A Blaze in the Dark (A New Dawn #1)

Chapter 15 - Sebastian

T, Since I never received a reply on potential financial aid from the Greenlands, I shall assume once more that bad news travels faster than the good.

Sebastian's first reaction was to pinch himself in the arm, to wake up from what was hopefully a fever-induced dream. He was still on The Plains, hallucinating due to lack of water—it was the only logical explanation for what was going on. There was no way he could actually be the future King of The Greenlands.

Yet, after he had dug his nails into his skin, he still remained in the King's office, surrounded by large open books and papers full of small text. All he had wanted for his birthday was a sword, or a horse, or both. Instead, he got an entire kingdom.

"I can imagine it's quite overwhelming." The King crossed his arms in front of his chest, his voice soft but determined. "News of your arrival is no doubt travelling fast. I wouldn't have wanted you to find out from some stranger."

Sebastian cocked his head, swallowing the thoughts before they managed to slip off his tongue. The same blood may run through their veins, but the man in front of him was as much a stranger as the rest of the Sundalers.

Sinking back into his chair, the King exhaled a deep breath. "I'm aware that it's far from ideal. Bran was supposed to tell you a long time ago, but he always postponed it—said he would wait until you were a man before sending you here."

"That's why you were expecting me. And why Father..." Sebastian lowered his head, clutching his hand to the ever-growing hole in his heart. 

It all made sense now. Father being all secretive these past few moons; suddenly shredding letters into a thousand pieces before throwing them into the fireplace, the long meetings with Master Frederic late at night in Laneby's hall, and why he had been so sad the day before the hunting trip that had changed his life for good.

Sebastian clenched his teeth, biting away the tears that were welling up. The King and the General were still the two most powerful men in the kingdom, and he didn't want to seem weak in their presence. It mattered very little that he was now number three.

"Your father was a great man, Sebastian. You'll hear many rumours and tall tales about him, especially from people who hardly knew him. Don't believe their nonsense." King Thomas scratched his ear, moving the black jewel a fraction of an inch as he touched it.

Sebastian averted his gaze. He shouldn't stare. The General muttered something in disapproval, but the King took no notice of it, luckily.

"But, Your Majesty, what happened between you and Father?" He didn't know if it was indecent to ask questions, but he did so anyway. "How long have you not seen each other?"

"Long. Too long." The wooden floor cracked as the man shifted in his seat. Sebastian yawned, waiting for the King to continue talking, but all he got in return was a faint smile. "Why don't we continue our chat another time? You must be exhausted."

He nodded. All the muscles in his body craved sleep, but after everything, he wasn't sure if he was ready to close his eyes. His mind buzzed with questions that needed answers, yet at the same time, he shouldn't be disrespectful either. The King may be his uncle, but he was still the King; his avoiding the questions made it clear that he did not want to talk about the past.

"George will escort you to your chamber. You won't have to walk far." The King rose from his chair, turning his back on him. His shoulders shook as he sighed, the window reflecting the contorted face of a grieving man. Perhaps his father—Sebastian's grandfather—had also told him that real men didn't cry.