Chapter Text
Ira gripped his mother’s hand in his, head resting on the mattress next to her as Ira sat beside her medical bed, shoulders shaking in silent sobs.
He hasn’t left her side since the doctors brought her here; Ira’s grandfather was talking to the head doctor, but Ira couldn’t hear the conversation over the ringing in his ears and his desperate pleas to whoever would listen.
Please let this be a dream. Let this be a cruel, terrible dream.
Ira’s grandfather walked over and put a hand on Ira’s shoulder.
”She’ll be okay, the best doctors in the kingdom are taking care of her.” Even as he spoke, Ira could hear the hesitance in his voice, but Ira pretended to be comforted, offering a small smile.
Ira looked around at the room filled with doctors, all talking amongst themselves and looking over files.
He stood up and wiped the tears from his eyes, squeezing his mom’s hand.
”I’ll be right back, mom. I just gotta handle a few things.”
Ira took a deep breath, making sure to collect himself before he left the room. He was the prince of Trump Kingdom. Both the king and princess were in vulnerable positions.
Ira had to be in control, if the youngest had no need to worry, then clearly things were under control. He smoothed out his hair and stepped outside of the room.
First order of business: make sure news of this does NOT leave the castle. Better yet, not leave the third floor, but that was being idealistic.
If it started getting out before they could announce it, if they ever would, then things could get out of hand fast.
Ira walked around, making sure everything was in order in the usual nightly routine, while also not so subtly making it clear that it was a direct order from the royal family that the events of tonight are not to be shared unless exposed to the public.
It was easy to tell which servants knew of the situation and which didn’t just from their posture and how they walked.
Those who were nervous and filled with dread often walked quite stiffly.
Ira walked stiffly back towards the room his mother was in. He opened the door; Ira swore it got tenser since he left.
Still, he sat down by his mom’s bedside once again, taking her hand in his.
”I’m back, mom. I was quick…. Glad you guys taught me all that leadership stuff…, it really did come in handy. I’m sure…everything will be okay.” Ira placed his head down on the mattress and closed his eyes.
Ira could hear the conversation between his grandfather and the head doctor as the kings voice raised.
”Are you saying all I can do is watch as my daughter’s life fades away?!” He stormed outside onto the balcony in the rain. “Gods above, was taking my wife not enough, that you must take my daughter as well?!”
Ira closed his eyes tighter, he wished to hear no more.
I’m sure everything will be okay.
Ira hadn’t seen his grandfather leave, but a few hours later, when he came back, he did so determinedly.
”Grandfather- I heard the doctors talking. Did you-“
”Yes,” he nodded solemnly. “I’ve found a way to save your mother.” Ira couldn’t stop the bright smile from forming on his face. His mother would survive.
Ira watched closely as his grandfather discussed with the doctors.
The doctors and king soon crowded around the princess and Ira had to go on his tip toes to see.
”I don’t believe it…,” one doctor whispered. “It’s a miracle.”
Ira could take it no more. He apologized to no one in particular and teleported through the crowd and right in front of his mom’s bed.
Ira’s eyes widened as he saw his mom sitting up, taking in her surroundings.
”Father…? Ira?”
”Ange….” Ira’s grandfather choked out in relief.
Ira felt tears prick his eyes and he just collapsed against his mom.
"You're okay...," Ira's voice was shaky with relief. His mom returned his embrace.
"I'm alright, darling." She pressed a kiss to Ira's forehead and Ira pulled away, wiping his eyes. He should probably give his grandfather a moment with her.
"I'll go tell the castle the good news." Ira pushed past them and went into the hallway. The once tense air began to lessen as Ira spread word. However, as Ira finally took a breath of relief, he was nearly overtaken with a wave of dread. One so strong Ira fell to his knees.
What now?! They just saved his mom!
Ira forced himself up and ran towards his mothers room but halted a few feet away as he saw what rose from the water outside the window.
King Mercenare....
Ira ran inside.
"Mom! What happened?!" His mom seemed to be in a brief state of shock. She wasted no time, speed walking out the door.
"I need my armor and my spear!" She declared to no one in particular. Ira followed close behind as servants presented her her armor.
"Mom! What- how did he-" Ira's mom turned and faced him. She took Ira's face in her hands.
"Ira..., you must leave. It's not safe here." Ira's eyes widened.
"Leave?! But what about you?! What about the people?! I promised dad I'd protect you!" Ira's mothers gaze softened and she brushed away the tears that were forming in his eyes.
"The kingdom will need it's prince to be safe and out of harms way, please, Ira." Ira reached up and took her hand from his face, squeezing it.
"I'll stay safe." She smiled in relief, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Ira watched her leave as he stayed put.
Mom....