It had felt like ages by the time Erick circled the open yard of the castle, landing heavily on his hind legs. It had probably been no more than an hour, but darkness swam in his vision as exhaustion set in. Erick did his best to gently set down Flora, but refused to let go of Harold who was currently attempting to stab his way free of the King's talons. Erick gripped harder and the sharp poking stopped.
"I need the healers, quickly!" Erick commanded, though many of the castle staff had already come running out at his early arrival. Dante was one of the first among them, rushing to Erick's side with his sword drawn and ready. At his arrival with a handful of guards, Erick dropped Harold from his grip. The man landed with a loud oof and a thud.
"I want that man in the dungeons." Erick growled before changing back with a flash of magic. The guards gave each other wary glances before taking Harold in, tying rope around his hands. The healers had arrived by then and were gingerly placing her on a stretcher.
"And I want her in my room." Erick told the healers, who gave him an odd look but said nothing. Dante was not so inclined.
"Why are they taking her there? What happened?" Dante's usual aloofness was gone, replaced by an intense seriousness that put him on the alert.
"I need to keep an eye on her." Erick gave Dante a knowing look, and the Captain returned an understanding nod. Dante put his sword away and followed Erick into the castle.
"What happened? You're as pale as a ghost." Dant asked again, worry filling the lines of his usually smooth face.
"Harold finally snapped." Erick gritted through his teeth, as if that was explanation enough. Going up the steps of the castle entrance was hard enough, but now they were at the stairs that lead to the upper levels. His friend gave him a worry-filled look.
Dante said nothing as he helped Erick up the long staircase, one arm around his waist to support him as the King's steps grew heavier with each stair. Erick's field of vision narrowed to his immediate person as he focused on just making it to his room before collapsing.
They'll think I'm the one injured, and when they see that I'm not then they'll know. Erick's thoughts drifted as he walked down the hallways of the castle, barely registering where he was or who he passed. The anger that fueled him had sizzled down to nothing more than a candle, and it was pure determination that kept him going now.
He didn't remember entering his main room, or his bedroom, or even the shocked responses from the healers. He didn't hear what Dante had said to them that caused them to go back to helping Flora, nor did he care what anyone said as he insisted on sitting in the large chair between the bed and window. All he knew was that he wanted to rest and that Flora was safe.
Erick woke back up at the prodding in his shoulder. He winced and waved off whoever had so rudely woken him up. He cracked open an eye to find that it was Ethel, the Elder Healer at the castle, and she did not look happy.
"What?" Erick grumbled, not caring if he was rude at this moment. She was the one who woke him up after all. Her frown only deepened.
"We managed to stabilize the girl." She informed him. Erick looked hopefully at his bed and saw Flora tasting there, cleaned up and wrapped with clean bandages. "But we still need to do something about you." She waved a finger at him as if he were nothing but a young boy getting a scrape from a tussle.
"I'm fine." Erick moaned, pulling his hands over his face and rubbing the last of sleep out of it. Glancing over at the clock on his nightstand, he saw that it was late into the evening and it would soon be nightfall, as was confirmed by the setting Sun outside his window. Healer Ethel sighed in dismay.
"Your Aunt has been asking for you, and it's been very difficult keeping her at bay." Ethel informed him, hands on her hips and a sour expression on her face. It was almost like this was all his fault, and the thought of his fretting, nagging aunt soured his already dour mood.
"I haven't told her anything more than necessary." Ethel said after seeing the look on his face. "But between her insisting and your Captain's nervous behavior, I told them I would do something." She finished, giving the King a pointed look. He returned a resolute sigh.
"I'll go see them." He said, pushing himself up from his chair. His body ached, and his head spun while his vision swam at the movement. He gripped the edge of the nightstand for balance.
"You will do no such thing." Ethel chided him as if he were her own child and not the king of the realm. He let this slight indignity slide as she helped him to the other side of the bed where he sat down, the smallest effort exhausting him.
Erick knew it was not his pain, not really. But his connection to Flora made it feel real, as if he had been the one to take the blow and was now lying lifeless on his bed. He spared a worried look over his shoulder and found her still there, still alive.
Relief washed over him, and he didn't really care as Ethel helped him remove his clothes from the day, filthy from being out for two weeks. He kept his gaze on Flora, watching as she took quiet breaths.
