Ragnarök, Eternal Tragedy.
Chapter 47: Infected.

Chapter 47: Infected.

’Is your life only meant to please Father?’

’Mostly, yes. But I prefer living up to his expectations—unlike you, who rebels for reasons no one understands.’

’I’m not rebellious. I just prefer doing my own thing.’

’Exactly. You’re a prince—you should uphold that image for our people.’

’Yeah, I think they’ve had enough of that from you.’

’You’re so selfish.’

’Maybe that’s what I was meant to be.’

They walk silently through the garden, lost in their own thoughts. A guard approaches from behind and kneels.

’Your Highnesses, the King has summoned you.’

’What is it? Is everything okay?’

’I don’t know, my Prince. I was simply sent to summon you.’

They quickly follow the guard to the chamber, where the King lies on a massive bed that seems too big for him.

’Father, is something wrong?’

’Yes,’ he wheezes, coughing violently. ’I think the sickness is getting worse.’

’So, the medication isn’t working?’ Erling snaps, glaring at the doctors gathered around the bed.

’Father, what do you want us to do?’

’I wanted...the next King.’

’Why are you talking about this? We should focus on healing you.’

’I will die soon, and I don’t care whether this is the last thing I do.’

Erling storms out of the room.

’Hey!’

’Leave him be,’ the King coughs again. ’Your brother...you must protect him. Love him, probably more than I did. Never stop loving him.’

’Father...’

’Doctors, how long do I have left?’

’We don’t know, my King, but there isn’t much time.’

’Very well. You will be crowned King tomorrow.’

’...’

’I trust you. I believe in you, my son.’

Erling struggles to remain strong, but tears stream down his face as he grips his father’s hand.

’Father, please don’t leave me.’

’That shouldn’t matter now. Stand tall—for me, for your people, for your family. You are now the pride of this kingdom. What will the people think if they see you kneeling and weeping? Stand tall, my son. Wipe those pitiful tears away. Be the pride and joy of your people.’

Erling rises slowly, attempting to hold back the tears, but they keep falling despite his effort. Ivar’s wife enters the room, carrying young Erik in her arms. Erling quickly wipes his face, greeting her with a faint smile.

’Hey. I thought I should introduce him to his grandfather while he’s quiet.’

’Ah, my daughter-in-law and grandson. Come closer so I can see you.’

Ivar steps aside, allowing her to approach the King. She offers him a warm smile.

’Father.’

’Doctors, could you help me sit up? I want to hold my grandson.’

The doctors adjust his position, propping pillows behind him for support. She gently hands him the child, whom he cradles in his arms.

’Wow. He’s heavy, isn’t he? And looks healthy too. He’ll grow strong—nothing less for a firstborn. A great asset to the kingdom. I trust you’ll guide him well, my son, just as I guided you.’

Her smile fades, replaced with a frown. Taking the child back, she leaves the room.

’Thank you.’

’Please excuse me.’

’Go and spend time with your family. I need some rest.’

’Yes, Father.’

Erling joins his wife in their chamber, where she is laying Erik to sleep.

’I can’t believe he spoke about him like that, as if he were just another achievement. It was so disrespectful.’

’Watch your words about my father.’

’What? You’d allow him to talk about your son like that?’

’I would allow him to curse him out for all I care!’

’It? Is that how you think of your son? I suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’

’Don’t provoke me, woman.’ Ivar raises his hand.

She looks at him, disgusted but unafraid.

’Don’t you dare raise your hand at me again. I understand you’re grieving, but I won’t tolerate that.’

He storms out, slamming the door behind him.

As he rushes to the garden fountain, he finds Erling sitting there, lost in thought.

’Knew I’d find you here.’

Erling grins.

’Had your final moment with Father?’

’You know he’s your father too, right?’

’Yeah, whatever you say.’

’When’s the coronation?’

’Tomorrow.’

’Great.’

’I guess.’

’We should have a drink before it.’

’Yeah.’

They fall silent, listening to the fountain’s rhythmic cascade.

’Brother.’

’Yes?’

’Why do you rebel against Father so much? Do you hate him?’

’I don’t hate him. I just...did you know what he said to Mother the day I was born?’

’No.’

’A servant told me he called me a curse—the curse of my own birth.’

’He wouldn’t...’

’Mother became sick after I was born and passed away soon after. He never touched me as an infant.’

’How could you know? You wouldn’t remember.’

’Maybe not, but word spreads fast around here, and I’ve befriended the servants instead of clinging to Father.’

’I don’t believe you. Don’t let commoners poison your view of him.’

’I just don’t know. Even on his deathbed, he ignored me and my efforts. The only good thing he ever gave me was the freedom of being a prince. Why shouldn’t I make the most of it?’

Erling smiles faintly as Ivar exhales deeply.

’Brother, can you promise me something?’

’What?’

’Don’t become infected like Father. Be a better person and perhaps a slightly worse King.’

Erling places his hands on Ivar’s shoulders. Ivar neither responds nor acknowledges the request, having already made his promise to himself long before.

’Brother.’

’Yes.’

’Do you think, I’ll be a better king than father.’

’Heavens! I hope so. But honestly no. He might be greatest King this nation has ever seen. He changed this nation. Regardless, he’s one of the worst men to live, for me at least.’

’I’d do anything to do half of what he has done.’

’I mean from I’ve read most of them did half of what he did. So you’d be okay. You can aim for second best, you’ve always wanted to be behind him anyways.’

’I should huh. I think that’s possible.’

They both laugh, while enjoying the beautiful fountain view.