A Royal Obligation
Chapter 250: Lingering Eyes

Chapter 250: Lingering Eyes

As they sat under the magnolia tree, a servant approached cautiously, bowing deeply before speaking. "Your Highnesses, I apologize for interrupting, but Lord Cedric has arrived and wishes to speak with you," he reported.

Kaelix glanced at Eirik, his expression unreadable, before giving a curt nod to the servant. "I’ll be there shortly."

The servant bowed again and retreated. Eirik’s grip on Kaelix’s hand tightened, he look down on where Eirik’s hand has tightened, he was still leaning against him, but was visibly reluctant to let go of the rare moment of closeness.

"I need to speak with your uncle about something important," Kaelix explained, his tone soft but firm. "Let me take you back to your chambers first."

Eirik’s lips parted, as though he wanted to protest, but he simply nodded. Kaelix helped him to his feet and walked him back to his chambers in silence.

Once inside, Kaelix tucked Eirik back into bed. The way Eirik looked at him, a mix of longing and vulnerability, made Kaelix pause. He leaned down and kissed him softly on the forehead.

"I’ll be back soon, I promise," Kaelix said, brushing his fingers lightly across Eirik’s cheek.

Eirik hesitated but eventually smiled faintly. "I’ll will be waiting," he murmured.

Kaelix gave him one last lingering look before turning and leaving the chambers.

---

Kaelix found Lord Cedric waiting for him in one of the quieter council chambers. The room was bathed in the late afternoon light streaming through the tall arched windows, casting a golden glow on the polished wood table at the center. Cedric stood near the window, hands clasped behind his back, his sharp gaze fixed on the gardens below. He turned as Kaelix entered, his expression curious yet composed.

"Kaelix," Cedric greeted, inclining his head. "I was told you wished to speak with me. What’s this about?"

Kaelix shut the door behind him, ensuring their privacy. He approached the table but didn’t sit, his stance firm and commanding. "I thought it best to discuss Carl’s escape directly with you."

Cedric’s eyebrows lifted slightly, though his face remained calm. "I see. Go on."

Kaelix crossed his arms, his tone sharp and direct. "I’ve already taken action. I sent Drystan to Zephyros to request men from my father. We’ll track Carl down and bring him back alive. He knows where Sadiki’s mother is being held, and I’ll ensure he gives us that information and punish him for what he did to Eirik."

Cedric nodded slowly, gesturing for Kaelix to sit. Kaelix hesitated before pulling out a chair, his expression unwavering. Cedric settled into the chair opposite him, folding his hands on the table.

"And have you spoken to my brother-in-law about this?" Cedric asked, his voice calm but with a pointed edge.

Kaelix’s jaw tightened, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "I have," he admitted, "but King Xavian seems paralyzed by fear. He’s too cautious, afraid to make any bold moves that might lead to conflict. I can’t afford to wait for him to decide whether or not to act. Carl is a threat, and I intend to deal with him swiftly."

Cedric sighed, leaning back in his chair. "My brother-in-law has always been cautious, but as he’s grown older, that caution has turned into fear. He dreads the idea of war, even when it’s necessary. It’s frustrating, I’ll admit, but his reluctance is rooted in his desire to protect his people."

"Protect his people?" Kaelix scoffed, leaning forward. "How can he protect them by doing nothing? Carl is dangerous, and if we wait too long, he’ll slip further away, or worse, strike against Eirik again. I won’t let that happen."

Cedric studied Kaelix for a long moment, his sharp eyes seeming to weigh every word Kaelix had spoken. Then, a small, approving smile touched his lips. "You remind me of my younger self. Decisive. Unyielding."

Kaelix’s expression softened slightly. "I’m only doing what needs to be done. For Eirik’s sake."

Cedric nodded, leaning forward now, his tone resolute. "You’re right not to wait. I’ll send a few of the Warcrest Seintel to join Drystan. They’re excellent trackers, the best Valeidio has to offer. If anyone can find Carl, it’s them."

Kaelix inclined his head, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Lord Cedric. Your support means a great deal."