He knew the healers had done their best, but even their magic wasn't a cure all. If only Grace had been here. He knew it was wrong to linger on the what-if's, but he also knew his sister had a gift for healing that could have sped up Flora's recovery considerably.
"At this point your Aunt might just break in." Ethel began as she started wiping Erick with a clean cloth and soothing lotion. "I told her you weren't actually hurt, but she won't believe anybody until she sees you." The older woman said with a huff.
By now Erick was practically down to his knackers, but didn't really care anymore as he let Ethel administer more of the lotion that eased his pain. Ethel's hands were quick and efficient, lacking all emotion, and left Erick feeling little emotion by the time she was done. A little part of him hoped to stay in here like this for good, and never have to deal with anyone ever again.
That was when reality came crashing in, as did his Aunt Martha. He heard her as she practically pounded into his drawing room, calling out for Ethel. The healer sighed, staring at the ceiling as if praying for a miracle.
"I'll tell her you're resting, you'll do well to at least pretend that you are." Ethel gave him a look before leaving his bedchamber, doing her best to not open the door too wide. Erick gave a heavy sigh through his nose in frustration. Maybe he should be praying for a miracle. He looked back at Flora, who remained unchanged in her rest.
Erick did his best to gently bring himself to a resting position on the bed, but didn't bother pulling the blankets up since he was already on top of them. His room's radiator was on, and kept the room at a comfortable level during the chilly spring nights. Besides, he didn't want to risk disturbing Flora.
Flora, who was in his bed next to him, hanging between life and death. A part of it still felt like it was just a bad dream, that he would wake up and find that none of this had happened. His aching body was a reminder that it was not a dream, and that Flora's own father had made an attempt on his life.
Erick knew there would be a lot of work coming directly after this. The interrogation, the investigation, and eventually the execution. The laws were clear on the process of such an event, but it still ground at Erick's ever thinning patience.
The conversation between his Aunt Martha and Healer Ethel was not going well, and it was very difficult to pretend to be resting while his Aunt became louder by the moment. Taking a glance at Flora, she seemed unperturbed by it all, as if she were in some magical sleep like those in fairy tales.
Erick closed his eyes and groaned before pulling himself out of bed, resolved to dealing with at least one issue tonight. Pulling on a pair of knickerbockers and a loose fitting shirt, Erick made his way to the door. He opened it to find Healer Ethel looking more sour than an old lemon and his Aunt Martha more red than a fresh beet. He frowned at both of them as they stopped and stared at him.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of such a loud entrance to my rooms?" Erick would not hide the sour note in his tone, nor did he attempt to look pleasant in any way. Healer Ethel simply bowed deeply with a quiet apology, but his Aunt looked infuriated.
"You come home after being attacked and this is how you greet me?" Lady Martha exclaimed, her face somehow more red than it was just a moment before. "I was worried sick over you and not once have you said anything to anyone since you've gotten here!" She yelled at him. She yelled at him, the king. She treated him as if he were some errant child in need of discipline.
Erick knew his face had changed into something worse, as his Aunt became very quiet. The room had darkened, Erick realized he was clenching his fists. Good, let her be afraid. Erick let his anger rise just enough so that they would know.
"I have had a long day, and a long two weeks." Erick started very quietly, putting a tamper on his emotions. "My Beast Master has been mortally wounded, and I am beyond exhausted. I would like to rest in peace." He emphasized the last word, leveling a look at his Aunt. She looked like she would say something, clearly angry, but only shook her head and left. Healer Ethel bowed once more before leaving.
Erick gave the two a moment to make themselves scarce before heading to the guards stationed at his door. He found Dante was with them, talking in a low voice with a serious expression. At Erick's arrival, Dante dismissed the two guards.
"I'll make sure that won't happen again." Dante said in way of greeting. Erick waved it off.
"She's my Aunt and holds a seat on the Dragon's Council, of course she threw her weight around." Erick said bitterly. "I won't hold that against them." Erick finished in a gentler tone.
"I'll have new guards here, and extra inside just in case." Erick almost thought it was a joke, but Dante was very serious. He seemed to fully intend on having Erick protected from his own Aunt.
