“I’m Home.”

“I’m Home.”

“Tyreethyll, I’m heading home. Thanks for your help today.”

“Of course King Zevor. By the way, how are your sisters holding up?”

“Oh well…they’re…doing…good.”

“Why the hesitation then?”

“Well…it’s just that…you never know what people are thinking or feeling exactly.”

“That’s true. But you don’t need to know, you just need to be sure. I worry about them too. With all respect sir, you are still young. All this responsibility on your hands, how’s it weighing on you?”

Zevor chuffed, “Indesputable.”

Tyreethyll loosened his shoulders and grunted softly, “Mmm. Well you should go home and get some rest. And you should also visit the castle. The people are curious as to why you aren’t sitting on a throne.”

Zevor stood still, fists loose, “…Tell them…” his breath shaken, “I…I’m just not that kind of king.”

“Sir?”

“A throne is for a king. A king has experience, wisdom, influence and authority. And like you said, ‘I’m still young’. This was passed to me, but you are the one who set it up for me, that’s why this job seems easy.”

“Sir…”

Zevor turned with tears in his eyes, “I don’t want a throne my parents were slaughtered at. I just want to be home with the family I’ve got left.”

Tyreethyll looked to his feet trying to hide a small frown, “I understand. Make it home safely then…Zevor.”

Zevor’s legs shook and he placed his hands on his hips. His irises glided, “…Uh…thanks g-general…”

The sun peaked through the horizon. Rays of sunlight like needles stabbing into isolated clouds. The sunlight scattering onto the grass and trees.

Tyreethyll gripped the handle of his sword. Zevor dusted his uniform and fixed his red tie.

Zevor’s eyes were red. He cleared his throat. He took a hesitated step, shakily he said, “Mm. Good morning general.”

Tyreethyll’s throat ran dry, moving subtly, “Good morning King Zevor.”

Zevor slowly walked off following a dirt trail back home. The wind, blowing through his hair.

“You are much stronger than any enemy I have ever faced.” Tyreethyll softly spoke.

…

Zevor kept walking away.

As the sun reached through the thin line of the horizon, Tyreethyll’s armor began gleaming. Zevor’s hair looked darker and greyer in Tyreethyll’s blinded eyes.

Leaves and gravel crunch under Zevor’s steps. After a while of walking, he snorted, wiped his tears and rubbed his eyes and hitched. He held out his hands and gripped his palms as he breathed in. Then he relaxed his grip as he exhaled.

He put on a soft smile and opened the door. The door creaked loudly.

It was cold inside. Zevor closed the door behind him. He put his hand to the side of his mouth and raised his chin, “I’m home!” The house was silent. Zevor began to walk around, “Hello?” He called. But still no answer.

“Why aren’t they here? Did they forget about me or something?” He asked himself.

He shook his head, “No. That’s not them.” He disagreed with himself.

“Guys?” He called again, with a distressed look. Nothing but the still sound of air.

And then he walked into the living room. There, Zazzory and Kryrella slept soundly.

Zazzory was sitting down, her head tilting on a cushion next to her. One of her hands on Kryrella’s back. The other right next to them. Kryrella had her head on Zazzory’s lap.

They both snored quietly.

Zevor smiled gently.

The house squeaked as Zevor went upstairs and grabbed his blanket, went back downstairs and threw the blanket over them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Zevor, as quietly as he could, made himself a cup of coffee and went upstairs into his room. He placed the cup on a night stand. He sat on his bed, took a sip and then laid down.

A couple seconds went by and Zevor then fell asleep on his stomach breathing heavily.

Kryrella shifted softly as she slept.

Zazzory calmly spoke, “Thanks.” Then she went back to sleep.

The house was silent and still as the wind outside sang and danced with the branches and clouds and a sun fully awake.