Halo: Heroes Awakening

19. The King is An Asshole (Again)

Halo

Halo had thought about what Malia said all the way back to the palace. The things she accused Vaea of were terrible, things his father would never allow if he was around. What he didn't know was if it was true or not.

She spoke with her heart. He could see the pleading in her eyes. Who in their right mind would commit arson to a King's building if not to send a message?  Talking to her so earnestly had filled Halo with a sadness he couldn't comprehend.

This was the second time Vaea was accused of doing unjust things. Halo just knew that when he got home and questioned his younger brother about it, Vaea would have intricate stories that would change the entire narrative until he forgot what he even asked.

He just didn't want to believe it. The Vaea he knew would never punish people so callously. Vaea knew how much the people meant to their father, and even if he and the old King didn't have the best relationship, he'd still want to honour his father's wishes.

So then why were his actions so out of character?

Halo mentally prepared the courage to confront his brother yet again. He couldn't forget what he'd been told at the Hira residence, by both women. Vaea said they both had peculiar grudges against him, but Halo picked up desperation instead.

Desperation to be heard. Understood. What he saw wasn't malice or disapproval. It was frustration from injustice.

When Halo arrived at the palace, he nearly forgot he had to take Finn to the beach. He decided he'd do that first, not wanting to face Vaea just yet. Vaea had the sharp tongue and brashness of his mother. It took extensive mental preparation to deal with them.

Halo knocked on the outside of Finn's door, waiting a few minutes. When there was no answer, Halo pushed open the door, finding Finn's room bare and empty. It was like no one had ever slept inside. Not even his scent was left behind.

What the?

"Hello?" Halo called, summoning one of the female servants who was wiping a painting down the carpeted hall. She immediately came running. "Do you know where our guest is?"

"Oh, your majesty has said that he left, your highness," the servant said. Halo's face fell.

"What?" He left? "Where did he go?"

"I am not sure, your highness," the girl frowned in confusion. "I dropped off his clothes in the morning so I am confused to when he left."

No. This wasn't right. He felt it in his bones. Halo stormed past the servant and immediately made his way to the throne room.

Finn? Leaving without any declaration or formal notice? A cold day in Hell was more likely. Even if he was rather mysterious, Halo was certain he would never leave without saying goodbye.

Was this because I did not invite him to go to the farmhouse? Did he feel rejected? Did I ruin everything?

Halo's thoughts were drowned out when he opened the doors to the throne room and heard the clashing of metal. There he saw the King sparring with Augus, both of them pausing the swiping of their rapiers when they saw him enter.

"Oh, Prince! How lovely of you to join us," Vaea said with a lopsided grin. "Did Leilani appreciate the flowers?"

"Where is Finn, your majesty?" Halo bluntly asked, slightly breathless. He was terrified for the answer.

Vaea made an 'ah' sound, as if he remembered an afterthought. "Ah yes, your little friend with long fingers. He left for the docks. The Royal Guard said he was on his way there."