A Royal Obligation
Chapter 267: To the dungeon

Chapter 267: To the dungeon

As Eirik and Amarok strolled through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, the faint sound of their footsteps echoed against the stone walls. The air was cool, carrying the scent of freshly extinguished torches mingled with the faint aroma of the feast they had just left behind.

Eirik walked slowly, his mind still processing the evening. The warmth of his mother’s embrace, the laughter at the table, and the sense of belonging he had felt, even if fleeting, were emotions he hadn’t allowed himself to experience in so long.

"Wasn’t so bad, was it?" Amarok’s voice broke the silence, teasing yet gentle.

Eirik glanced at him, his lips curving into the faintest smile. "You make it sound like I just conquered a battlefield."

"Well, for someone who’s been hiding away like a hermit, stepping into the dining hall might as well be the same thing," Amarok quipped, his grin widening. "But seriously, Eirik...everyone was so happy to see you. You have no idea how much it means to them."

Eirik sighed, his gaze drifting to the floor. "I know. I just...sometimes it feels easier to stay away. To avoid the stares, the questions."

"They don’t stare to judge," Amarok said softly. "They care. They’re worried. You’re not just a prince to them, you’re family."

Eirik nodded slowly, his fingers brushing against the cool stone of the wall as they continued walking. "It’s just... After everything, and now Kaelix. The thought of him out there, risking everything, it eats at me. And the others too. I feel like I should be doing more."

Amarok stopped, placing a firm hand on Eirik’s shoulder, turning him to face him. Your Highness, you’ve been through hell. No one expects you to recover overnight. What Kaelix and the others are doing, they’re doing it for you. Because they love you. But if you let your guilt and fear consume you, you’re only letting what Carl did to you win."

The words hit Eirik like a wave, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. He stared at Amarok, his earnest eyes searching his own. "You’re right," Eirik admitted quietly. "But it’s hard. Every time I close my eyes, I see it all again. The chambers, the horror...everything I lost."

Amarok’s grip on his shoulder tightened slightly. "You’re stronger than you think. And you don’t have to go through this alone. We’re all here for you. And Kaelix, he’ll come back to you. I know it. You’ll not loose him."

Eirik swallowed hard, nodding as he blinked back the sting of tears. "Thank you, Amarok. For everything."

Amarok’s smile was warm, and he gave Eirik’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You’re welcome."

They continued their walk in silence, the castle feeling less oppressive with Amarok’s presence beside him. When they reached Eirik’s chambers, Amarok paused, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"You know, this doesn’t have to be the last time you join us for dinner," he said, a playful lilt in his voice. "In fact, I think the queen might insist on it after tonight."

Eirik chuckled softly. "I’ll think about it."

"I’ll take that as a yes." Amarok grinned before straightening. "Get some rest, Eirik. You’ve earned it."

Eirik nodded, watching as Amarok turned and disappeared down the corridor. For a moment, he lingered by the door of his chambers, his hand brushing against the wooden frame. His thoughts swirled in a chaotic storm, memories, doubts, and an unspoken need bubbling to the surface. Then, suddenly, he turned, a determined glint in his eyes.

If he truly wanted to heal, if he wanted to move forward, he needed to face Sadiki. He couldn’t keep avoiding him forever.

The palace halls were eerily quiet at this hour, save for the faint rustle of curtains swaying in the night breeze and the soft padding of his boots against the polished floors. As he strode through the corridors, the few staff members who crossed his path froze, their eyes wide in surprise at seeing him out so late.

They quickly bowed and greeted him, their voices hushed with deference. Eirik offered small nods in return, but his mind was elsewhere, his focus sharp.

By the time he reached the entrance to the dungeon, his resolve was unwavering, though a subtle unease began to creep into his chest. The dungeon guards, clad in dark armor, were visibly startled to see him. They exchanged quick glances before bowing deeply.

"Your Highness," one of them greeted, his voice tinged with nervousness. "How can we assist you?"

"I want to see Sadiki," Eirik said, his tone steady, though his heart raced.

The guards hesitated, their eyes flicking to one another as if silently debating what to do. They have not been expecting his visit, neither has there been orders restricting prince Eirik access in the dungeon.

Finally, one of them stepped forward. "Your Highness, I will escort you to his cell."

Eirik nodded, following the guard as they descended further into the depths of the dungeon. The air grew colder with every step, the faint smell of damp stone and iron mingling with something more acrid, more unpleasant. Torches lined the narrow, winding passageways, their flickering light casting elongated shadows that danced on the walls. The oppressive atmosphere pressed against him, making his skin prickle.

He had never been to this part of the palace before. The dungeons were a place of punishment, of secrets, and of suffering, things Eirik had spent his life avoiding. Now, walking these dark halls, he felt the weight of every whispered scream and every muted sob that had ever echoed through these stone walls. His discomfort grew with each step, his hands instinctively curling into fists as if to ward off the unease.

The occasional clinking of chains and faint murmurs from the cells made his stomach twist. This wasn’t just a place of imprisonment; it was a place of despair. And now, he was willingly entering it, seeking a confrontation he had dreaded for days.

At last, the guard stopped in front of a rusted iron door. "This is his cell, Your Highness," the guard said, his voice low.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.