Fathers

Standing on the outside wall of the palace, I look down over the city and take a long drink of the cup in my hand, grimacing as the drink burns my throat going down.

"It has an acquired taste. I'm surprised it's to your liking." Turning, I see the king walking over dressed in plain clothes and holding a cup of his own.

"What can I do for you, Your Majesty?"

"Please Oscar. Call me Elias. Right now, I am not here as the king. But as a man of this kingdom and a fellow father. How is Hannah doing?" Sighing, I place my cup down, unable to speak for a moment as a wave of emotions washes over me.

"She's doing alright. All things considered."

"What happened at Maplefall with the people and how easily she was beaten by the Demon King has taken a hard toll on her."

"It is said that it is the young who pay for old men's arrogance. And I have been arrogant. I thought I could summon a hero and all our issues with the Demon King would be solved. But I was a fool and was mistaken. I am sorry for that, Oscar. I truly am." Looking over at the king, it felt like I was seeing him for the first time. Not as a king but as a tired man. One who had spent hours awake at night filled with worry. The corners of his eyes creased from frowning, and his hair turning greyer each day.

"There is nothing to apologise for, Elias. There's no way you could've known that Saetaen was going to be at Maplefall. If anything, I am glad you called me to go as well. If you hadn't, I would not have been able to save Hannah." Smiling, he nods and steps up next to me, taking a swig from his cup. For a moment the silence stretches on, and we just enjoy the view and the presence of one another.

"You know, I do envy you in a way, Oscar." Startled by his words, I turn and look at him with an eyebrow raised in confusion.

"Oh, how so?"

"Despite everything, you and Hannah are close. And as scary as it may be you are getting to see her become a strong, independent woman in front of your eyes. That is not something that every parent gets to witness."

"You say that, but it's a lot scarier than it seems. Speaking of kids, I don't think I've seen yours around the castle."

"It always is. You wouldn't have. When the Demon King started making his move before we summoned you here, I sent them away. The queen as well. She is from a different kingdom. We were married for political reasons, and together we created two beautiful children. A girl and a boy. They both would've stayed here and fought if I had given them the choice, but after discussing it with Elenore, we decided it would be best if she took the kids to her kingdom of birth. It's a small kingdom a long way to the south. There will be a time for my son to take his place on the throne and fight, but that time is not now."

"I can understand that. When Hannah's mother passed, I gave up my job, which was catching criminals and bringing them to justice. Instead, I sat back on the sidelines so I could always be there to protect her. It was the promise I made to her mother on her deathbed. That I would always be there for her, no matter what. Even though we're here now, that hasn't changed. I'll still protect her from whatever I can. So, I guess, were not so different, you and I, in that regard."

"Aye. That is true." Raising his cup in a cheer, he smiles a warm smile.

"To fatherhood." Clinking my cup against his, I agree.

"To fatherhood." Taking a sip of our drinks, we both look at each other and grimace as the drink burns its way down our throats. Catching the king's eye, we both burst into laughter. The sounds of our voices carrying away from the castle wall. This is something I needed tonight. Just another man to swap stories and drinks. No stress and the chance to forget about things for a while. I wonder when I last did this. Following that thought for a moment, I stop as footsteps come running up.

"Your Majesty!" Tripping over his own feet, Jean stumbles up onto the wall, crashing heavily onto the stones. Rushing to his side, Elias helps Jean to his feet.

"Good gods, man. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, My King. But we need to hurry. You need to come with me right away. I've been reaching all over the castle for you." A sense of foreboding crosses over me, and the hair on my skin stands up.

"What is it, Jean? What's going on?" Turning to look at me, fear fills his eyes.

"There's a demon in the throne room. And she's requesting an audience with the king."