CHAPTER 30: WHAT NONSENSE?

The distance from the bed to the tub was long—quite long in his prince-sized chamber—but it was crossed before he could even feel the air resistance. At that speed, a painful impact would’ve been expected, yet the landing was soft as a drop of water joining a stream.

He might have been grateful, but his mind was screaming, steam, steam—hot, hot, hot!

He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for the pain to sharpen. Instead, like a hot plate meeting ice, the pain lessened the moment his skin met the steaming water.

He opened his eyes slowly and confirmed he really was in the tub—and the pain was fading fast. He turned to the only person who should have answers, because who tosses their precious beloved son into danger like that except he knew what was going on? Besides, Ajab didn’t remember telling him his legs were on fire. Or wait...did his father not know and just throw him in thinking he was joking?

Watching his son’s expression shift from curious, to anxious, to murderous, the King knew he had to speak before someone got the wrong idea.

Still, he wasn’t about to pass up the chance to enjoy this moment—or to prove his point.

"Your mother said you might have used the Thousand Fathers Step Technique yesterday."

Ajab frowned. What did he mean? What Thousand Fathers Step Technique? Why didn’t he know anything about that—and why couldn’t he remember?

"When did I use that? What did Mother mean?"

His mind drifted to his spar with Elmah. "Was it during my spar? I... don’t remember how it ended." The last words came out strained, paired with a smile that wasn’t convincing anyone.

Part of him was grateful his father hadn’t been present; he wasn’t sure he could handle a lecture about that fight. Though, admittedly, he was curious about what happened after he blacked out.

"Hmm." The King stroked his beard like an old sage preparing to enlighten a clueless disciple with wisdom from beyond the realm.

"It wasn’t from that spar. I watched it myself. You merely ran fast enough to slip out of the Young Ecnes’ sight and strike his head. Your body acted on its own, yes, but I doubt that counts."

Ajab scrunched his face. What did he mean it didn’t count—wasn’t that a wi—

Pah! His subconscious slapped his conscious.

Did Father just say he was there?

His expression darkened as he bowed his head toward the water.

No, no, no... who did this to him?

"Ahem..." His father coughed to pull his wandering attention back—unsuccessfully.

"Don’t worry, I didn’t plan on saying anything. I’m only trying to provide clarity."

That was even worse. Not saying anything just meant he was going to work him to death, without him knowing why he was dying, how was that any better? The water could feel the Prince’s lament; it was that obvious.

Yes, he sometimes got excited over a spar, but that came from curiosity, not because he found joy in straining his bones. Couldn’t he just be left alone?

Despite the King’s words, thinking back to that spar, what he felt—the familiar sensation. He pushed it aside for later.

Ajab tested his legs—they were actually recovering. The hot water was working.

His father’s earlier words returned to him, and he lifted his head.

"If not from the spar, then when? I didn’t use any technique in front of Mother yesterday."

He knew some footwork—used it often for... necessary situations—but none of it was Royal Bloodline Technique. So when had he used the Thousand Fathers?

"Your mother said you used it when you left the room after hearing about your grandfather."

At those words, it hit him—Grandfather was truly gone.

Silence settled between them. Even the steam drifted backward, avoiding the space between father and son.

"Don’t be too sad. He wouldn’t want that," the King said softly.

Ajab knew he meant to console him, but coming from someone who had looked like a dead man yesterday, it didn’t land as intended.

Ajab didn’t say anything; he’d rather think on his grandfather later. "I walked out of the room. I didn’t use any footwork" He didn’t even know how the Thousand Fathers Step technique worked, so how could he have used it, besides, he remembered walking out of that room; he didn’t use any technique.

Seeing as his son had no desire in talking about his feelings, he could only also focus on what was at hand "You probably didn’t know due to the state you were in. Seeing how your legs are acting this morning, you definitely used the Thousand Fathers Step Technique. What you’re experiencing is a backlash from using it"

"That’s concerning" Ajab still didn’t fully agree with that since he knew he walked out, but what was more concerning at the moment was, the fact that this sort of pain was some backlash, if this was the payment, then no way did he want anything to do with such a technique.

As if knowing what he had in mind, his father clarified "You only got the backlash using it now"

Ajab’s brows furrowed. "Now?" What did he mean now?

"Ajab, despite your bloodline, using the Thousand Fathers Technique before awakening can cause this sort of backlash and even more. I’m sure the young Ecnes is also experiencing this."

Ajab’s face tightened. "What happened to Elmah?"

The King smiled. "I admire your concern for him, but he’ll be fine."

Ajab’s face didn’t loosen even a bit. "I don’t know what father is talking about, but what happened to Elmah?"

"He’s fine, he just needs to rest. Finish up with your bath and walk with me"

That’s when Ajab realized he still had that to take care of. Seeing as his father said to walk with him, it seemed his legs were going to be fine. He also realized he still had his night robes on— thankfully they entered with him into the tub. Now to bathe. He paused, his father was still standing there looking at him.

Looking at him puzzled he asked "Why’s Father still here?"

"Oh" as if tapped back to reality. "You don’t need my help?"

What nonsense? Ajab’s face threatened to break from extreme tightening, as if dangling him wasn’t enough, now his father wanted to skin him of his entire shred of dignity. Where does it happen that a prince gets this sort of manhandling? What was his parents’ deal?

It wasn’t intended but his gaze wasn’t even the slightest friendly as he stretched for the bath curtain to his right and slammed it, sending it straight to the other side, meeting the rest of the curtain and closing it shut.

"Ahem..." The King coughed awkwardly.