Lord Richard's presence seemed to cool the tense atmosphere in the room and everybody calmed down. The prince's anger seemed to have mellowed down as he slouched back at the throne seat. The Lord turned sharply at the court official who had spoken up against the prince's decision.
"How dare you challenge the prince's decision?" He asked staring daggers at the court official. "Apologize immediately!" He scoffed out the order.
The court official stood up with an apologetic face. His wobbling legs carried him forward as he kept his gaze low to avoid eye contact with the prince.
"Forgive my manners, my prince. I was just concerned with the well-being of our kingdom."Prince Alexander didn't look satisfied with the display in front of him. Everyone always avoided being on his bad side due to his anger.
And as he looked coldly at the man in front of him, his anger multiplied. Had it not been for Lord Richard's presence, he would have done something unforgettable to this man. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the pathetic court official and adjourned the meeting.
Lord Richard trailed behind him and this angered prince Alexander to the core. "What is it again?" He asked, anger evident in his icy voice. Lord Richard bowed slightly and smile wryly at him.
"Still haven't found a perfect match, my Prince?" He asked frustration clear in his voice. Alexander looked away to avoid his mocking gaze before he turned and gave him a 'get straight to the point' glare. Richard's face suddenly turned from that of amusement to that of a serious person.
"The king wishes to see you. He said that you should go to his chambers. He'll be waiting for you," he bowed slightly and left after conveying his message. Alexander wondered why the king had summoned him. Had his condition worsened?
As he strode through the familiar hallways walking with a regal aura, the maids couldn't help but drool over him. Some blushed whenever they looked at his face and others said that his eyes were manipulative. Those who were brave enough to talk to him always found themselves in a tight spot as he was so shameless.
Alexander chuckled in amusement as the gazes followed his silhouette. He was used to it and actually enjoyed it when these women tried their best with the hope that he would fall head over heels for them. Unfortunately, none of them found his eye. Not that they weren't beautiful. In fact, some of them were princesses and daughters of dukes. But he knew that they were sent here to strengthen the political ties of their kingdoms or earn the title of a crown princess. But he swore to give that title to someone who deserved it.
He came to a halt at a door and the guard informed his presence. Alexander took a deep breath before he entered his father's chambers. His heart was heavy with worry as he considered the state of his father's health. For several weeks now, the king had been bedridden, and his condition had shown no signs of improvement. Alexander had been spending most of his time at his father's side, trying to keep him comfortable and listening to his feeble words of wisdom.
As he reached out to knock on the door, Alexander paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. He knew that the sight of his father's deteriorating condition would be difficult to bear, but he had to be strong for both of them. With a deep breath, he gave the door a solid knock and waited for the response.
A moment later, the door creaked open to reveal the king's chief physician, who was standing guard outside the room. The physician looked up as Alexander approached, and gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment.
"How is he?" Alexander asked, his voice low and tense.
The physician looked him over for a moment before speaking. "He's still holding on, Your Highness," he said gravely. "But he's very weak. I would advise you to prepare yourself for the worst."
Alexander's heart sank at the physician's words. He knew that his father's condition was grave, but hearing the words spoken out loud made it all the more real.
Taking a deep breath, he pushed past the physician and stepped into the room. The curtains were drawn back to let in the morning light, and the air was filled with the soft sound of birdsong from the garden outside. Alexander's eyes were immediately drawn to the large bed in the center of the room, where his father lay propped up on a pile of pillows.
The king looked small and frail against the vast expanse of the bed, his once strong body now shrunken and weak. His face was drawn and pale, and his eyes looked sunken and tired. But despite his condition, his voice was still strong, and his eyes were bright with intelligence.
"Alexander," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Come, sit with me."
Alexander quickly made his way over to the bed, pulling up a chair and settling in beside his father. He reached out to take the king's hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against his own.
"How are you feeling, Father?" Alexander asked, his voice soft.
The king gave him a faint smile. "As well as can be expected, my son," he said. "But I fear that my time in this world is growing short."
Alexander felt a pang of grief at his father's words, but he tried to push it aside. He knew that he had to be strong, both for his father and for the kingdom.
"What can I do to help, Father?" he asked, his voice steady.
The king's eyes flickered over to him, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought. "There is much that you can do, my son," he said finally. "But the most important thing is to remember that you are not alone. You have the support of the kingdom behind you, and the love of your family to guide you. Do not forget that, Alexander. It will be your greatest strength in the days to come."