章 27: Test Object

As prince Eirik took a sip of his tea, the delicate flavors reminded him of home, something familiar in an ocean of unfamiliarity.

The maids continued their work quietly, setting out the food with practiced efficiency. Lila moved to straighten the linens on the bed, while Amara adjusted the drapes to let in more of the morning light.

Their presence was comforting, a reminder of the life he had left behind, and yet, it also emphasized the distance between that life and his new reality in Zephyros.

Eirik's gaze drifted back to Sadiki, who stood near the window, still keeping a watchful eye on everything. The uniform suited him well, and though Eirik had initially been taken aback by it, he couldn't deny the sense of pride it evoked. Sadiki looked like a warrior - a protector.

But the way he had hidden that piece of paper earlier still gnawed at Eirik's mind.

"What were you reading earlier, Sadiki?" Eirik asked, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of curiosity.

Sadiki stiffened, the question clearly catching him off guard. He hesitated for a brief moment, just long enough for Eirik to notice. "It was nothing of importance, my prince," Sadiki replied, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a flicker of something, worry, perhaps.

Eirik wasn't convinced. He had known Sadiki long enough to recognize when something was being kept from him. But before he could press further, Amara interrupted, her voice polite yet insistent. "Your Highness, would you like to begin your breakfast? It's important to start the day with a good meal, especially after such a long journey."

Eirik turned to her, the distraction a welcome one. "Yes, thank you, Amara," he said, offering her a small smile. He placed the teacup down and moved to the table where the breakfast had been laid out.

As he sat down, Sadiki moved closer, positioning himself near the table but still at a respectful distance. Eirik could feel his presence, solid and reassuring, but the earlier exchange had left a lingering tension in the air.

Lila and Amara served him with practiced precision, their hands moving with the grace of those well-versed in their duties.

As they placed the food before him, slices of fruit, warm bread, and a small dish of honey, Eirik tried to focus on the simple act of eating. But his mind kept drifting back to Sadiki and the secret he seemed to be hiding.

"Will you join me, Sadiki?" Eirik asked, glancing up at his guard. It wasn't unusual for them to share a meal, especially when Eirik wanted company, but today felt different. He needed to feel some semblance of normalcy, and Sadiki's presence might provide that.

Sadiki hesitated, his eyes flicking to the maids, who quickly stepped back to give them privacy. "If it pleases you, my prince," he said finally, moving to sit across from Eirik.

Eirik watched as Sadiki reached for a piece of bread, his movements careful and deliberate. The silence between them was heavy, loaded with unspoken thoughts and the weight of their new reality in Zephyros. Eirik knew that if there was something important, Sadiki would eventually tell him. But the uncertainty gnawed at him, making him feel more isolated than ever.

"How do you find Zephyros so far?" Eirik asked, trying to steer the conversation to something lighter.

Sadiki looked up, his expression thoughtful. "It's different," he said after a moment. "The people, the customs… even the air feels different. But we'll adapt, my prince. We always do."

Eirik nodded, though he didn't share Sadiki's confidence. Adapting to a place like Zephyros felt like an insurmountable challenge, especially with the pressure of the impending marriage hanging over him. But he had to try, for the sake of his people, his family, and himself.

As they continued to eat in companionable silence, Eirik's thoughts kept circling back to the paper Sadiki had hidden. What could it have been? A letter, perhaps? Instructions from someone in Zephyros? The possibilities were endless, and each one more unsettling than the last.

Before he could dwell on it further, Lila re-entered the room, carrying a small silver box. She approached Eirik with a respectful bow. "Your Highness, this arrived for you this morning. It's from Prince Kaelix."

Eirik's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Kaelix. The man he was to marry, his future husband. He hadn't expected to hear from Kaelix so soon, and certainly not in such a direct manner. He hesitated before reaching out to take the box, his fingers brushing against the cool metal.

"Thank you, Lila," Eirik said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. He placed the box on the table and stared at it for a moment, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. What could Kaelix want? A gift, perhaps? Or was this some sort of test?

Sadiki's eyes were on him, his expression unreadable. "Would you like me to inspect it first, my prince?" he offered, his voice carrying an edge of concern.

Eirik shook his head. "No, I'll open it myself," he said, his curiosity getting the better of him. Taking a deep breath before unlatching the box and lifting the lid.

Inside, instead of a gift, Eirik found a neatly folded training uniform, stark and practical, bearing the insignia of Zephyros. Beside it lay a folded note, the handwriting neat and precise, yet somehow, the sharp angles of the script seemed to echo a sense of disdain.

Eirik unfolded the note, his eyes quickly scanning the words:

"Prince Eirik, report to the training ground as soon as possible. I expect to see what you're capable of. - Kaelix"

The note was brief, but the tone was unmistakable. This was not an invitation; it was an order. Eirik could almost feel the disdain dripping from the words, as if Kaelix was challenging him, questioning his worth.

The training uniform felt heavy in his hands, not just in weight but in the implication behind it. Was Kaelix calling him out to spar? To test his skills? Or was this some form of entertainment, a way to mock the foreign prince?

