Guilt & Love

Sadiki re-read the words in the letter, over and over again in his mind. As if hoping the meaning would change, but it didn't.

"If you ever want to see her alive again, you will do exactly as we say. Keep a close eyes on Valeidio kingdom, Report every thing to us down to the very detail. And your mother might live."

The walls of the house, once so warm and filled with life, now seemed to close in on him. He looked around, trying to process the mess. The neglected state of the home was so unlike his mother. She had always kept everything in perfect order. Now, the place was a ghost of what it once had been.

His chest tightened as guilt and fear swirled inside him. He should have been here. He should have visited more often.

But being Prince Eirik's personal guard meant he was always by the prince's side, always protecting him. And now, the same loyalty he had for Valeidio and Eirik was being used against him.