Chapter 98: Father’s Trust
Eric was thoroughly confused by his father’s sudden statement. It felt like another quick change in plans. "But Father," he protested. His brow furrowed with worry. He didn’t understand.
"The Academy admissions the tests and interviews are a week away from now. If we go back to Estoria now it might take us too long to return here to the Empire in time for the Academy. It took us a whole week of hard travel just to get here from our kingdom."
The thought of missing this hard-won opportunity this chance to go to the famous United Academy an opportunity that had been literally granted to him by the Emperor himself filled Eric with a fresh wave of anxiety. He didn’t want to lose it.
King Noor offered a gentle reassuring smile to his son. He could see the worry on Eric’s face.
"When did I say that we are all going back to Estoria Eric?" he countered softly his voice kind. "I merely said that I am returning to the kingdom. You and Alina will stay here."
Eric was stunned into silence for a moment. His mind struggled to process this new development this unexpected turn of events. His father was leaving? Leaving him here?
"But... Father..." he began to say his voice laced with a mixture of confusion and a dawning sense of unease.
The thought of being left alone in this vast intimidating Empire without his father’s guidance and protection was a little scary.
Before Eric could complete his sentence before he could voice his worries King Noor interrupted him. His voice was firm yet it was also very kind.