Cedric waved a hand dismissively. "It’s not just support, Kaelix. Eirik is my nephew. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure his safety. And I’m glad he has you by his side. He needs someone strong, someone who won’t hesitate to protect him."

Kaelix’s expression softened further at Cedric’s words, though his resolve remained firm. "Eirik is everything to me. I won’t let anything, or anyone, hurt him again."

Cedric smiled faintly, his respect for Kaelix evident. "You’re a good match for him. And while my brother-in-law may frustrate you, remember that not everyone has your strength or your clarity of purpose. It’s both a blessing and a burden."

Kaelix nodded, standing. "I’ll carry that burden gladly if it means keeping Eirik safe."

Cedric rose as well, extending a hand. "Then I’ll leave the matter in your capable hands. Just remember, if you ever need more than words from Valeidio, you have my backing. Always."

Kaelix clasped Cedric’s hand firmly. "Thank you. I’ll remember that."

He left the room and strode down the dimly lit corridor, his thoughts darkening as they lingered on Carl. He envisioned the Carl’s face twisted in pain, enduring every ounce of suffering he deserved.

No punishment would be enough for what he did to Eirik, but Kaelix vowed to make Carl regret ever laying a hand on his consort.

Meanwhile, a short moment later, Lord Cedric stepped out of the same room. He paused, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway as if searching for someone, or something. His lips curved into a knowing smile before he adjusted himself and walked away with an air of quiet confidence.

However, not far from the room, a young maid stood hidden behind a marble pillar, her breath shallow as she peered after Cedric. Her sharp, calculating eyes followed his every move, her expression unreadable yet tense. When Cedric disappeared around a corner, the maid hesitated before slipping in the opposite direction, her footsteps light and cautious.

What she didn’t know, however, was that another set of eyes was on her. Amarok, concealed behind a column in a shadowed alcove, had been watching her every move. His sharp eyes narrowed as he tracked her retreating figure. He moved silently after her, his steps precise and deliberate, keeping his distance to avoid detection.

The maid soon arrived at the servants’ quarters, pausing outside the doorway. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the corridor as if sensing someone’s presence. Amarok froze behind a pillar, holding his breath. After a moment, the maid seemed satisfied she was alone and entered the room.

Amarok waited patiently. When the maid finally emerged, she was clutching a small, tightly rolled parchment. Her eyes darted about again before she began moving quickly toward the rear of the palace. Amarok followed her silently, his movements as smooth as a predator stalking prey.

The maid eventually reached a secluded garden area hidden by overgrown hedges and a canopy of trees. She whistled softly, a melodic tune that seemed to cut through the still air. Within moments, a bird, a sleek, dark falcon with sharp, golden eyes and glossy black feathers, descended from the sky and perched gracefully on her outstretched arm.

Amarok’s eyes narrowed as he watched from behind a thick tree trunk. The maid’s actions were precise and practiced. She tied the parchment securely to the falcon’s leg, her movements quick but careful. The bird shifted slightly, ruffling its feathers as if impatient. The maid whispered something to the falcon before throwing her arm upward. The bird launched itself into the air, its wings slicing through the sky as it flew away with the letter.

The maid lingered for a moment, watching the bird ascend into the clear blue sky, her breath steadying as she glanced over her shoulder once more. Seeing no one, she let out a quiet sigh of relief. She turned and began walking back toward the palace, her footsteps light but purposeful. As she neared the hedgerows that concealed the garden’s edge, she hesitated, feeling an odd prickle of unease at the back of her neck. She paused to glance around once more but saw nothing suspicious. With a quiet huff, she continued her path back to the palace, blending in with the other servants as she entered through the side gate.

Amarok stepped out from his hiding place, his gaze fixed on the bird as it ascended higher. He was about to retreat and follow the maid back to the palace when a sharp twang rang out.

An arrow shot through the air, striking the falcon mid-flight. The bird let out a high-pitched cry before plummeting to the ground, its wings flailing helplessly. Amarok spun around, his heart pounding.

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