The meeting ended late. It was the third day since his son had been returned home. It was another meeting. Countless like the rest, and yet distinct. They had all, almost unanimously voted for war. War with Attolia. On Eugenides's behalf. There was no voice of reason, but a singular voice of anger, rage and revenge for the Thief of Eddis. He had not voted for the war. He had not wanted this. His son, who had but recently broken his vow to hold a sword, would not want this.
The Minister walked quietly from the meeting chamber through the dark palace. His brow furrowed, it was his job to now to lay the plans to begin the war. He would meet with the Queen to discuss the strategy they would pursue. Eugenides had brought them valuable information about the Mede's interference in Attolia. Would this war with Attolia lead to one with the Mede Empire? It was after all the ambassador that had suggested the punishment, the archaic form of justice that sparked the outrage within Eddis's royal family. But it was more than that, by looks Gen had been tortured, as well. But Gen was alive. And that was more than enough for him.
He remembered his wife, as he often did. She had smiled the day they chose his name, but at night she cried. Had she known all along, the pains their child would bear? He had hoped that Gen would become a solider. Stoic though he was not, he had the patience to learn the skill to an art. Though it would not keep him safe, either.
He neared the library door and didn't pause to knock. He entered the room, an alarmed physician stepped forward, "He's just awoken with the night terrors, but he refuses to take the medicine" he said nervously.
The Minister of War nodded, before making his way to the study in the back, where Eugenides's ragged sobs could be heard. "Where is the lantern?"
The Minister inquired and the attendant quickly made hast to brighten the room. He placed his hands on Gen's shoulders, "Gen" he said fiercely, "Look at me" and the Eugenides looked up at his father, both eyes swollen and dark. He was to see a man from Attolia in the morning, gods forbid he go blind. It took Gen a moment to remember the man in front of him, and within an instant he clutched him like a single life line of protection from an unforeseen dread.
"Am I dreaming?" he said miserably.
"No, you are home. In Eddis" his father responded shortly.
"I feel as though I'm dreaming..that I will wake up chained in her prison" he says letting out a shaky sob.
The Minister of War pulled his son into his arms, "You will not. I will not allow it." he said, for a moment he considering going back on his vote.
Gen lets out hallow and painful laugh. Though the Minister is not joking, he would kill his son with his own hands before sending him back to be tortured by the heartless Queen.
"Close your eyes" he instructs, it's almost daylight, and he has a feeling he will not be sleeping tonight. Gen is pressed against him, and when he speaks his words are muffled.
"I can barely open them. If I go bli-"
The Minister of War does not chide him, but says "You will see the physician in the morning" there is a small sigh, "If I do go blind. Then I will be the most useless thief in Eddis" he says.
"You are the Thief of Eddis. You are not useless. It will be long before your Queen realizes you are more trouble than your worth"
It is followed by a silence, but the words have their effect. He can feel his son relax in his arms.
It was much later when he heard Gen's ragged breath, and beckoned for his medicine. The Minister of War wakes his son, "Take the medicine" before Gen could respond, he tipped goblet into the boy's mouth. There is spattering and fighting and rude insults. The Minister finds this encouraging. His son, for all things he claimed was not, was a fighter.