Elder Bernard's breathing was frantic and heavy as he hurried toward the royal chambers. He flagged the sleeves of his robes from time to time, revealing his anxiety as he walked.
Several officials saluted them as he walked but he was too distressed to pay them any heed.
When he reached the king's chambers, the guards at the door saluted him and before they could go through the procedures of asking him why he was there, he hurriedly recounted, "I am here to see the king. I already have his approval."
Immediately afterward, he strode into the chambers. As usual, there was a beeline of maids at the main courtyard and when he entered, they all bowed and greeted him.
"Greetings, Heavenly Master."
Elder Bernard strode into the lounge expecting to settle down and wait for his presence to be announced to the King.
But to his surprise, he found the man seated on one of the lounge recliner seats.
He was reading some reports and the stool in front of him was filled with heaps of them. He was also wearing the one-frame eyeglass that was customized for the king only as he read, looking focused and concentrated.
Elder Bernard was unable to decipher his current mood. He didn't look annoyed yet he didn't seem happy either.
He almost seemed somber and defeated.
He didn't seem like someone that had sent an urgent letter to Elder Bernard earlier, urging him to see him in his chambers.
Elder Bernard was speechless and out of breath, considering that he had rushed over after he had received the king's letter telling him he wanted to talk about the curse.
But it turned out all was well, after all?
Elder Bernard gave a defeated sigh inwardly as he slowly hunched over, bowing to the man.
"Your Majesty, this servant is here to bid his greetings," He greeted in his usual upbeat voice as though he wasn't internally complaining about the temperamental man.
Fenrir looked up from the papers in front of him, his expression calm and serene, revealing that he already knew the older man was there and simply acted as though he didn't notice.
He slowly removed the single-frame glass from his face and placed it on the stool. Then, he leaned back on the recliner, seemingly more relaxed than before.
"Have a seat, Elder," he finally spoke, gesturing towards one of the empty lounge chairs.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Elder Bernard took a seat across him and looked at the sharp outline of the man's face carefully. He had been an elder in the Royal Court before Fenrir was born. And, he was one of the former king's trusted aides.
It was also no wonder that Fenrir placed some importance on him and consulted him on things he wouldn't share with other elders.
Elder Bernard didn't think the young King trusted him. Fenrir was a wary and skeptical man. He was also swift and decisive in his actions which were why he was deftly able to deal with his enemies and took over the throne.
Such a person would never place their trust in others.
Elder Bernard also didn't think the king relied on him. What mattered was his loyalty. As long as he was not considered a threat, then he was safe.
And he hoped it always would be that way.
"Your Majesty-" Elder Bernard began, a tremor evident in his voice. "I received your letter. May I know what was such importance that you would request to see a servant like myself in the dead of the night?"
Fenrir paused in his actions hearing the man's words.
His gaze narrowed as he watched the elderly man in front of him. At first, his gaze was merely scrutinizing but he soon gave a soft laugh, shaking his head.
"You should relax," He laughed. "Why are you so uptight today?"
Elder Bernard hunched shoulders slowly relaxed, realizing that he was safe.
He shook his head, an easy smile appearing at the edge of his mouth now.
He clasped his palms and said, "I thought something-"
Fenrir cut in. "Disastrous happened?"
He shook his head, looking away from the elder, and folded his arms. He looked out of the long, brassy windows into the night sky, his gaze was forlorn and thoughtful.
Elder Bernard noticed the man always seemed to have a relaxed posture around him unlike when in an assembly.
"You don't need to worry. If anything, it would have been good news."
Fenrir was quiet for some time and seemed to be lost in thought. Elder Bernard didn't dare say anything to disrupt his thoughts and simply watched him quietly.
After some time, the man looked at him and continued, "Something unusual happened today."
Elder Bernard didn't say a word, not interrupting him.
"I held a woman," Fenrir said, his gaze a little tense as though he was recounting the scene in his head once again. "And nothing happened."
Elder Bernard was stunned for a moment upon hearing this.
Fenrir shook his head, his face taut. "Let me rephrase that. I held her and the rashes didn't come."
Elder Bernard could barely find the right words to convey the shock he felt. The curse had been there for the longest time and both of them were used to it.
It was inevitable that one would feel a myriad of emotions when things went out of habit.
And that was exactly what Elder Bernard felt, his mind running amok. Among his feelings was the hope that the King was finally cured. But, he was also skeptical and couldn't believe it.
"Your Majesty, could it be" He couldn't help but mutter as he looked at the tall figure across him.
Fenrir's lips were downturn, proof that he wasn't in a pleasing mood. He slowly got up from the recliner, casually fixing the knot on his robe as he strode to the window sill and stood there with his hands behind his back. His back was turned to Elder Bernard.
"I was also excited when I noticed that," He said, "But I think I simply over-thought. How could things be so simple?"
Elder Bernard lowered his gaze upon hearing this, the euphoria of the news slowly fizzling out.
Yes, how could a curse that had lasted hundreds of years be so easy to solve?