Chapter 22
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Konrad paused as he passed a sitting room. Leon sat on an armchair, a goblet of wine in his hand. The almost empty bottle sat on the floor beside him.
Fuck. It isn’t even lunchtime.
Holding in a sigh, he entered the room. Konrad really had more than enough to deal with. But he couldn’t ignore his half-brother. Especially when he was so clearly struggling. He’d never heard any mention of Leon having drinking issues, so Konrad assumed or hoped this must be out of character.
Konrad hadn’t had that much to do with Leon or any of his other half-siblings. They were all years younger than him. In youth, Konrad had been busy training and studying. Then, when old enough, he’d fought in the war. So he’d never really built relationships with any of them.
“How are you holding up?” Konrad asked.
Leon let out a bitter laugh. “Fine. Fucking fine. I mean, why wouldn’t I be? After all, I’ve just lost both my father and my mother because my mother thought it would be a good idea to betray Draconia and her husband.”
Leon took a deep gulp of wine and shook his head. “What the fuck was she thinking? I mean, okay, so Father ignored us and fucked around on her, siring bastards left and right and all the places in between. I understand why that pissed her off. But that doesn’t mean you need to kill him!”
“I believe she was manipulated by Empress Emmeline,” Konrad said. “Not to say that absolves her of what she did, but it does explain why she was not thinking clearly.”
Leon hung his head. “If she’d just talked to me, or any of us, we’d have told her not to do it! We’d have suggested other, less murdery options.” His features twitched. “Then she and Father would still be alive.” His voice shook. “And—” He cut himself off.
Konrad gripped his shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He, too, was dealing with the loss of their father. But at least Konrad did not have to deal with the loss of his mother too. His own mother had died years ago, and although Konrad still missed her, the wound no longer felt so raw.
Leon had to also deal with the knowledge that his mother had been one of the individuals responsible for his father’s death. It had to all be very confusing for him.
At least Leon’s words suggested that he and the other children of Queen Consort Adelina did not support her behaviour. And since he’d been drinking, Konrad felt his words were more likely to be trustworthy.
“I cannot imagine the difficulties you are facing right now,” Konrad said. “I am so sorry.”
Leon huffed. “Don’t apologise. I should be the one apologising. She tried to kill you too. And Gerard, Senta, Liesel, and Luther. Fire and flames! Why the fuck would she do that?”
“Your mother’s actions are not yours. You do not need to apologise for them.”
“But why would she think we wanted that? We never would have wanted that! And yeah, he wasn’t a great father. But he was still our fucking father.” Leo blinked rapidly.
“It must be overwhelming. But you are not alone.” Konrad squeezed his shoulder. “The important thing now is to focus. There are still threats lurking about. We need to finish this treaty, and we need to protect Draconia from any further plots.”
Konrad always found that having a goal and a focus assisted in times of emotional turmoil. Perhaps finding Leon a way to be useful would help his current mental state.
Leon nodded. “You’re right. Of course you’re right. Sorry. It’s just—”
“I understand. It’s been a trying time. But if you are looking to be useful, speak to Gerard or Senta. They will put you to work. There is much to be done.” Konrad released his shoulder.
“Thanks.” Leon nodded. He put down the goblet. “I’ll do that. Now.” He stood, swaying slightly.
“I am going to speak to Gerard and Senta,” Konrad said. “They have a meeting with the grand shield that should be wrapping up soon. You can accompany me.”
For a second, Konrad considered suggesting that Leon bathe and change first. Stains marked his rumpled clothes. A nap could also be good, so Leon could sleep the drink off. But it was probably better to get Leon quickly involved in something that wasn’t drinking the day away.
They left the Draconian quarters.
“King Konrad,” a voice called out.
The two paused. Their cousin Clara, now a monk, walked towards them.
In the war she’d led a group of dragons who’d been tasked with burning farmland and crops that fed enemy troops.
After the war, she’d regretted her actions.
Perhaps because innocent farmers and villagers had sometimes gotten caught up in her attacks.
So she’d joined the Monks of the Way of the Dove in an attempt to atone for whatever sins she’d committed whilst serving her kingdom.
Although Konrad could understand the sentiment, he also felt it was somewhat irresponsible to abandon Draconia when its future was so fragile just because you felt guilty.
Konrad did not have the luxury to get lost in his feelings and run off with monks and spend the day chanting, studying, and repenting for anything he’d done during the war.
He had a kingdom to take care of. And she, as a part of the royal family of Draconia, should have felt a duty to the kingdom too.
But she’d renounced all that when she’d joined the monks, prioritising healing her soul over healing the kingdom of Draconia. Clara’s shaved head shone. Her beige robes and copper chains hanging around her neck swished as she walked towards them. She smiled.
“Cousin Clara,” Konrad said. “Have you met my younger brother, Leon? He would also be your cousin, too, of course.”
Clara was of a similar age to Konrad. They’d even played together as children, at least when Konrad wasn’t locked away learning how to be king one day. She’d been one of his favourite cousins in childhood. But they had less to do with each other as they’d grown.
“We have met, but only briefly.” She inclined her head to Leon. “I’m sorry for your loss.” She looked between them. “It must be such a trying time.”
“Thank you, Cousin,” Konrad said.
“At least soon this treaty will be completed and true and lasting peace will be obtained soon.” She clasped her hands together. Her eyes glowed. “Now I cannot stop to talk. I am on my way to speak to the grand monk.”
“And we have business with Senta and Gerard,” Konrad said.
“It was good to see you,” Leon said.
“You as well. May peace guide your steps.” She bowed and strode off.
Konrad and Leon walked in the other direction.
“Why would anyone want to join the monkhood? It seems very boring to me,” Leon said. “You have to live a life of poverty, chastity, and discipline. Sounds bloody wretched.”
Konrad chuckled. “It doesn’t sound particularly appealing. Now let’s go find Gerard and Senta.”