The chair was hard against his back, pain wracking his frame and kept him on the edge of a uneasy sleep—after everything that had happened how could he sleep? His mind was going a mile a minute going through scenario after scenario. His kingdom had fallen and it was their king that had invited the wolves in.
There was the drip drip dripping of water trickling to his left somewhere. It was a slow, rhythmic sound and the king was trying to match his breathing to it in an attempt to give his body something to focus on. He had yet to open his eyes, keeping himself in darkness just a little bit longer.
One, he was alive. (In out, in out) Two, the Kingdom of Lucis has fallen to Niflheim. (In out, in out.). Three, the Glaive Nyx and Lunafreya had taken the Ring of the Lucii and it was out of Niflheim’s hands. (in out, in out).
At the sound of Enius’ voice Regis finally stirred, eyes blinking a few times as they got used to the light.
“I.. do not think I am worthy of that title now…” He exhaled sharply, wincing as lungs rattled and chest heaved with fresh aches and the king curled in on himself a little. It would likely take more than a few days until the king was ready to travel.
“Pl-Please… just Regis is enough.”
Sorrow became vicious as of late, depriving resolution / valor & he began to experience its noxious gravitas. A carnage-fill wedding pits nation against empire, tension brewing in alleyways on paved roads – you live for battle, his father once reiterated, are you NOT someone unyielding & barbaric? No ... The Crownsguard’s head shook, fingers creating a quiet melody. Spirit-borne, unbending as iron. His mantra – & both king / aegis needed it.
‘ You are worthy – ... Regis. ‘
He stood & advances toward the elder, halting just to lower himself: one knee, utmost veneration. Clothing ruined; infant lacerations upon face, bruised, bloody & broken – aching body. There was only steel behind a singular, cerulean eye, a fire that can never be quenched ( & hand delicately took the king’s uninjured one, giving it a reassuring squeeze ).
‘ At the end of the day, your kingdom – your son, needs you. ‘
Niflheim was a behemoth in conquering, but Lucis remained a bastion of hope for centuries ... & not because its rulers let despair wrought their souls. Gaze unwavering – he WANTED him to drink in his words. Emperor Iedolas cannot rob them of this: their courage.
‘ At least... ‘ Enius contemplated for a moment, caution in every attempt to relinquish some of his own energy into Regis. ‘ ... never mind. ‘ He was not vexed – simply ... tired. Legs carried him back to original seat, & lips enabled a pained groan to escape.