Father/Son bond

Kirigan's POV

The moon's gentle light illuminated the kingdom below, painting it in shades of silver and gray. 

I stood there, thinking of the weight of my lineage and the expectations that came with it. 

The conversation I had just had with my father told me that I needed more connection with the man.

Ever since the loss of mother he has been distant. Going on pilgrimages with his generals and leaving me to handle the kingdom.

I had to learn things the hard way to make sure we didn't have wars. I had to grow up faster than ever.

If I was being honest, ever since I took up this role as ruler of this large kingdom, I started to get sick.

"What am I doing?" I sighed as I leaned over the railing.

The breeze carried whispers of the kingdom's hopes and dreams, reminding me of the duty I bore.

Lost in my thoughts, I failed to notice my father's presence as he joined me on the balcony. 

The king stood silently, observing me silently until I looked at him with a fake smile. He probably understood the burden that came with inheriting the throne, the sacrifices that were necessary for the kingdom's prosperity. Yet, he also knew the importance of allowing me to find my own path.

"Kirigan, may I join you?" He asked as I shrugged and made way for him. "Know that I trust your judgment. I have seen the strength and wisdom within you, and I know that you will make the right choices when the time comes."

I turned to face the man, my eyes reflecting the pain from the past.

His brows furrowed slightly as he noticed my pain, sensing the seriousness in my eyes. "You seem troubled. Is it because of what I said earlier?"

I looked into his eyes, feeling angry and hurt. "Ever since Mother's passing, you have distanced yourself from me. You have left the kingdom in my care as the prince, without providing me the guidance and support I need to understand the ropes of leadership."

The old man's expression softened, remorse crossing his face. "Kirigan, I understand that it may seem that way to you. But I have been grieving, just as you have. The loss of your mother has shaken me to my core, and I have been trying to find my own way through the pain."

My anger flared, getting the better of me, my voice trembling with pent-up emotion. "But Father, I needed you. I needed you to be there for me, to help me navigate the complexities of ruling a kingdom. Instead, I was left to figure it out on my own. It made me feel abandoned and alone. I had to work with people I didn't know and try to keep this kingdom together. You left me like I wasn't also mourning. I lost a mother as well and that day… I also lost a father."

Tears welled in my eyes, betraying the depth of my pain. I had yearned for his presence, his guidance, and his reassurance, but all I had received was silence and distance.

The king approached me, his eyes filled with regret. "Kirigan, I am truly sorry for failing you in this way. I never intended to make you feel abandoned. I thought that by giving you the responsibility, you would grow stronger and more capable. I wanted to prepare you for the future, but in doing so, I neglected your emotional needs. I am a foolish old man for doing that and if I had the chance to go back in time to repair the damages I had caused I would do it with ease."

My anger began to subside, replaced by a feeling of sadness and understanding. I slowly realized that his actions were driven by a desire to protect me, albeit in a misguided manner.

"Father, I understand that you had your reasons," I replied, my voice softer now. "But I needed you by my side, not just as a ruler, but as a father. I needed your guidance, your wisdom, and your love. I felt lost without it."

King Richard reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Kirigan, my son, please know that I love you deeply. I have always wanted what is best for you and the kingdom. Perhaps I allowed my grief to cloud my judgment, but I am here now, ready to make amends and support you in any way I can."

I looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity in his words. There was a glimmer of hope, a belief that our relationship could be mended.

"I appreciate your words, Father," I said. "But going forward, I need you to be present. I need your guidance and support as there are lots of things I don't know how to handle in this place. It's like a maze in here. I am no king. I am a prince."

"But you will be a king."

I laughed when he said that. He was right. But for now, I still enjoyed my princely status. I wasn't ready for a change yet.

"You have my word, Kirigan. From this day forward, I will be there for you. I will guide you, mentor you, and help you become the leader you were born to be. Together, we will build a stronger, more united kingdom."

A sense of relief washed over my weary soul. 

As the moon continued to cast its gentle light upon the balcony, we stood side by side, our bond slowly coming alive. 

We talked well into the night, discussing the kingdom's affairs, the challenges that lay ahead, and the lessons that I still needed to learn.

When we were done for the night and he seemed to doze halfway through the stories I told, he bid me goodnight and retired to his room, leaving me alone on the balcony. 

I took a deep breath, allowing his words to sink in. I knew a challenging journey laid ahead, filled with difficult decisions and inevitable compromises and I was ready for it.