Chapter 9 (T) - The King's Intrusion

“...This man you met had Alice’s sword? Are you sure?”

“Yeah. It had the same emblem on the blade.”

Dad’s expression darkens. “...But how could that be…? Alice vanished nearly six years ago now…”

“How should I know? All I know is that sword has to have been hers.”

He stands and starts pacing back and forth and muttering to himself like he always does. “If it had the emblem… No, it could be a coincidence… There can’t be just one with it… But no, since the attack… it could be… connected… the Order… Could he be…? Unlikely… But he could-”

Without warning, my bedroom door bursts open and some giant blonde guy in full red armor charges in. Dad immediately spins to face him, grasping at his hip for a sword he’s not wearing.

“Where is she?!”

Dad slowly steps forwards, his voice slow and cold. “Your majesty, would you care to explain exactly what you think you’re doing, barging unbidden and unannounced into my daughter’s bedroom…?”

The man pauses, clearly taken aback. “I- Oh. Oh no… I- I’m very sorry… Please forgive me, councillor…”

Dad continues to walk forward until he stands directly in front of the man. Despite being a full head taller, the blonde guy is clearly uncomfortable. “I said, explain yourself.”

The man takes a step back, his head hung. “I heard Regina was injured after some sort of beast attacked the town, so I came as fast as I could… I heard she was being treated here… But it appears my concern got the better of me… Please, forgive my discourtesy…”

“I treated your daughter myself hours ago, in the next room over. She has already left my house, and is likely either performing her duties or assisting the Knights at this very moment. She is not here, nor has she ever been in this room. Both facts I’m sure you would know had you made any inquiry to any medical staff still treating patients here.”

“I- I see. ...I- I should be leaving then, I suppose.”

“Yes. You should.” Without another word, the man turns and leaves pretty quickly.

“Hey, uh… Dad? Your hands are on fire.”

He looks down at his clenched fists, both lit ablaze. “Hm? Oh. I suppose they are.” He takes a deep breath and the flames vanish.

“So… Who the hell was that guy?”

Dad sighs and sits back down. “That was Edrick Silvath.”

My eyes go wide. “Wh- King Silvath?!”

“Yes. Gaela’s ruling sovereign.”

“...Whoa. ...So, uh… why’d the king of a different country just almost take my bedroom door off its hinges?”

“His daughter was here in town when that beast attacked. Apparently, she and her wyvern blinded the beast, buying the knights enough time to evacuate the civilians in the area.”

“Wait, the princess fought that giant thing? Like, head-on?!”

“That’s what I’ve heard. It seems she takes after her father, in that regard at least.”

“Welp. ...Aaanyway…” I stretch my arms towards the ceiling and groan. “...I should probably get up now and help everyone.”

Dad’s expression gets serious again. “No. You’re going to stay here and rest.”

“Dad, I feel fine. I can help!”

He responds more forcefully, “I said, no.”

...Okay, something’s up. Dad never talks like that to me. “...Dad?”

“When you killed the beast, your emotional state was at critical levels. The natural inhibitor on your magic was nonfunctional at the time. You poured enough of your magic through Princess Silvath’s blade that you nearly killed yourself through overexertion of magic. Even if your body looks and feels to be in perfect shape, you’re still in critical condition. You need rest.”

Thinking about it… he’s right. I feel fine, but at the same time… I can’t feel any magic in my system. I’m completely drained. “...Ugh, fine… I’ll rest… Get me a snack, then.”

His expression lightens, and he smiles. “I suppose I can do that.” He stands. “I do have some vital work to do though, still. The snack might have to wait a while.”

“Fine, fine… Go do your important stuff and neglect me, it’s okay…” I make a shooing motion at him with my hand.

He chuckles at my feigned displeasure. “Very well then, I’ll be sure to do that. ...I’m sure Xander will be returning to see you as soon as he’s able, so I suppose I ought to leave the window open for him?”

I shoot him a grin. “Just get back to work already.” He smiles and leaves. I lie back down and roll on my side to look at the window. By some funny coincidence, there’s some black bird outside looking in with a silly, kinda dumb-looking expression. I imagine that bird’s goofy look on Xander’s face, and can’t help but smile as sleep takes hold and the world fades.