Adamus VI

52 - Connections

Adamus

I felt terrible that Reggie and the Duke were struck and killed. I know what it feels like to lose those closest to you, it's the most insufferable torture one can experience. This poor woman, coming to live with the King in the glorious Holy City, only to have her husband struck and killed on the way, her world just coming crashing down.
"He's in the hall, waiting." Fletcher said to me deeply.
"He left his bed? He's ill ..." I grumbled back.
"Yes, but you also know he's stubborn when it comes to these things. He feels he needs to greet them."
I sighed and nodded, waving for the nobles to follow after me. I noticed as I waved Lady Beth came trotting up next to me, wide eyed and unfazed by the drama around her.
"So, it does seem true that you are the finest warrior in the army. You must be the leader."
I huffed a laugh and smiled pleasantly to appease her. "No I'm just a captain, not a general or anything like that. But thank you."
"Are you in charge of the princess?" She continued. I found that question to be weird but I indulged it nevertheless.
"Only on the battlefield, otherwise no not really."
"Yes it is interesting that she's fighting on the battlefield with you men. I suppose it makes sense, given her situation."
I cocked my brow, looking down at the top of her head. She wasn't looking back at me and didn't catch my look of slight suspicion. Perhaps this girl is socially awkward and is just trying to talk about something we have in common.
"Here we are." I announced as we stopped before the hall doors. There were two guards outside the large doors waiting to open them for us.
"It feels like forever since I've seen the King!" Lady Ashley gushed in excitement. I could see Eva rolling her eyes as usual, seems she finds it hard to enjoy the company of anybody these days.
*knock knock*
And with those two loud knocks the doors were pushed open, revealing the long hall and throne at the end. And in that throne sat the sickly thin man in white, keeping his face revealed for reasons unknown to me. I was still getting used to putting a face to that voice.

He had a pillow propped up behind him, making his seat bounds more comfortable.
"Your majesty," I announced, kneeling as I did this. The group behind me followed my lead, letting out shocked gasps and whispers upon seeing his face.
"Adamus," the Kings voice was still weak, coming out sounding strained. "You've returned my friends safely to me, you have my thanks."
I stood up, frowning towards him.
His eyes met mine and looked saddened, he nodded slowly. "I heard the news, I am very sorry that that happened to you all. Especially you, Duchess." She sniffled and wiped her falling tears with her handkerchief, avoiding eye contact.
"Your majesty, we have not seen you in the flesh in many years!" Lord Harold began. He sounded worried, but had a happy bellowing attitude.
"Yes, it is so nice to see your handsome face once again!" Lady Ashley blushed.
The kind King pressed his lips into a bashful smile and lowered his head.
"Lady Ashley, you flatter me. It is wonderful to see your face again, and clearly, too."
She giggled along with Lady Beth, who was still standing quite near to me.
I watched him speak more to the Nobles as the door in the back of the room opened, revealing my very own sister. She had come out holding a cup of water and a wet cloth, ready to dote on the sickly man.
"Thank you," he whispered towards her, taking the glass from her hands.
"This is Lady Sheera, everyone. She is the sister of our brave warrior Adamus." He gestured towards me and sipped his drink. "My health has been declining as of late," he coughed lightly as my sister dabbed his wounds. "She's been taking care of me."
Everyone looked saddened upon hearing this news, except lady Ashley who appeared a bit more angry than anything. She was probably angry that he was going to die sooner than he deserved to.
"Your majesty, anything we can do to help you- just say the word!" Lord Harold bowed, and the others nodded along.
"Yes, please if you ever need something or even just company please don't hesitate to ask." Lady Ashley added coyly. Sheera kept her eyes glued to the King, she was worried about the arrival of these nobles so this situation probably caused her great discomfort.
"Again, you're all too kind. Your prayers are more than enough." He coughed, a bit harder this time, prompting a worried look from Sheera.
"You need to rest," she mumbled.
His eyes briefly darted to meet hers, and he nodded lightly.
"You're right," he turned to look at us one last time. "I'm sorry I have to cut our reunion short, Adamus will show you to your rooms, although I'm sure you remember where they are. If anybody needs me, I'll be in my quarters." He leaned forwards and started to push himself out of the throne, so Sheera grabbed his arm to brace it. Slowly he strode out of the room, arm in arm with my sibling.