The King’s Solitude

As the night passed, the carriage continued its journey along the uneven path. The moon faded, giving way to the rising sun, which painted the sky in soft hues of lavender and gold. Squirrels came out of their nests and the birds took their first flight through the cold morning breeze. Yet Hi'um remained lost in thought, his tired eyes fixed on the road ahead.

By the time the sun began its descent, the towering silhouette of the castle finally emerged on the horizon. As the carriage passed through the gates, they could see some familiar faces. Steward Dhritiman, busy instructing the guards, turned at the sound of its approach. The carriage stopped at the castle entrance.

They had arrived before it grew darker, just as Hi'um had predicted. 

"Welcome back, my lord," Dhritiman said, offering a slight bow as Chogyal Hi'um stepped out.

"You there, guard! Take the children to their rooms," King Hi'um ordered while helping them down. Turning to Dhritiman, he added, "Sir Dhritiman, forgive me for not responding sooner. The children are exhausted."

"It's fine, my lord," Dhritiman replied. "I received news of your arrival and have been waiting. There's something I need to discuss with you."

"You kids go ahead and get some rest. I'll have a servant bring your things to your rooms," Hi'um said, his voice gentle as he watched the weary children depart with the guard.

As they disappeared into the castle, Hi'um finally turned back to Dhritiman.

"You should get some rest too, my lord. You look tired," Dhritiman said, concern evident in his tone.

Hi'um sighed, stretching his shoulders. A weary smile formed on his face as he said," Keeping up with those kids was more tiring than the journey itself." "But—" as the smile faded, his voice grew firm. "Now isn't the time to rest."

Dhritiman, puzzled by his king's sudden change in tone, gazed at him silently.

"Anyway, what did you wish to talk about?" Hi'um asked.

"Ah, that," Dhritiman said, stepping aside to gesture toward the corridor. "I'll explain on the way to your chambers."

With a nod, Hi'um entered the castle, Dhritiman accompanying him. As they stepped inside, Dhritiman glanced back. "Guards, return to your posts," he ordered before disappearing into the halls with his king.

"A soldier from the valley arrived to escort the young prince and the other children home," Dhritiman informed Chogyal Hi'um on their way to his room.

Hi'um kept silent for a moment before asking," When are they expected to depart?"

"The soldier said tomorrow, as it's only a week before the harvest festival, and since Prince Chandra will turn fifteen next year, I assume Lord Desma wishes to hold the ritual for him to receive the blessings of the great ancestors," Dhritiman explained.

"Tomorrow!" Hi'um muttered to himself before taking a deep breath. "Alright," he replied.

"Shall I send a messenger to the valley if you wish to spend more time with the prince?"

"No, it's alright. I can meet him when I go for the harvest festival," Hi'um said, his eyes wandering as if lost in thought. "And did you prepare what I had asked you?" he added.

They had arrived at Hi'um's room as they were talking.

"Yes, my lord. I have arranged everything just as you had ordered," Dhritiman replied, pausing at the entrance to allow Hi'um to enter first.

Hi'um gave a slight nod as he stepped inside. "Thanks, Sir Dhritiman," he said, walking towards the table in the corner. He pulled back a chair and sat down. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep sigh.

"Have the kids eat dinner early today," he said looking at Dhritiman standing near the door.

"Yes, my lord," Dhritman replied. "My lord!" he hesitantly spoke. 

Hi'um turned his eyes over to Dhritiman. "Is there something troubling you? You look uneasy," he asked calmly, concerned.

Hi'um hesitated for a while. He slightly parted his lips before saying, " While I was in Khalingla, I heard that something happened in the East."

"Are you certain?" Dhritiman asked, his face worried. 

"Yes. A lot was different this time, which is why I asked Tushnim to investigate further," Hi'um continued, facing the wall before him. "Something big has happened in Chengdu," Hi'um said, his voice firm yet carrying a slight fear in it. 

"I am afraid that bastard Li Yanmo is planning something again," he continued.

Dhritiman placed a hand on his shoulder and said," I will look into it further. But exhaustion won't serve you well. Please rest for now," he continued, trying to soothe his king's turmoiled emotions.

"—Hmm." Hi'um silently shook his head.

"I will take my leave then, my lord," Dhritiman said, bowing before stepping away.

As he exited the king's chamber, he quickened his pace, his steps echoing through the corridor.

"He really is impatient," he muttered to himself. "I must hurry."

Within minutes, he reached his quarters.

"You!" His voice rang out as he turned to the guard stationed outside. "Find Lingpa at once. Tell him I need to speak with him immediately," he ordered, then slammed the door shut behind him.

" One last preparation to quench my lifelong thirst," he said walking towards the cupboard.

As he opened it, a faint yet putrid scent of rotten meat seeped into the room. Inside, was a book on the shelf— alone, untouched. He stood there, not moving an inch, his gaze fixed on the flesh-textured book.

Just as he was standing there, a loud knock echoed against his ears, gradually getting louder. Shutting the cupboard shut, he rushed towards the door.

"Did you find him?" he spoke as he pulled it open. But no one was there—until he glanced down.

Aniket stood before him, panting heavily

"What are you doing here?" Dhritiman muttered, his expression darkening with displeasure.

"Ipsha— ," Aniket gasped, struggling to catch his breath. "She's missing."

Dhritiman's brow furrowed, irritation flickering across his face.

"What?" he asked, his voice edged with frustration. "She probably lost her way. I'll send someone to bring her back. Now, go back to your room."

"It's not that," Aniket insisted, his voice resolute. "She's been gone for a long time. Chandra went to look for her, but he hasn't returned either."

"As I said, I will send someone to find them. You—"

Dhritiman's words died in his throat as a scream tore through the air—a cry of pure agony.

Aniket's breath hitched, his heartbeat raced. He recognized that voice. Without a second thought, he ran in the direction of the sound.

Dhritiman stood frozen at the entrance of his room, momentarily confused, when a guard came rushing toward him.

"Sir! Captain Lingpa is near the waterfall," the guard reported hastily. "I also saw Prince Chandra heading there."

Dhritiman's eyes widened. "What?" his voice laced with unease.

A silent prayer formed on his lips. Without wasting another moment, he took off toward the waterfall.

"That bastard has done it," he growled under his breath, frustration boiling over as cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

Meanwhile, in his chamber, Hi'um sank into his chair, unaware of the outside, the empty bottle of alcohol accompanying his solitude.

"It wasn't even that big of a deal… yet I abandoned him," he whispered, his head tilting back against the chair.

"Descendants of the hero?" A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "I couldn't even save my own family... He never tried to reach out... but am I any different?"

The laughter faded as a single tear slipped from his half-closed eyes, his vision growing blurry.

Slowly, he lifted his head, exhaling a shaky breath. "This time… I will take care of everything."

Then, without warning, his head slumped forward, hitting the table with a dull thud as exhaustion finally took over.