3RD PERSON
As the battle ended, the young king sat down on the queen's corpse as he examined his wounds. A few scratches but nothing too alarming, the only concern was the large purple spot on his right abdomen.
"I better get this checked before it causes too much trouble." He muttered, standing up he used his spear as a splint as he slowly walked back to the village, but not before looking back at the countless corpses that littered the ground. Overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, he turned back, never wanting to lay eyes on a scene like that ever again.
Walking back to the castle he called home, waiting for him on the outside, he was met by Alicia and a few other soldiers who were tasked to guard the entrance. The moment they saw him they approached him, one soldier grabbed his spear, another called a doctor and Alicia supported him to the castle.
Once inside the townsfolk cheered for his return, though some screamed worry to his condition, everyone seemed relieved that the Ghoul's siege had been unsuccessful. Following this he was brought to a room where the doctor resided. He looked to be quite young, a handsome face to match his ashen hair makes him quite the attractive man.
"It seems that you have a large bruise on your abdomen…. Though usually this isn't a life threatening injury, we cannot take the risk of this turning into something that will be difficult to treat, such as internal bleeding and possibly organ failure." The doctor said, his tone indicated
worry for his king.
He swiftly stood up, rummaging through a shelf full of potions and other medical equipment. It took a while but he eventually found what he was looking for, holding a white liquid. He poured a small amount into a cup, mixing it with water and honey, stirring it and giving it to the young king to drink.
"This concoction should help with both the pain and the internal bleeding." The doctor said as he offered it to Regulus.
"What is it made of?" Regulus asked, examining the mysterious liquid.
"It is a mixture of moonshade, water and honey… Specifically Tupelo honey, my liege."
"Interesting…." Regulus said as he prepared to drink the mysterious liquid.
REGULUS POV
Drinking from the mysterious liquid, the first sensation my tastebuds felt was a bitter taste, but it was soon engulfed by a sweet almost buttery aftertaste. Soon enough the pain from my abdomen dissipated, indicating that the concoction worked.
"Mhm, the pain seems to have disappeared. Thank you doctor… You have been a great help." I thanked the doctor as I stood up from my seat. Alicia offered to help me once more, though this time I refused.
"No, Re-My liege, you're too weak to be able to walk on your own. Let me help you!" Alicia stubbornly insisted.
"I said I'm fine!" I raised my voice, matching her stubbornness.
"I-I'm… forgive me, my liege." Alicia muttered, her lip quivering with fear and her eyes trailing to the floor.
Seeing her reaction I immediately apologized for raising my voice.
"F-Forgive me, I didn't mean to shout." I said, trying to reassure her that I meant no harm.
"No, it was my mistake for being stubborn…" Alicia replied, insisting that it was her mistake. " I shall take my leave." She made a slight bow and soon exited the room shortly after.
Seeing her leave, I sat down once more and stared at the ceiling, reminiscing the events that have passed these past few days.
"Doctor." I called out. "How common is the potion you just made?"
Upon hearing this he stood up and knelt to the ground. "Conside-"
"Stand up, you do not need to kneel everytime you talk to me." I clarified, this had him stand up and bow in thanks. "Now, continue what you were saying."
"Thank you, my liege. As I said, considering that tupelo honey is only native to our area, it would be difficult for us other kingdoms and settlements to produce potions similar to what I have given you." The doctor said, his words full of confidence.
"I see…. Then can you perhaps have more produced? It could prove to be vital in times of… trouble. Though we can also trade it, maybe even making it one of our main trading products."
"I will see what I can do, though I cannot guarantee that it will be done immediately. The process of extracting Tupelo honey is a tedious process." The young doctor clarified.
"Then take your time. No need to rush, doctor." I assured, since he looked to be quite nervous. "Now, I'll be heading out. Thank you for your time and treatment."
"T-Then it is a pleasure to have treated you, your highness." He replied, bowing in the process.
3RD PERSON POV
A few days pass after the successful defense of Eldorin. Leif was officially made lord, governing over the castle they had previously conquered. The people that were imprisoned by the bandits eventually agreed to be part of the new settlement, though it took some persuasion from both Leif and Lucius.
As the days went on, Regulus' name and kingdom was slowly getting recognized by other settlements and kingdoms alike. Though his daily duties as king still resumed, which consisted of visiting and diffusing disagreements from his citizens, passing on the penalty of criminals and entertaining messengers from other kingdoms.
As a new day started, Regulus once more sat on his throne in the castle palace. Though he was surprised that there wasn't a large line as usual. Only Lucius stood in front of the throne.
"Good morning, your majesty." Lucius greeted. " You may have noticed that nobody has gone to the castle."
"And what seems to be the reason for that?" Regulus asked.
"You have a letter. With the stamp of the royal family of Laeseo."
"Laeseo? What would they want from us?" Regulus asked, intrigued.
"Unfortunately, this came suddenly, so I do not know what they want….."
"Hm… very well, hand it over."
Taking a short bow, Lucius gave Regulus the letter. Opening the envelope, he took the paper and unfolded it, as he read its contents.
"From King Lachlan III
To King Regulus Vendetta of Eldorin
Greetings, my friend
I hope this letter finds you well, I have recently heard about the great deeds that your kingdom has accomplished. Many kingdoms that have just formed, such as yours, tend to struggle at the start. But I cannot say the same for yours, I am greatly impressed by how you have managed your economy and how you managed to gain much territory in a short period of time.
I have written this letter to inform you that I wish to strengthen and acquaint myself with someone of your prowess and status. Due to the scarcity of true and just rulers, I have found myself unable to form alliances in this cruel world.
But I cannot say the same for you, as you may be different, as I see a just king in you. So I invite you to my humble kingdom Laeseo. Let us talk about trade, friendship and peace. Though you may also refuse, this may benefit both our kingdoms in times of trouble and war.
Yours in friendship,
King Lachlan III"
After reading it, he folded the letter and put it back inside the envelope, placing it aside.
"Let everyone know I will be postponing all requests and meetings for tomorrow until further notice." Regulus ordered. "It seems that King Lachlan wants to meet me, I have my doubts whether his intentions are true but this is a good opportunity to form an alliance."
"Then when shall you leave?" Lucius asked.
"Tomorrow at dawn… In preparation for tomorrow, ready a carriage with a driver that knows the safest route to Laeseo, then assign the six best soldiers we have and give them a horse each, they shall be my bodyguards." Regulus commanded. "Oh and postpone all the meetings today as well."
"Understood, your majesty." Lucius said, bowing as he left the room.
Regulus himself left the castle hall as he ascended up the stairs to his room, where he opened his wardrobe and began sorting outfits to wear.
"This might take a while." He muttered as he began testing different outfit combinations.