A Royal Obligation
Chapter 39: Unveiling Shadows (2)

Chapter 39: Unveiling Shadows (2)

Eirik felt the weight of the day pressing down on him, as they neared his chambers. The calm that had settled over him earlier was fading, replaced by a sense of unease, of vulnerability. He could feel the eyes of the palace on him, the whispers of the servants and guards as they passed, and he wondered if they knew, if they could sense the darkness that still lingered within him.

Sadiki, who had been silent throughout their walk, suddenly spoke, his voice low and concerned. "Are you alright, My Prince?"

The corridors of the palace were quiet, the soft padding of Eirik’s footsteps barely audible against the marble floors. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows on the walls, their golden light unable to fully penetrate the growing darkness within him. His thoughts churned, a tumultuous mix of past fears and present uncertainties, threatening to consume him whole.

Eirik stopped immediately he heard those questions, turning to look at his personal guard.

Sadiki’s dark eyes, filled with a concern that had become all too familiar, bore into him. Eirik could feel the weight of his guard’s gaze, the unspoken question hanging between them. For a fleeting moment, Eirik considered brushing off the question, offering a hollow reassurance that everything was fine. But the words caught in his throat, stuck there by the truth he couldn’t ignore.

The mask of calm he had worn throughout the day, through the laughter with Lysander and Darren, through the forced smiles and measured words, was beginning to crack. The weight of his past, his present, and the uncertain future ahead of him bore down too heavily to keep it in place any longer.

Eirik sighed, allowing his shoulders to sag just a little, the gesture as close to surrender as he could manage. "I’m... not sure," he admitted, the words slipping out quieter than he intended. Admitting it out loud, even to Sadiki, felt raw, but also strangely freeing. It was as if naming the fear made it more manageable, more real.

Sadiki’s expression softened, a deep concern etched into the lines of his face. He stepped closer, his voice low, intimate, as though the walls themselves were eavesdropping. "You don’t have to carry everything alone, Your Highness," he said, the gentleness of his tone catching Eirik off guard. "I’m here, and I’ll always be here to help you."

Eirik looked at Sadiki, a man who had been by his side through every trial, every hardship. Sadiki had always been there, silently watching over him, never asking for anything in return. But now, there was something more in his eyes, a plea for Eirik to trust him, to let him in. Sadiki had always been more than just a guard; he was a constant, a lifeline. And yet, Eirik found himself holding back, keeping that part of him hidden, as though speaking the truth would unravel him completely.

"I know," Eirik replied, though his voice wavered slightly. He wanted to believe it, to believe that he didn’t have to bear the burden alone, but the scars of his past made it hard. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Sadiki, he did, with his life, but this was different. This was a wound too deep, too personal, to share with anyone, even someone as steadfast as Sadiki.

They stood in silence for a moment, the corridor around them empty and still. Eirik could feel the walls closing in, the memories threatening to overwhelm him. But he couldn’t afford to break down now, not when he had worked so hard to keep himself together.

With a deep breath, Eirik straightened his back, steeling himself against the tide of emotions threatening to pull him under. "Thank you, Sadiki," he said, his voice firmer this time, a note of finality in the words. "I’ll be alright."

Sadiki didn’t look entirely convinced, his brow remained furrowed, his gaze lingering on Eirik’s face as though searching for the truth behind the words, but he nodded, respecting Eirik’s need to maintain his composure. "If you ever need to talk, I’m here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. It was a simple statement, but one that carried the weight of a promise.

For a brief moment, Sadiki hesitated, his hand twitching as though he wanted to reach out, to offer comfort in the form of a touch, a hug, something more tangible than words. But he didn’t. He couldn’t. This was not the Valeidio palace, he has to be careful.

Eirik offered a small, grateful smile before turning and continuing down the corridor. Sadiki fell back into step behind him, a silent shadow, always there but never intruding. The silence between them was no longer heavy with unspoken words but rather filled with an understanding, a shared history that bound them together in a way that didn’t require constant conversation.

As they reached the door to Eirik’s chambers, he paused, his hand resting on the cool wood. The memories were still there, still swirling in the back of his mind, but they were quieter now, more manageable. Eirik knew that they would never truly go away, that the fear, the vulnerability, would always be a part of him, but perhaps he could learn to live with them, to face them rather than run from them.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside, the not so familiar surroundings of his room offering a small measure of comfort. The soft light from the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. It was a simple space, still unfamiliar, but it had to be his sanctuary, a place where he could let down his guard, even if only for a short while.

Sadiki lingered in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room as if ensuring that everything was as it should be before he left Eirik alone. "Will you be alright, my prince?" he asked again, his voice softer now, almost hesitant.

Eirik turned to him, his expression calmer, more at ease. "Yes, I will," he said, this time with more conviction. "Thank you, Sadiki."

Sadiki nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Goodnight, My Prince."

"Goodnight, Sadiki," Eirik replied, watching as the guard quietly closed the door behind him, leaving Eirik alone with his thoughts.