A Royal Obligation
Chapter 59: Father’s Duty, Brother’s Love

Chapter 59: Father’s Duty, Brother’s Love

The grand study of Valeidio’s royal palace was filled with the warm glow of afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall, arched windows.

King Xavian, his regal demeanor softened by the lines of concern etched into his features, sat at the head of a long, oak table.

Across from him, Crown Prince Theron leaned forward, his muscular frame tense as they discussed the affairs of the kingdom.

The bond between father and son was evident in the way they spoke, a mutual respect and understanding that had been forged through years of shared responsibility and trust.

Their conversation, which had started with matters of state, shifted to more personal topics as the afternoon wore on.

"It’s been weeks since Eirik left for Zephyros," Theron said, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. "I miss him. The palace feels emptier without him around."

King Xavian nodded, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment. "We all miss him, Theron. Your mother, especially, but she puts on a brave face. Eirik has always been the light of this palace. His absence is felt by everyone."

Before Theron could respond, the heavy wooden doors to the study creaked open, and a palace messenger entered, bowing deeply. In his hand was a sealed letter, the wax seal bearing the emblem of Zephyros.

King Xavian and Theron immediately recognized the symbol, and a ripple of anticipation and unease passed between them.

"A letter from Zephyros, Your Majesty," the messenger said, presenting the letter with a respectful bow.

"Thank you," King Xavian said, taking the letter from the messenger and dismissing him with a nod. As soon as the doors closed behind the messenger, both Xavian and Theron turned their attention to the letter, the atmosphere in the room shifting from the casual warmth of familial conversation to one of anxious expectation.

King Xavian broke the seal and unfolded the letter with steady hands, but his eyes betrayed the undercurrent of concern as they scanned the parchment. Theron watched his father closely, trying to read his expression, but Xavian’s face was a practiced mask of calm.

"What does it say, Father?" Theron asked, unable to keep the eagerness from his voice. He had been waiting for news from his younger brother, hoping for a sign that Eirik was settling in well in the foreign kingdom, far from home.

King Xavian glanced up at his son, his expression carefully neutral. "Eirik sends his regards to everyone. He assures us that he is in good health and adjusting to life in Zephyros."

Theron’s brow furrowed. He knew his father well enough to sense when there was more to be said. "And...?" he prompted, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Xavian hesitated for a brief moment, then sighed deeply. "And there was an assassination attempt on Eirik’s life."

Theron’s heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. "What?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with alarm. "Is he all right? What happened?"

"Eirik is unharmed," King Xavian assured him quickly, though the weight in his voice did little to ease Theron’s worry.

"He says the situation has been dealt with. But..." Xavian paused, his eyes darkening with concern as he continued, "it appears this was the second attempt on his life. Eirik chose to keep the first incident from us."

Theron’s fists clenched involuntarily, a surge of protective anger flaring up within him. "The second attempt?" he repeated, his voice hardening. "Why would he hide something like that? This is serious, Father! How could Eirik not tell us?"

"Eirik doesn’t want to worry your mother or the twins," Xavian explained, his tone heavy with the burden of a father who understood all too well the complexities of his children’s decisions. "He specifically asked that we not inform them. He knows how easily they would become anxious over his safety."

"This is not ’nothing,’" Theron shot back, his frustration evident. "It’s not just a simple concern, Father. This is his life we’re talking about. What are Uncle Cedric’s Sentinels doing? They’re supposed to be protecting him from the shadows, ensuring his safety!"

King Xavian nodded, understanding his son’s anger.

"The Sentinels are doing their duty, Theron. They will intervene only when Eirik is in immediate danger. It’s possible that they assessed the situation and determined that Eirik was capable of handling it on his own. After all, he has trained with them extensively. They know what he is capable of."

Theron sighed deeply, his frustration mounting. He knew his brother was skilled, perhaps even more so than many gave him credit for, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept that Eirik had faced such danger alone.

"This isn’t right," Theron muttered, running a hand through his dark hair in agitation.

"He shouldn’t have to deal with this on his own. We should be there to protect him."

King Xavian placed a comforting hand on his son’s shoulder. "I know you want to protect him, Theron. We all do. But Eirik is no longer just your little brother. He’s a prince of Valeidio, and soon he’ll be a prince of Zephyros. He has to navigate these challenges on his own, as difficult as that is for us to accept."

Theron bit his lip, nodding reluctantly. He knew his father was right, but it didn’t make the situation any less painful. The thought of Eirik facing danger so far from home, without his family by his side, filled him with a helpless sort of anger that he didn’t know how to channel.

"There’s more," King Xavian continued, drawing Theron’s attention back to the letter.

"The wedding date has been moved up. It seems they suspect that someone is targeting the marriage alliance, and they want the wedding to take place sooner rather than later."

Theron’s eyes widened in surprise. "So soon? They must be worried that the longer they wait, the greater the risk of another attempt."

"Exactly," Xavian agreed. "We need to inform the twins about the change of plans. They’ll want to prepare for the journey to Zephyros. And don’t forget to send a message to your cousins at the border. I’m sure they wouldn’t want to miss Eirik’s wedding."

Theron nodded, already mentally running through the list of people who needed to be notified. "Of course, Father. I’ll take care of it right away."

King Xavian’s gaze softened as he looked at his son, seeing the worry etched into his face.

"Theron," he said gently, "I know this is hard for you. It’s hard for all of us. But Eirik is stronger than you think. He’s proven that time and again. We have to trust in his abilities."

Theron swallowed hard, trying to push down the anxiety that was gnawing at him.

"I know, Father. But it’s difficult. Eirik has always been so... gentle, so kind-hearted. The thought of him in danger," He broke off, shaking his head as if to clear the dark thoughts from his mind. "I just want him to be safe."

"As do I," Xavian said, his voice thick with emotion.

"But we must respect his wishes, Theron. He’s asked us to keep this from your mother and the twins, and we must honor that request. They don’t need to worry unnecessarily, especially when Eirik himself has assured us that he’s all right."

Theron nodded, though the decision didn’t sit well with him. He knew his mother and the twins would be devastated if they found out what had happened, but keeping it from them felt wrong, like a betrayal of sorts.

"I’ll do as he asked," Theron said finally, though his voice lacked its usual confidence.

"Good," Xavian acknowledged, relief evident in his eyes. "And don’t forget to let your uncle know about the change in the wedding date. I’m sure he’ll want to be there. He misses Eirik more than any of us."

"I’ll take care of it, Father," Theron promised.

King Xavian smiled and nodded, a mixture of pride in his eyes as he looked at his eldest son. "I know you will, Theron."

Theron returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Father. I’ll start making the necessary arrangements right away."

As Theron turned to leave the study, King Xavian called out to him one last time.

"And Theron, remember... no word of the assassination attempts to your mother or the twins. We don’t need to cause them any more worry than necessary."

Theron paused at the door, his hand resting on the ornate handle. "I understand, Father. They won’t hear a word of it from me."

With that, he exited the study, his mind already racing with plans and letters that needed to be sent.