After a decade and a half

"Your Highness." Called out one of the two knights as they approached King Drey, who was standing on the castle balcony gazing into the distant mountains.

"Yes?" he replied.

"Your Highness, the two young children you brought to the mountains have been crying all night," said the knight on the left, bowing in his royal uniform."They have been taken to their assigned homes, but we don't know about their well-being."

"Understood," replied the King.

"Additionally, the others who accompanied them have begun their work at the farms this morning," reported Amon who saw the knight signaling him to continue after he had finished.

Amon who has been serving the king for an extended period, notices the other knight's coward, he seems nervous in front of the king. His hands resting on the railings, Drey gazed at the mountainous small houses, he signals them to return to their assigned work.

"Those two pesky rats," Drey muttered to himself, his face contorting into a frown. He made his way back to the dressing room, picks up his royal robe and pants, and began to put them on. He combed his hair back. And left his chamber.

His butler quickly approached him as he descended the staircase. He quickly bowed.

"Is my tea prepared?" He asked the maid.

"Yes, Your Highness," the butler said and moved aside quickly, before following the King who headed to the dining area for breakfast.

Sydney almost stomped on his legs, rushing back to the kitchen. Drey chuckled at his butler's unsteady footing, Sydney was always clumsy, ever seen Drey knew him. He was the best butler, but the unsteadiness never left his hands and feet.

"Shall I add sugar, Your Highness?" asked Sydney, though he was aware that the King disliked sugar. The bitter taste of the herbs sometimes made him appear downcast.

"No, Sydney," the King warned sternly. "Why do you keep asking that?"

In response to the King's tone, the butler quickly went to the kitchen and brought a small teapot. He poured a cup of tea and stood attentively behind the king.

Drey savored his herbal tea for an extended period, relishing the potent blend of the herbs that helped soothe his nerves and alleviate the discomfort of a restless night. Without this herbal infusion in his tea, he would be unable to escape the grasp of the nightmares that plagued him.

He heard whispers at the door but didn't bother to turn his head, Rico, Trina, and Jerome approached him at the dining table with Trina taking the lead in greeting him.

Rico, Trina, and Jerome approached him at the dining table. Trina greeted him first.

"Good morning, Drey. I heard you slept in late last night. Are you feeling better now?" she asked, taking a seat and giving Drey a concerned look. He still hadn't bothered to lift his head.

"I'm fine, Trina," Drey replied. "It was just the usual responsibilities that come with being a King."

Trina nods in agreement, witnessing the tireless effort of King Drey in strengthening the kingdom.

"Hail to the king of Rivea!"Jerome greets Drey dramatically executing a sweeping bow.

"Jerome!" Drey warns.

Jerome responds innocently, "What?" as he takes his seat on Drey's left. The head maid Leah walked over and served him tea.

"Ooh, sweet Leah, good morning," Jerome greeted the elderly lady with a small bow. The elderly lady just smiled at the young man.

"Morning, Drey?" Rico chimed in as he took a seat beside Trina. He poured the tea into both of them and placed a plate of bread in front of Trina.

"I'm heading to the mountains," Drey announced at last, turning to Rico.

"I'll join you. I have been wanting to visit the old man for a while now," Rico responded, looking at Jerome.

"Don't even think of adding me to your list," Jerome scowled, thinking of the steep climb up the mountain stairs to the old man's house.

Trina asked, trying to recall, "When was the last time you visited him, Jero?"

Drey and Rico also looked in Jerome's direction, eager to hear when he last visited the old man. It was rare for the younger brother to visit, he always had excuses when asked to join them.

"Just tell grandfather I'm making grandchildren, but I'll visit him soon," Jerome said looking at Rico and Drey.

Seems like this was the new excuse to piss that old man off when he can't visit him.

"Why do you all seem skeptical?" he asked, sensing the doubt in their expressions.

"Should we also believe you?" Drey asked back, uncertain," You have a history of getting involved with different women. Do you remember how your handsome face has been a problem?"

Rico was frightened at the thought of many young children running towards him, calling him "uncle." The notion was unsettling, and he couldn't help but gaze at Jerome with worry "I hope you're not telling the truth," he exclaimed, unable to contain his fear.

"Definitely not!" Jerome yelled loudly, his voice echoing throughout the dining room. He needed to convince them of his innocence or feared that the next time he visited the elderly man he would face the physical consequences.

Rico's face contoured as he lean on the table and completely immersed himself in his tasteless breakfast.

The idea of aligning with Jerome proved to be flawed as the old man was likely to see through the deception before any action could be taken. Furthermore, there was no of when Jerome would end his deceitful words towards their grandfather.

Drey gazed at the trio that had become family now. Despite not being biologically related, they were now his concerned family, besides his grandfather who had relocated to the mountains. Trina was like her small sister, always taking care of their men. He took a sip of his tea and let them enjoy their breakfast.

"Don't forget to bring back some wild fruit from grandfather, Drey" Trina reminded him on his way out. And Rico frowned.

"Tell the man beside you, he knows how to plug them," Drey replied.