The Cursed King

After spending the last days scouting around not only Castilse but Summeria's lands for the upcoming festival, Loriel reached the palace with his soldiers. The king wearily made his way across his residence.

The moon's light filtered through the windows as he traveled across the hallways with a rather tired expression. Even though Loriel was normally on high alert and always prepared when it came to matters about his kingdom, there were times that even he got exhausted.

This was the result of the strict security perimeters Loriel established while he was gone out of the capital. It wasn't fair to say that this was only because he wanted to avoid seeing Elise, but this was also for the sake of running the kingdom properly.

One of the several palace servants approached him. "Your Majesty, would you like us to prepare you a late-night meal? You seem famished and worn out, Your Majesty."

Loriel eyed the servant and simply rolled back his shoulders. "How is my mother doing?"

There was no surprise on the servant's face at Loriel's question. This was the first question that the king always asked whenever he went on expeditions or departed for any important or official events that required his presence.

"The queen dowager is currently in good health, Your Majesty. She is slumbering peacefully." the servant answered.

Loriel nodded as his body's ache lessened slightly. Even just hearing that his mother was alright was enough to make Loriel feel as if the tiredness was lifting out from his body, but then he asked another question.

"What about the princess of Myreen?" Loriel asked, before correcting himself. "My fiancee, how has she been doing these past few days since my absence? Has she been in Lady Rose's care?"

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Even if Loriel was around his servants, it wasn't fair for him to call Elise distantly like this. Rumors and gossip spread far more quickly than fire on a dry branch, which irritated Loriel.

There was a need for tact. If the king of Myreen were to catch wind of this, or even if other people from Summeria were to hear how coldly he called his future queen… many would take advantage of it.

"Her Highness is currently in good hands, Your Majesty." the servant replied. "When the princess is not visiting the queen dowager, Her Highness embarks on several activities with Lady Rose, Your Majesty."

"Is that so?" Loriel raised a brow. 

"Yes, many of the servants have seen them together frequently, Your Majesty."

Loriel doubted the two got along, but perhaps Elise did it for his sake. His fiancee never aired a complaint for the entire time she has been here, not even once so Loriel didn't give much thought to it.

"Alright, thank you."

"Shall I prepare a late-night meal, Your Majesty?" the servant prompted Loriel again.

The king shook his head. "There is no need for it. I think I will be taking a quick midnight stroll instead. You are dismissed."

"A-ah, of course, Your Majesty."

Even though Loriel's trip was something that left many of the soldiers who accompanied him drained and seeking rest, he was different. If there had been any incident that required him to be on the move, Loriel was willing to move now.

Before Loriel knew it, his footsteps were already taking him to the queen's residence. 

This was not an odd or strange thing at all. Loriel visited his mother even when he knew that she was resting and alright… but he always took a carriage or went there by horse to save time. 

When Loriel reached the queen's palace, the king made his way to his mother's room. The assigned guards let him in and he was able to check on his mother, Queen Maude was actually awake when he arrived.

"Maxim, it has been a couple of days since your last visit," his mother said. "If it weren't for Elise keeping me company for the past few days, I would have been incredibly lonely."

"Then it is good that she is here, mother," Loriel said. "You know how hectic the upcoming festival is. It requires ensuring the garrisons and other settlements in the borders of Summeria to stay on high alert during the influx of several visitors."

Queen Maude coughed lightly. "I know that, and that is why I am relieved that you are home now. I worry about you."

"Worry about me?" Loriel raised a brow. 

"Yes. A mother cannot help but worry for her child."

"I am completely fine, mother. There is nothing that you should be worrying about except for your recovery. The wedding will happen after the festival, so please gather your strength and look forward to then," Loriel managed a smile.

"I worry about the fact that you have closed off your heart, Maxim," the queen dowager said. 

Loriel's smile fell off his face. "Is Elise complaining about me, mother? Has she approached you instead of me to deal with the issues she sees on hand? She should not be troubling you about this."

"The girl has said no such thing," his mother replied. "Instead, my daughter-in-law actually has nothing but good things to say about you."

Loriel stayed silent. He still couldn't get over how hopelessly romantic and naive the princess of Myreen was. What did Loriel even do to warrant such a lovesick girl?

"I am afraid that someday, even her kindness would wane with how you are treating her right now."

"Mother, I am doing the best I can to make her feel welcome in Summeria," Loriel said. "Have I not been considerate and respectful? Is that not enough?"

"I am aware that you are still in pain after your lost first love and yet the responsibilities of the king burden you so instead of grieving… you have hardened your heart," the queen sighed and folded her hands. "I wish to also see you happy, Max."

"That is a hard thing to ask for, mother."

"I believe that someday, you will be happy.. I only wish to see that day again, my son."