"No, the usual post will be fine enough." Erick put up a hand to let Dante know that he was fine. "What I do want is for someone to head over to the Acker farm." Erick informed Dante. Before he could explain why, Dante cut in.
"Already done." The Captain started. "I've sent guards and an investigator, as well as some of the farm hands to take care of the animals." Dante looked pleased with himself for having been so efficient, and Erick couldn't help but smile.
"I knew I liked you for some reason." Erick teased, which earned him a barking laugh from his friend.
"I'll try to remember that." Dante smiled, and for a moment it was almost as if nothing terrible had happened. Then he grew serious again, as if contemplating the same things Erick had thought of earlier.
"I can't believe her own father would do this." The Captain said quietly, almost just as shocked as Erick had been. Erick didn't answer for a moment, feeling much the same way.
"Harold has been having a hard time." The King started, running through the possibilities in his mind. "Perhaps he really did just snap." Erick knew it was more hopeful than realistic, as the rise in non-magical humans has caused unrest in his country. Looking back up at Dante, he knew that his Captain felt much the same way.
"We'll do everything we can Erick, but in the end…" Dante trailed off, looking away. Erick knew what he meant. Erick knew he would have to execute the man. Not doing it would look like he was favoring Flora, but doing it could also make Harold a martyr if he really was part of the underground rebellion. Erick's stomach twisted with frustration.
"I'll see you tomorrow then." Erick said in way of dismissal. Dante nodded in agreement and turned around to leave.
"Ah! Before I forget." The Captain turned back to Erick. "Healer Ethel left a tea mix for you. She said to take it every night until Flora gets better." Dante pointed towards the tin of herbs that had been left on the table beside Erick's room.
Erick couldn't help but moan miserably, knowing exactly what the bitter tasting herb was. It was Slabrofen, an herb that hindered magical abilities. Likewise, it also muddied the connection between two Selfrund, effectively taking away any sympathy pain one might have from the other.
Erick took the tin back in his room with him, locking the doors behind him. It was much too late for doing really anything, so Erick fell onto the first couch in his drawing room and fell asleep right there.
Erick woke up some time later, groggy and miserable from sleeping on the couch. He slowly sat up, rubbing his face with both hands. His entire body ached, and he was terribly thirsty. What time is it? He thought sluggishly, looking around the room for a clock. An old grandfather clock that stood at one end of the room read the time. Erick practically growled when he saw how late in the morning it was, forcing himself up.
On the table next to the couch was a tray of food someone had left. While it smelled good, it did nothing to entice his appetite, of which there wasn't one. Instead, Erick's attention was on Flora. He knew she was still unwell if the sympathy pain was any indication.
Entering his bedroom, Erick found Flora unchanged. She still rested on his bed, bandages wrapped almost the entirety of her torso. It was obvious someone had changed them for a fresh set, and a little tray of various medicines and medical tools had been left on the table beside her.
Erick quietly walked over to her side, resting his hand on the very edge of the bed. He considered calling his sisters back, or at least Grace, if only to make sure Flora lived. It was selfish, he knew, to take his siblings away from their own time with family.
Erick took one more moment to just sit before he started his day. He took a deep breath, using the moment to focus on breathing. It centered him, and he was able to clear his mind before heading out for the day. Well, mostly anyway. Worry and pain still pulled at the edge of his vision.
Erick tried his best to quickly change into something more presentable, but his own aches mixed with the pain from Flora made his movements stiff and disjointed. He growled in frustration as he pulled on one of his more subdued coats over a partially buttoned vest. He gave up entirely on the cravat as he slipped into his boots and left his room.
Erick gave a brusque nod to the guards by the door, asking where he could find Captain Dante. With a quick answer, King Erick was able to quickly find his way to the entrance to the dungeon, taking care to use the back ways and servant hallways so as not to be noticed or called upon by those of his court.
Is this something I really want to do on an empty stomach? Erick considered the situation for a moment. Perhaps he should go back, someone had to be there with Flora after all. He briefly reached out for Flora's mind, and found that she was still safely asleep, and noted that a healer had come in to check on her.
Deciding to just get it done and over with, Erick went down the staircase that led to the dungeons. The stairs went from clean and new to progressively worse, the walls closing in and lights going from electric to candles as he went deeper. There were several alcoves and doorways branching off, but the main area would be at the bottom.
