Eternity (Vector x Reader)

9. Pitiful

Warning: Similar to the previous chapter, this one contains some violence (as well as a potentially triggering subject relating to Vector's death, I'm sure you know what I mean). I wouldn't say it's graphic but it's still there so please read with caution.
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Travelling through a massive forest was no easy feat, especially when you switched to carrying Vector on your back midway through your trek. But you just couldn't stop and rest somewhere, your King was depleted of all his strength and needed to recover in the safety of his castle. So with all your grit and determination, you kept walking until sundown.

It was only when you reached the top of another steep hill and looked down that you finally saw the familiar roads and buildings of your kingdom. You immediately brightened up at the sight and turned to the redhead that was still on your back.

"We've finally made it back, your Majesty."

But your words fell on deaf ears, and Vector remained unmoving. It almost felt as though you were carrying a corpse, but Vector's quiet breathing assured you that that wasn't the case.

And as concerning as it was, you were also a bit glad that he was still passed out. You didn't know how he'd react to being carried on your back.

'I suppose it's better than carrying him in my arms,' You thought with mild amusement.

You readjusted your hold on him before marching on. But once you reached the main road, the eerie silence that surrounded you made you somewhat cautious.

Was the town always this quiet?

Your eyes scanned every building as you kept walking diligently. Still no sign of anyone.

'Has everyone turned in for the evening?' It seemed plausible, but it was still pretty early for that. And even so, there should still be some people bustling about.

Looking straight ahead, you saw the castle's main entrance and sighed in relief. The sooner you get there, the sooner you and Vector could rest. The two guards by the gate immediately spotted you two and came fast approaching.

"Your Majesty? What has happened?" One asked in a panic.

"Where is the rest of his Majesty's army?" Added the second.

You lowered yourself to get Vector off your back before roughly explaining everything that happened. The look on their faces showed nothing but disbelief when you told them his conquest failed and that he lost most of his men. It was so unbelievable, that they were seconds away from yelling at you for saying such things. But you were quick to put your foot down first.

"You dare accuse me of lies when his Majesty and I are in such a disparaging state? Are you that blind to assume we've come back victorious and unscathed?" You threw Vector's arms over your shoulders and lifted him up again. "I have no time for this. His Majesty desperately needs to rest and recover so move aside."

The two men were obviously caught off guard by your sharp words and did little to stop you from pushing your way through. As you marched through the corridor, you met eyes with several other guards and servants--each one looking just as shocked as the other when they witnessed the King's Second-in-Command carry his limp body. You chose to ignore them for the time being, all that mattered now was getting the King to his chambers.

Once you got there, you promptly dropped him on his bed and instructed his servants to tend to whatever wounds he had before preparing him something to eat when he awoke.

In the rush of it all, you nearly forgot about all the stress and turmoil from earlier. You were so focused on getting Vector to safety that you overlooked all the awful events that had transpired not too long ago. That, and the sheer exhaustion from the battle and hike was finally starting to kick in. So without even cleaning yourself up first, you reached your own room and collapsed on your bed.