Viktor knelt beside the bed with a sigh.
"I think it would be a good idea for you to stay in bed for today and see what happens tomorrow." He said softly. Heine sat quietly under the cover, his hands gently pressed to his stomach.
"I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to take your advice. If I feel any better later-"
"My sons' education is vital, but so is your health. You can't be expected to teach when you should be in bed. I'll bring the doctor to you-" The smaller man shook his head.
"I just need to rest, it will stop on its own." The king frowned.
"Yes, after several days of..how did you used to describe it to me, the worst pain you could ever imagine?"
"It doesn't always get that bad. In fact lately it's been mild compared to back then."
"All the same my dear friend, I encourage you to take the opportunity to have something for the pain. It will help you to rest easily."
"Viktor-"
"Heine, I'm not asking you as your king, but as a friend. Did any of our time together mean anything to you?"
"If it hadn't, we wouldn't be having this conversation now." Heine gasped sharply as the pain increased suddenly. The blonde man carefully pushed him back down onto the mattress and fixed the cover around him.
"I'll send for my personal doctor, it won't take long for him to arrive. Until then, please just rest and don't worry about anything. I'll tell the boys to study on their own for the day and not to disturb you while you're not feeling well."
"Don't worry them. They're likely to ask questions and-"
"It's going to be fine. I'll be back to check on you as soon as I have a moment."
"I'm sure you're very busy,Viktor. I shouldn't be a concern. You have quite a full schedule."
"True as it maybe, and for old time's sake, I see no reason why I can't-"
"No more sneaking around." Heine said sternly.
"Of course not. Do you want me to have some tea brought in?"
"I'd like that,thank you." The king stood up.
"I'll leave you to rest. If you need anything else, the maids will be happy to do what they can." Viktor turned and exited the room, pulling the door closed softly behind him. He walked further down the hall and stopped one of the maids along the way.
"Good morning." He said smiling at the young brown haired woman. She bowed politely.
"Good morning your Highness, I hope you are well." She replied.
"Very well, thank you. I was hoping to ask you if you would mind taking some peppermint tea to Professor Heine's room when you have a moment. Also, if you could,a warm compress would do him some good."
"Of course, I'll start right away." The king thanked her and continued to his office.
He was surprised to find his sons waiting inside to greet him.
"Good morning, Father." They greeted in unison.
"My sons, what can I do for you this Morning, I haven't much time at the moment."
"We were just hoping that you would allow us to take another trip into town today, Professor Heine would-"
"I'm sorry boys, but Heine won't be able to take such a journey today. You'll have to study quietly in your rooms, he has other things to do." Viktor said sitting down at his desk and beginning to write. The princes looked at each other in surprise.
"Father?" Bruno called. "Is everything all right?"
"It's fine, there's no need to worry. Go back to your rooms and start your studying. I'll talk to you all later."
The princes stood and exited the room.
"Do you really think everything's okay,Bruni?' Licht asked.
" I can't really say. Perhaps it's best to wait and see for ourselves. It's strange that professor Heine wouldn't be available to do lessons."Bruno said thoughtfully. "For the time being, we should do as father says. We'll just have to stay quiet and observe. I'm sure the answer will present itself soon enough. It's obvious that we won't find any straight answers by asking." The brothers exchanged worried glances but retreated to their rooms quietly.
Each prince spent the better part of fifteen minutes sitting quietly with their books open in front of them, neither one caring to read while their minds were fixed on the mystery before them.