Having no idea of what happened in the royal court after he left, Karium Maselli was sitting alone in his chamber. He was concentrating on reading the scrolls when he suddenly heard the sound of the knocking on his door.
"Come in."
It was Queen Eliana Maselli who entered with a tray that holds a bowl. She was the wife of King Edric Maselli and she was 22 years old.
The Prince quickly rose from his seat when he saw the Queen. "What brings you here, sister-in-law?" When his gaze landed on the bowl in her hands, he understood her purpose right away.
"You act just like I predicted, Karium. You just returned after fighting a long war and you should rest rather than working," Queen Eliana calmly said and placed the tray on the table.
The young Queen was quite beautiful. Before she married King Edric two years ago, she was regarded as the most beautiful woman in Welahan and even now, she still was.
"I'm not that tired. Besides, it's morning now," Prince Karium responded. Unlike his usual nonchalant demeanor, there was a pleasant smile on his face.
"Morning or not, your body needs a rest," the Queen firmly said and handed him the bowl. "Drink this first. It's good for your health."
Without questioning anything, the Prince took the bowl with a little smile and finished the medicine. "Thank you, sister-in-law."
Queen Eliana nodded and observed him. "Do you have any injuries? I already told you that if you leave your wounds untreated again, I won't forgive you."
Hearing the Queen's words, the Prince let out a light chuckle. "I know. Don't worry, sister-in-law. I won't make you worry anymore."
"Did your sister-in-law nags at you again?"
The Queen and the Prince darted their eyes to the door when they heard a familiar voice. Then King Edric appeared. He came straight to his younger brother after the meeting ended.
"How can you call it a nag? I'm only worried about him. He never takes good care of himself," the Queen complaint and then frowned at her husband.
King Edric laughed and stood beside his wife. "I know. I'm only joking," he calmly said. Then he shifted his gaze to his brother. "Don't neglect your health, Karium. Your sister-in-law won't be able to be at ease," he said, dryly.
Prince Karium smiled when he noticed the Queen's disappointed face. "Alright, brother," he responded.
Queen Eliana picked up the tray and glanced at her husband. "I will go back first. I still have other things to do." She understood that the brothers would like to have a chat as it had almost been a month since they last saw each other. So, she decided to give them some privacy.
After the Queen left, the brothers took a seat on the chairs. When King Edric glanced at his brother, he was reminded of what happened in the meeting. It made the King so angry that he had to clench his fist to keep himself in check.
"Your victory this time is huge, Karium," the King started. "Do you have anything that you want? You can tell me and I will give it to you no matter what it is."
"That again," Karium Maselli muttered and slightly smiled. "I don't need anything, brother. I'm only doing my duty as the younger brother of the King."
"Then you should also give me the chance to fulfil my duty as your older brother, Karium," King Edric calmly said with patience.
Prince Karium narrowed his eyes and recalled his childhood, a tough childhood. Then he shifted his gaze back to the King. "You already did enough for me, brother. I personally think that even if I conquer the whole world for you, it won't be enough to repay you."
King Edric quietly glanced at Karium for a while and then let out a sigh. "Alright. I won't force you but that doesn't mean I'm taking back my words. I'm the King and I should stand in my words.
"I will save this wish for you and one day, if you want to use it. Just tell me."
Karium Maselli simply nodded though he had no intention to bring it up again; but... will that be possible?
"This time, I want to take a rest for a while."
King Edric was more than interested in what his brother just said. It wasn't every day that his brother asked to rest! In the past, he used to force him to take a rest so that he would have time to regain his strength and for his health not to be affected too much.
"Of course. You can rest as much as you want," the King quickly said with a genuine smile on his face.
"Then can I travel around this time?" Karium Maselli asked.
"Won't that only exhaust you more?"
The Prince shook his head. "I just want to see nature and spend time with them. You know, quiet places give me a sense of peace."
King Edric gave a quick thought and nodded. "Alright, but you should be careful." When one thing crossed his mind, he quickly added, "One more thing. You shouldn't miss the feast. There will be an important announcement during that."
Important announcement? Prince Karium instantly understood that it must have something to do with him. "What did you arrange this time?" he asked, giving his brother a suspicious look.
"What do you mean?" King Edric quickly turned away and feigned ignorance.
"Brother, I think you already give me enough," Karium calmly said. Seeing the King's reaction, he already proved his suspicion.
"You deserve better, Karium. No... you deserve the best. You're the pillar of our Welahan. If anyone said that you don't deserve the things you received, that means the one who said such things doesn't love our kingdom," King Edric firmly said.
"But -"
"Above all, the one who will reward you is the King and not your older brother. Will you defy the order?"
Karium glanced at his brother's earnest expression and understood that it was final. Then he gave in like he always did. "No."
King Edric smiled and firmly patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "That's good. Have a good rest and be well prepared for the feast. I will leave now."
The King rose from his seat and made his way towards the door but...
"Can I at least know what reward you prepared this time? You know I hate uncertainties."
He halted when he heard his brother's question. Then his lips curved into a little smile when he said, "The Prince of Morham." Without even waiting for a response, he left his brother's chamber.
Prince Karium was left stunned! The Prince of Morham?! Had his brother gone crazy?!