Sadiki leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing as he read the note over Eirik's shoulder. "It seems Prince Kaelix has decided to waste no time in testing you," he remarked, his voice carefully neutral, though Eirik could sense the underlying tension.

Eirik nodded, his mind racing with questions. What was Kaelix's intent? Was this a test of strength, or was it simply another way to assert dominance? "He wants me to meet him at the training grounds," Eirik murmured, mostly to himself. "But why?"

Sadiki's brow furrowed. "It could be a sparring match, my prince, or perhaps a display of skills. But given the tone of the note, it's clear he wants to see what you're made of. Or perhaps… to humiliate you."

Eirik's heart clenched, not out of fear, but out of sheer frustration. He hated anything that involved unnecessary exertion, and the thought of sweating through an early morning training session made him want to groan aloud.

It wasn't that he was afraid of facing Kaelix; far from it. Eirik was confident in his abilities, having been trained rigorously by his uncle Cedric. But the idea of starting his day with a sparring match felt like a tedious, unnecessary stress, one he would have gladly avoided.

Sadiki's brow furrowed as he noticed Eirik's reaction. "My prince, you don't have to do this," he said quietly. "You could refuse. It's not as if you're obligated to obey his every whim."

But Eirik shook his head, knowing that he couldn't afford to show any sign of weakness, even if the request, or rather, demand, was iirritating

"No, Sadiki. I can't refuse. Not this. If I'm to survive here, I need to understand Kaelix, to know what he expects of me. And if he wants a demonstration of my abilities, then he has to try harder. But first, I have to see what he's upto."

Sadiki's gaze softened, though the tension in his posture remained. "You have to be careful my prince, Kaelix seems to be unpredictable, and he's clearly trying to test you."

Eirik smiled faintly, appreciating Sadiki's concern. "Thank you, Sadiki. I'll be cautious. But I refuse to be the object of his test."

He folded the uniform and placed it back in the box, trying to ignore the irritation gnawing at him. Just the thought of going through the motions of a physical confrontation, especially with someone as antagonistic as Kaelix, was exhausting.

Sadiki, sensing Eirik's mood, tried to offer some reassurance. "Just remember, my prince, you've faced far worse than this. Kaelix might be a challenge, but you're more than capable of handling him, if not with strength, then with wit."

Eirik chuckled softly, though the sound was more tired than amused. "I'm sure he'll be entertained regardless. But I'll have to find a way to keep my temper in check. The last thing I need is getting worked up over something as trivial as a training match."

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章 28: Lord Cedric's Fury

The sun had barely risen over the kingdom of Valeidio when the heavy wooden doors of the throne room crashed open with a thunderous boom.

The sound echoed through the marble halls, startling everyone inside. King Xavian, deep in a morning meeting with his council, looked up in surprise as the commotion disrupted the chamber's solemn atmosphere.

Royal guards stumbled in, their once pristine uniforms now disheveled, bearing fresh bruises and cuts. They were clearly outmatched by the man who stormed through, his every step exuding an air of authority and defiance.

The intruder was none other than Lord Cedric Warcrest, Queen Morgana's elder brother and the retired general of Valeidio's armies.

"Lord Cedric!" one guard gasped, attempting to regain his composure as he limped after the older man. "You cannot...."

But Cedric paid him no heed. His every step was a storm, his presence as commanding as it was formidable.

Clad in dark, battle-worn leather armor, his broad shoulders and towering stature exuded power. His silver hair, tied back in a warrior's knot, and the deep lines of his stern face told tales of countless battles, yet today, his expression held a fury unlike any seen before.

King Xavian, seated on his ornate throne, sighed heavily. He knew who it was before he even turned his gaze to the commotion.

Only Cedric had the audacity and strength to storm the throne room like this. Waving the guards back to their posts, Xavian braced himself for what was sure to be a confrontation as volatile as the man who now approached.

The council members, seated in a semicircle before the throne, had been quietly discussing the kingdom's affairs when the heavy doors crashed open. Startled, their conversation ceased immediately as all eyes turned toward the source of the noise.

Each of them had seen Cedric Warcrest before, but never like this. His powerful stride and the raw anger radiating from him sent a wave of unease through the room. They had heard stories of his legendary temper on the battlefield, but experiencing it firsthand was a different matter entirely.

Lord Horace, bushy eyebrows knitted together in concern as he watched Cedric approach the throne. He had served under Cedric during the early years of his military career and knew that the man was not to be trifled with when enraged.

Lady Isolde, exchanged a nervous glance with Lord Bertrand, who sat beside her. Her usually composed demeanor faltered, her fingers instinctively clutching the pearl necklace around her neck, a habit she had when deeply anxious. Lord Bertrand, a man of few words, shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting between the king and Cedric, sensing the imminent explosion.

Lady Helena, leaned back in her chair, trying to mask his discomfort with a facade of indifference. But the twitching of her lips and the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her nervousness. She had never seen such a public display of defiance against the king and was unsure of how to react.

As Cedric stormed toward the throne, the council members instinctively recoiled, some even leaning away as if trying to distance themselves from the confrontation. The air was thick with tension, and none dared to speak, fearing that even the slightest sound might draw Cedric's ire.

