Epilogue

Malik waited in front of the carved wooden door. He examined the intricate pattern, the subtleties that came together in what was nothing short of a masterpiece. The dark wood stood in contrast to the pristine white marble floor, shining under the afternoon sunrays that peered from a nearby window. Barona Castle was certainly a sight to behold, from the grandiose structure to the smallest detail.

It was his first audience with Richard in almost two months. Since it was only a simple report on Malik's part, he was to meet the king in his study. A servant had gone inside to announce the ambassador's arrival, and Malik waited for his permission to enter.

The regal door finally opened. "You may enter, Ambassador Malik," the servant said with a brief bow.

Nodding, Malik stepped inside, and heard the door close after him.

Richard, who had been sitting behind his desk, stood upon his guest's arrival. For a king to leave his seat was quite scandalous, but Richard refused to follow protocol when he was alone with his friends. Among them, he did not want to be treated as royalty.

Still, Malik bowed. He was far too old to disregard ancient customs. "Your Highness, I bring you our most recent Fendel-Windor trade report."

"I thank you, Malik. Please, you may sit."

Malik looked up and met Richard's eyes. The king stood upright, his gaze calm and his lips curled into a gentle smile. Malik returned the expression, saying, "Per your request, Your Highness," and waited for Richard to sit before settling himself on a chair in front of his desk.

Richard leaned slightly against his seat, his posture proper and yet relaxed. "You've been doing well, I trust?"

The question took Malik by surprise. Inquiring about his wellbeing was an old habit of Richard, but something he had not done in quite some time. "I have, thank you. You're the same, I hope?"

"I am." Richard smiled again. "Anything new to share, before we proceed to business?"

Malik paused. He took a moment to study the king's expression, bright and confident and kind, before finally saying, "I stopped by Lhant on my way here. It seems Asbel and Cheria are no longer getting married."

At the mention of Asbel's name, a small hint of embarrassment crept on Richard's face. "I... I heard about it. It is... quite unfortunate."

"Oh, they're young. Better a broken engagement than an unhappy marriage. I'm sure they'll find true love elsewhere." For a second, Malik swore he saw Richard blush, but the king recovered his composed look in no time. Smiling, Malik continued, "Well, I should move on to the report before I get too sidetracked. You know how old people have trouble staying focused." He realized it was the first time in a while he told Richard a joke.

Richard laughed. "I certainly do. Dalen can hardly speak to me without changing the subject a few dozen times."

After flashing a wide grin, Malik began his report. And, as he spoke, a single thought persisted in his head; this was, too, the first in a long time he heard Richard laugh.

The meeting was carried out smoothly, and Richard bid goodbye with a smile once they were done. Malik left the king to his work and headed to his guestroom, glad for Richard's good mood. The rest of his routine as a visitor in the castle was carried out normally, and thankfully, without the looming darkness that had followed him during the past months.

Until, at night, he heard a familiar knocking on his door.

Malik froze, shocked and confused. He waited, wondering whether it had been his imagination, but the sound repeated itself, only even softer and more hesitant. There was nothing to do but opening the door.

As he expected, but still had trouble believing, Richard stood outside.

It took a moment before the king spoke, his embarrassed gaze struggling to stay on Malik's face. "I'm awfully sorry for the late hour," he finally started, "I spent too long debating this, but I realized it must be done. May I come in?"

Malik nodded meekly, and Richard stepped inside. He spent a few seconds glancing around the room, as if attempting to muster some courage, before turning to Malik once more.

And Malik finally realized what was so different about him. Richard's eyes were not distant - but certain and resolute. They had a sharpness, a brightness Malik hadn't seen in months. And those eyes gazed straight into his.

"Malik... I'm so sorry."

Silence.

Richard still looked into his eyes, and Malik blinked in confusion. He waited, expecting further explanation.

Richard continued, "I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me."

"...For what?"

More silence; this time, accompanied by Richard's perplexed expression. After a while, he muttered, "Do I really have to elaborate?" His gaze fell. "For... for everything I've done. For everything I've made you do. I'm truly sorry, Malik."

Finally, everything clicked into place. Malik sighed. "Your Highness... You shouldn't apologize. I have my share of blame in it, too. And it's probably bigger than yours."

Richard lost his composure, blurting, "But I used your feelings, Malik! I made you suffer, all because of my own selfishness-"

"And can't the same be said about me?" Malik interrupted, his tone soft. "Don't blame yourself, King Richard. We made our mistakes. We should learn from them." He smiled faintly. "And I learned that my feelings were misplaced. Really, at my age, I should know when something is never meant to be."

Richard, now calmer, mustered a weak smile in return. "I supposed you're right, Malik." His smile grew a little brighter. "However, I feel the need to mention you're not nearly as ancient as you constantly make yourself to be."

Malik laughed. "Oh, resorting to flattery now, are you?"

Richard joined in with a soft chuckle, and then grew serious again. "Also, I... I must thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for speaking with Asbel. If it wasn't for you, I..."

"Now, now. No need to get gloomy. I'm glad everything worked out between the two of you."

"Malik... Thank you. Again." Richard's expression softened. "Yet, is there... anything I may do for you? I wish I could repay you, somehow."

"Ahh." Malik ran his fingers through his beard, thinking. "Yes, there is something I want you to do."

He took a step forward, placing his hands on Richard's shoulders. Finally, with a wide smile, Malik said, "Be happy."