Being one of the oldest parts of the castle, it was often neglected in preference for the new prison that had been built just outside of the castle's first wall. It worked well, and was much more serviceable than this damp cave, but Erick wanted Harold closer. And admittedly, he took a little pleasure in knowing that Harold was down here in this miserable place while Flora's life hung on a thin line.
By the time he made it to the bottom, he could hear a quiet discussion between the guards. It was hard to make out what they said at first, but as he got closer Erick was able to hear them discuss their opinions on the matter.
"This farmer is just a cranky old ass. I really don't think any of this is necessary." The first guard, a young man, said.
"You never know with these things. And besides, it was still an attempt on the life of our King. We have to take that seriously." An older woman replied.
Erick rounded the corner and saw the two seated at the small table in the alcove. It was the only entry point for the dungeons, and having the space filled made it hard to get through. The two immediately stopped talking and rose to bow before their king.
Erick gave them a polite nod, the circlet crown on his head shifting with the movement. "Where can I find the captain?" He asked them, his voice flat and his face stern. He realized that the young man was not much younger than he was, and was also a human without magic. Perhaps he's just being sympathetic, but the likelihood of being more than that is too likely to ignore.
Erick processed this information while assessing the two guards. They stumbled over each other to answer essentially the same way, that Dante was just down the hall. Erick nodded and left them there. I'll mention it to Dante later. Erick thought as he gritted his teeth.
Erick didn't have to go far as he found his Captain just a few paces down the hallway. The wolf shifter was leaning against the wall while staring at the closed door opposite of him. That must be where Harold is. Erick realized grimly. Dante turned as Erick arrived, his face set in disappointment.
"You're not gonna like it." Dante said when Erick came to stand beside him. Erick looked over his shoulder at the door as if he could see inside. Unfortunately for him, Harold knew how to block him out, and Erick didn't want to risk breaking his mind for answers. Not yet anyway.
"What did you find?" Erick turned back to face Dante, who looked rather upset over the whole ordeal. I suppose I should be as well. Erick considered this, but he knew that as the king he could not afford to be upset.
"Not much, but also a lot." Dante grimaced. "The detectives are still pawing through the place, but they've already found several hidden rooms and stashes between the barn and the house. It's not looking good for the old man." Dante's voice turned gravelly with seriousness - though it never quite got as deep as Erick's voice could - and Erick knew that these were the early signs of insurgence.
"How long do we wait?" Dante asked. Erick knew what he meant without having to ask. It was standard protocol to interrogate anyone who tried to kill the king, even more so for someone who was even suspected of going against the monarchy.
"I want to be sure we have ample evidence." Erick replied, glancing back over at the door to Harold's prison cell. "Report to me in three days and we'll assess where we're at." Erick finished before turning to leave. "Ah, Dante?" Erick asked over his shoulder. Dante gave him a questioning look. "Be extra careful with who you station here." Erick knew it would already have been on his Captain's mind, but Erick wanted to be sure that both Dante and the guards knew, taking care to be heard by the two at the tunnel entrance.
As Erick walked by, he made sure to take note of the two guards who were there, especially their responses as he left. This whole thing has me more skittish than a cornered animal. Erick thought bitterly as he climbed back up the long spiraling staircase. It didn't help that hunger had begun to set in.
Erick went back to his rooms, once again using the more concealed hallways that got the servants through the castle. This time however, he was not so lucky. He tried not to cringe as he heard his name being called down the hallway, and turned to see his Aunt Martha.
His aunt had picked up her dress so that she could shuffle-walk at a faster pace. Erick made no attempt to go to her, but rather let her continue like that down the rest of the small hall. Perhaps she'll get the idea that I'm not in the mood for her. Erick thought hopefully. Perhaps a little too hopefully.
"What are you doing skulking about in these halls for?" Lady Martha chided him as soon as she was close enough. Erick did not have time to give even a sarcastic reply as she went on. "I went to check in on you this morning and not only are you not there," she said with great emphasis. "I find out you have that girl in your room. Again!" She exclaimed. Erick could not help the rising resentment that filled his chest as his Aunt referred to Flora as if she were just something to be ignored.