Cedric's eyes blazed with a barely contained rage as he strode towards the throne. "What is it that I'm hearing, Xavian?" he bellowed, his voice reverberating off the high ceilings. "That you sent my nephew to the likes of Zephyros? Those bloodthirsty monsters!"

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, watching in stunned silence. The sheer intensity of his emotions was overwhelming, and none of them dared to intervene or voice their thoughts.

King Xavian met Cedric's furious gaze with a calm demeanor, though a flicker of weariness passed through his eyes. "Cedric, calm yourself," he began, his voice measured. "There are reasons....."

"Reasons?" Cedric's voice boomed even louder, drowning out the king's attempt at explanation. "There is no reason good enough to send Eirik into the jaws of those savages! Do you not care for his life?"

The guards who had attempted to stop Lord Cedric now stood at a respectful distance, their faces a mixture of fear and respect for the man who had once led Valeidio's armies to countless victories. Despite their wounds, none of them dared to challenge him again.

King Xavian's shoulders slumped slightly as he sighed once more. This was the confrontation he had dreaded since sending the marriage proposal to Zephyros.

If Cedric had been present when the decision was made, there would have been no chance of it proceeding. "Cedric, you must understand," Xavian said, his tone laced with patience. "This alliance is crucial for our kingdom's survival. Eirik agreed to it for the sake of our people."

"I do not care for your politics!" Cedric roared, his fists clenching at his sides. "I will go and bring him back myself if need be. You cannot sacrifice him like this!"

The argument grew heated, Cedric's anger a palpable force in the room. The king's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Cedric's explosive wrath. The tension between them was thick, the air almost crackling with the force of their clashing wills.

Some of the council members exchanged furtive glances, silently communicating their discomfort.

Lord Horace, ever the voice of reason in quieter times, looked as though he wanted to step in and mediate, but a single glance at Cedric's fierce expression kept him rooted to his seat.

Lady Isolde, who prided herself on her sharp tongue, found herself uncharacteristically speechless, her thoughts racing as she tried to process the situation.

Before the situation could escalate further, the doors to the throne room opened once more, and Queen Morgana entered. The council members breathed a collective, though silent, sigh of relief.

Her regal presence instantly commanded attention, her long, flowing gown whispering against the polished floor as she approached. Her expression was a mixture of sorrow and resolve, and her voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Cedric!" Morgana's voice, though not raised, held the authority of a queen and the concern of a sister.

Cedric's fury faltered at the sight of her. "Do you want to start a war?" Morgana continued, her eyes flashing with emotion. "Do you think Eirik would agree to this marriage if he were so much against it? He sacrificed himself for our people, and you want to render his sacrifice meaningless?"

Cedric's anger wavered as he looked at his sister, his stormy expression softening at the sight of her distress. Morgana's voice cracked with emotion as she continued, "Why can't you think with your head for once and not with your fists?"

Her tears began to flow freely, and Cedric's heart clenched at the sight. He hated seeing his sister in such pain, and the reality of the situation began to weigh on him. Rushing to her side, he tried to comfort her. "Morgana, please, don't cry. I just want what's best for Eirik."

Morgana looked up at him, her eyes brimming with sorrow. "Do you think you love him more than we do? No one hates this more than we do, but our hands are tied. It's for the sake of our people."

Lord Cedric's anger slowly ebbed away, replaced by a deep sadness. He knew his sister was right, but the thought of his beloved nephew being sent to Zephyros was uunbearable

He glanced back at the king, his eyes still burning with intensity but now tinged with despair. "This is not over," he muttered, though his voice had lost some of its edge.

Morgana, sensing his inner turmoil, continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "I couldn't even send him off, out of shame. How could I face him, knowing we were sending him away like this?"

King Xavian, who had been silent during the exchange, finally spoke, his voice heavy with the weight of the decision. "We all feel the burden of this, Cedric. Eirik is strong. He will endure."

Cedric's gaze softened as he turned back to his sister. He wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, holding her close. "Morgana, I know you are right. But it's hard to accept. Eirik deserves better than this."

Morgana nodded, her tears still flowing. "I know, brother. But we must trust in his strength and hope for the best."

The throne room, once filled with tension and anger, now held a heavy silence, punctuated only by Morgana's quiet sobs.

Lord Cedric, ever the fierce warrior, found himself at a loss in the face of his sister's sorrow. He continued to hold her, offering what little comfort he could.

The guards, having witnessed the entire scene, stood silently, their respect for the royal family deepening. They saw not just a king, a queen, and a former general, but a family torn apart by the cruel necessities of politics and duty.

Finally, Cedric spoke again, his voice low and rough with emotion. "I will not rest until I make sure that, Eirik is truly safe," he vowed, his eyes burning with renewed determination. "I will watch over him, even from afar. And should anything happen to him in Zephyros, I will hold those responsible accountable."

Xavian met his gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. "We will do everything in our power to ensure his safety," the king promised. "But for now, we must trust in Eirik's strength, and in the hope that this alliance will bring peace."