"People with good intentions make promises, but people with good character keep them."
-Unknown
–
Palace maids run to and fro, frantically fetching a basin of cold water. The entire palace was in chaos when Hinrik arrived.
He kept Ysabel's letter in a safe place, promising to read it as soon as he could. It would be his comfort in the midst of having to accept his father's fate.
The servants gave way upon seeing the young prince rushing to get to his father. The physician was there, ordering the servants around.
When he saw Hinrik, the doctor bowed before returning to barking orders. Hinrik approached his father's bed. The king had his eyes closed and his breathing ragged.
Carefully taking his father's frail hands in his, Hinrik knelt by his father's bedside and brought his hands to his chest.
"I'm sorry it took me a while to get back. But I am here now, father."
