Chapter 30: The King
Caius walked with long strides toward the throne room. Rylen walked beside him. If it weren’t for his cousin, he wouldn’t have responded to the King’s call.
"You haven’t visited His Royal Majesty since you returned," Rylen said as they walked through the hallway.
"It was on purpose. I’m sure you’ve relayed everything that transpired during the journey to the King. My input would be unnecessary."
"His Royal Highness has requested your presence twice. It has nothing to do with your travels. You should see your father when you return to the castle."
Caius stopped walking and slowly turned to look at Rylen. His gaze was sharp as a blade. "You should be the last person saying that."
"His Royal Majesty is very sick, Your Grace."
"And?" Caius asked with genuine nonchalance.
"Well—"
"I’d prefer it if you left matters with my father alone. You should know better than anyone. Don’t do more things that would piss me the fuck off, Rylen!"
Rylen flinched slightly. Caius was angry—he usually didn’t call Rylen by his name without his title in public. "I apologize, Your Grace, but His Majesty insisted that it was imperative he sees you today."
Caius turned away and continued walking without saying another word, while Rylen trailed after him. He reached the front of the throne room, and the mahogany doors opened. The doors were at least twice his height, and a guard held one side open.
As soon as the door opened to reveal him, activities inside the throne room ceased, and the King lifted his head from the scroll one of his advisors held. "Leave us," he said, his raspy voice carrying across the room.