said softly, his voice reassuring. "The guards won’t do anything. Eat."

Sadiki hesitated for a moment longer before finally taking the meat from Drystan’s hand. He looked at it with a strange mix of gratitude and guilt.

"I killed and roasted it myself," Drystan added, offering a small smile. "I saved this piece just for you."

Sadiki’s eyes softened, and he bit into the meat. The moment the flavor hit his tongue, he began eating faster, as if afraid it might be taken from him.

Drystan chuckled, the sound light but tinged with sadness. "Slow down, Sadiki. It’s not going anywhere."

Sadiki glanced at him, a small, timid smile tugging at his lips. He nodded and slowed his pace, savoring the meat.

For a moment, they sat in silence, a fleeting sense of comfort in their shared space. But Drystan knew the peace wouldn’t last.

"I’m going back to Zephyros," Drystan said suddenly, his tone quiet but resolute.

Sadiki froze, the meat slipping from his hands onto the plate. His appetite vanished, replaced by a wave of dread. "You’re leaving?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Drystan reached out, placing a hand gently on Sadiki’s knee. "Don’t worry," he said firmly. "I spoke with Prince Kaelix. He assured me that he’ll consider your circumstances. You won’t be abandoned."

Sadiki looked down, his fingers curling into fists. "When will you be back?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"I don’t know," Drystan admitted, his tone heavy. "But I’m going after Carl. He escaped his kingdom, and I’ll make sure he tells me where your mother is being held."

Sadiki’s breath hitched, his eyes glistening. "You’d do that?"

Drystan leaned in closer, his hand cupping Sadiki’s cheek. "I would do anything for you, Sadiki. You know that. I will keep my promise"

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. Sadiki bit his lip, struggling to find the right words. "Be careful," he finally said, his voice breaking. "Promise me you’ll come back."

Drystan’s gaze softened. "I promise," he said, though the weight of the vow pressed heavily on his chest.

As their eyes locked, the distance between them disappeared. Drystan leaned forward, capturing Sadiki’s lips in a kiss that was both tender and desperate. It deepened quickly, filled with all the longing and unspoken feelings they couldn’t put into words.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily. Drystan stood, his gaze lingering on Sadiki one last time.

"Take care of yourself," he said, his voice rough with emotion.