This is the second to last chapter...then a poll post to see what I'm to write about next...

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: BREAKFAST

On the following morning, running on no sleep but about a pot of bean brew and some sugarberry juice, our sick Throne Warden had to apologize for everything Esben had done…and many times he was humiliated. Many criticized and many times Artham had to hold his tongue. Many times Artham’s cheeks and temper flared, but only one could show, and that was the blush.

After doing that for about two hours, he walked into the kitchen. Reginald served breakfast quietly to his son-in-law, and then he led Arthra out by the hand.

“Reg?” Artham called, but the man did not respond. Then Arundelle appeared, and she seemed nervous when she saw Artham. “Don’t be too mad,” she said, passing him and kissing his cheek, which reminded him that he didn’t sleep last night, even though it did fill him with a fair amount of warmth.

Then Esben walked in. Nia behind him. Nia looked guilty but Esben looked like the High King on parade.

“I present your new High Queen, Misses Nia Wingfeather.”

Artham was fuming, his fists were clenched, and the vain stood out on his neck. “Esben. Wingfeather. What are you thinking?”

“Right now that it’s a beautiful morning. The cleanup wasn’t too bad last night was it?”

“Oh no, but the search parties were hard to gather. That’s for sure.”

“What?”

“What were you thinking? Leaving like that? What are you, twelve?”

Esben felt the color rise in his cheeks. “Look, Artham, I am an adult now, I can do what I please. What’s more, I am the king. You have to listen to me.”

Artham looked shocked for a moment. “I beg your pardon? I’m the Throne Warden.”

“Lucky you. You get the fun job. Sword swinging, book reading, you know, let’s trade!”

“Oh would you? I’d love that.”

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

“Heh. I am not breaking Annieran tradition because my brother wants to throw a temper tantrum. Maybe you should go take your nap time now.”

“Watch how you speak to me! You know, I’m beginning to see why Emerald started growing distant from you. As soon as she does what she wants, you immediately crush all of her dreams! Last I checked, your just our brother, not our father, not better than us in any way.”

“I never said- “

“And another thing. I left a note. Couldn’t you find it genius?”

“Esben- “

“I mean, don’t you think, of all the people, you would- “

“I! CANT! LOSE! YOU! TOO!” Artham shouted, giving his brother a shake by the shoulders. There was hurt and pain and grief in his eyes. “I can’t,” he said shakily. “You-you scared me. I can’t…not again. No.”

There were now tears in Artham’s eyes, and Esben looked shocked. “Just…please…make this easy…on a man that’s lost a lot…please. I’m sorry.” His voice was hoarse and hollow, and his eyes were bloodshot. He looked like a mad-man, and Esben felt it.

Artham turned slowly. He left the room, and Arundelle followed after him. Esben looked blank. He had heard those words before. From his aunt. Him and Emerald were giving her a hard time, thinking only of their grief…themselves. This brought back the age old question. Who cares for the Throne Warden?

“I didn’t think the griefs hit him so hard. But I guess they hit him the hardest…but he had to hide it. For us. For me,” Esben quietly said, looking at his hands.

Nia placed a hand on his arm. “We need to make things right.”

Esben is in BIG trouble. But, don't worry, it will all be resolved in good time 😌✨