Erick opened his mouth to say something, anything, but his aunt continued on. "After the fiasco at breakfast I really thought you would have learned better by now. You are much too old to be sleeping around. Especially with a-" Erick did not let her continue.
"Enough." It took everything inside him not to shout at her, feeling his resentment turn into rage. "I don't know who you think you are talking to, but I will not suffer this treatment any longer." Erick gave her no room to reply as he swiftly turned on his heel and continued down the hall. He did not look back to see that she had been left shocked and pale, not unlike last night.
Arriving at his room once more, Erick opened the double doors with a sigh of relief. Perhaps now he would be able to eat and get some quality rest. His drawing room was quiet, and he quickly found the platter of food that had been left there this morning. The food had long gone cold, but he didn't mind as he ate it up.
Pushing his mind out, he felt for Flora's presence. He found that she was still in his bed, and that she remained unchanged. Erick was relieved that she had not died in the time he was gone - however unlikely that seemed it was still a possibility - but he worried over her slow recovery. If a healer had been in, surely they had used their magic to aid her? Unless her wound really is that bad. Erick thought with a shock.
Leaving the crumbs on his plate, Erick quickly got up and returned to Flora in his bedroom. Opening the door as quietly as he could, Erick entered his room. The curtains were closed, and the drapes on the bed had also been brought down. Instead of turning a light on, Erick quickly lit a candle with his dragon's flame.
Inching towards the other side of the bed, Erick pulled back the curtain to find Flora resting there. Her face looked serene, and Erick was once again reminded of a sleep that could only be found in fairy tales. Would she too stay asleep forever?
What if she's only alive because I'm alive? The thought worried him, knowing that the magic between two Selfrund can be a blessing and a curse. He looked through the open door of his bedroom to the drawing room where the tin of herbs still sat. He sighed through his nose, knowing it would be better to make the tea and get to work.
As Erick prepared his tea, he heard a knock on his door. Setting the pot above the fire to boil he called out before heading over to the door. Opening it, he found William Brown on the other side.
William Brown was one of Erick's several attendants who sort of helped with a little bit of everything. Presently, he was in one of his more formal suits and was holding a rather intimidating stack of papers. Erick frowned.
"Ahem, so sorry to bother you, Your Majesty." William started, clearly fretting over his current condition. "But you see, we weren't sure when you would be back for your usual duties." William was on the verge of babbling. "And we were told not to disturb you, so everything was being written down, but then the papers kept coming." Erick had to force himself not to roll his eyes. Of course there was already a pile of complaints to go through. "So, in the end, I decided to bring them here, to you. So you could take care of it, that is." Erick was very close to asking Williams what his job was for if it only meant handing it back to Erick.
"Thank you. You're dismissed." Erick said flatly as he took the stack of papers from Mr. Brown. The man blabbered a quick response before hurrying away. Erick sighed for what felt like the billionth time that day. He returned to his room, giving a brief nod to the guards before closing the doors.
The pot had begun to boil, and while Erick didn't take the time to prepare it the long way that was preferred in dragon culture, he did make sure to steep the tea for an appropriate amount of time. His gut clenched at the thought of drinking the Slabrofen, but he knew it would be better for him if he did. On the other hand, she might be relying on that connection to stay alive. The thought nagged at Erick as stared into his cup of tea.
Looking up towards the bedroom, nothing had changed. The large room with the extravagant bed was silent, the room dark. He looked back at the tea, warring between the possibilities and his choices.
Setting the tea down, Erick turned to the stack of papers before him. It was daunting, but Erick swallowed his emotions down and got to work. As he suspected, most of the stack was just complaints that really could have been dealt with someone else. Anyone else in some cases. Regardless, Erick wrote quick responses to each and stamped each and every one of them.
Erick had lost track of time as he continued to go through the stack of papers. It wasn't until he felt his stomach rumble against the pain from Flora's injury. Putting his work aside, he saw that it was late in the evening. At least no one's bothered me. Erick thought with mixed emotions.
When he heard a knock on the door, Erick assumed someone had come with food for him. Getting up to the door, he opened it to find exactly not the person he was expecting. He found his brother Balder standing there, who smiled broadly at Erick's arrival.