"Your Majesty, it seems like our plan worked out well... "
Commander Nico's voice trailed off and halted his steps when he saw the King sitting on the bed.
He's awake?!
Why wasn't he informed anything?!
He also saw the Queen sitting on the chair beside the bed and she was looking at him with a little smile on her face.
"Your Majesty," the Commander uttered and hurried to the King who was on the bed. "You're awake? When?"
"Early in the morning," the Queen replied. "As you see, the sun only rise now. So, I don't think others will know. Just the royal doctor."
"I don't even get to thank you for that night, Commander Nico," Arin Helev said to the Commander in a low voice. "If you don't arrive on time, I won't live to see this day."
"I was only doing my duty," Nico Petrus promptly replied. "In fact, I'm ashamed. If I arrive just a little earlier, this could have been prevented."
"You came because you're worried. You're not even told to do that and you can also choose to not come," Arin Helev clarified. "But you came and I live, thanks to that."
Nico Petrus didn't say anything and only stood still at his place. Then the King continued.
"I also know that you assisted Iria in every way possible. I'm glad for that."
"How are you feeling now, Your Majesty?" the Commander asked as he glanced at the King with concern.
"I still feel too weak," Arin honestly replied and narrowed his eyes at his left arm. "I still can't move this either. Maybe it's the effect of the poison."
Nico Petrus narrowed his eyes at the King's left arm and lifted his gaze again. "You can take your time, Your Majesty. Her Majesty is doing great and with her as the Commander-in-chief, I'm confident about this war."
"I never doubt her," Arin muttered as he shifted his gaze to Iria with a little smile. "She can do anything if she puts her mind to it."
An amusing smile was seen was on Commander Nico's face when he heard the King. "I'm well aware of that, Your Majesty."
The King gave a quick thought and said, "Just in case, summon the Aliron Army too. The west is peaceful and I think it will be worth taking the risk. The south is peaceful too. So, the Echilot Army can protect the capital."
He looked at Iria who met his gaze and he noticed that she was a bit surprised. "I only want to find a way to reduce the pressure on you," he explained. With a little smile, he added, "Besides, Commander Julio Aliron is your admirer. He will be so pleased to aid you."
"You can still joke around in this situation," Iria pointed out as she shook her in disappointment.
Feeling out of place, Nico Petrus promptly spoke up. "Then I will write to Commander Julio as you ordered, Your Majesty." With that said, he bowed and walked out of the tent right away.
Despite Iria expressing her disappointment, the smile never left Arin's face.
"Are you a fool?" Iria asked him with annoyance. "Why do you keep on smiling?"
"I'm just happy to be able to see your face," the King simply said. "All those weeks, I can only hear your voice and it was even more tormenting than the pain caused by the poison."
His response reminded Iria of his situation once again. Then she sighed. "It must be hard."
There will be nothing he could do and such a helpless feeling... she knew that he won't be able to cope well too.
Before Arin could say anything, Hanson Lorin suddenly rushed inside the tent. Maybe he heard the news from Commander Nico.
With the arrival of the friend, the Queen quickly turned to her husband. "I will go and meet my brother," she said. "Have a chat with Hanson."
Arin nodded and Iria walked out of the tent.
Now that they were the only ones in the room, Arin Helev's gaze was fixated on his friend.
"It seems like you've made up your mind," he pointed out. "I'm glad."
"Do you think I'll be able to turn my back on you in this situation?" Hanson Lorin asked as he walked closer. "You're not just my best friend, Your Majesty, but also my only close friend."
"I always find it strange, Hanson," Arin muttered. "How did you always manage to sound so formal yet defiant at the same time?"
"Maybe I learn from growing up with a best friend who is bound to inherit the throne one day," Hanson Lorin said and sat down on the chair. "I always have to balance life as your friend and your subject."
"I can see that it won't be easy," Arin Helev muttered, looking at his friend the whole time.
"Did you only know that now?" General Hanson asked with a hint of surprisement on his face.
Arin Helev simply smiled and said, "I was quite inconsiderate, right?"
The General made no movement before he finally shook his head. "You're the most considerate friend and royal I have ever known. If not, do you think I'll be able to stay close during all those years? Instead, I always look forward to seeing you on the throne and becoming a benevolent king. Despite life being so unpredictable, it's always my wish to live to see the world you create and... I always dream to be a part of that world."
"That means you indeed remember that you vowed to be a reliable subject for me once I become the King," Arin stated. "Do you still remember? You said those words on the day we first met. We were only 6 back then."
With a little smile, Hanson Lorin nodded. "I do... and I will make sure to fulfil that promise."
"But if you join the war, what about Vienna?" Arin asked.
"She will be fine," Hanson replied. Flashing a little smile, he added, "She encourage me to come here, saying that you need me. Don't worry, Arin.. If I survive this war, I'm sure that I will be back on time for the birth of my first child."
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