A Story From Zinnia

Part 40: Calm Before the Storm

"Xavier's? Come in, son."

Xavier got in the courage of himself and only realized when he saw the figure of his father now that the father had looked old. Wrinkles and white gray hair on his head that sprung up, his posture was still gallant but not as stout as before.

"Dad..." Xavier said slowly.

"Hm? What's up, son?" King Arthur raised both eyebrows.

Xavier took a breath before letting out his words, "What's right... Daddy has cancer?"

"Aishhh, you Dominick's a–"

"Jawab yah." Xavier Assertive.

King Arthur looked at Xavier with a soft and gentle look, and smiling King Arthur replied "True son."

"WHY DIDN'T DAD TELL ME?? I can't believe this–" Xavier's heart feels like it's sliced, he's angry with himself, he can't believe all this time his own father had a chronic disease without him knowing.

"What if dad tells you it'll bring change? I just don't want you to worry."

"Dad... If dad tells me at least I'll work out the best treatment for you."

King Arthur shook his head, "No need, I don't have time for any of that."

"DAD, obey my words this time. Does Doctor Albert know about this?"

Dr. Albert is a private physician of the royal family who has served for decades. He also declared the death of Queen Isabella 18 years ago.

"He's... Long time know." Answer King Arthur.

"Am I the only one who doesn't know about Dad's disease? Whoa... I'm like a fool here." Xavier was massaging his increasingly dizzy forehead.

"I'm sorry dad–"

"Cancel all of my father's state schedules and have Uncle Elthon rearrange them for me. Now focus on my father's treatment, and now I'm gonna have Doctor Albert here."

"Son... Never mind..."

"What has it been? Just shut up when you see you suffer?! If Uncle Dominick doesn't tell me, maybe I'll– forever... forever regret my ignorance." It was clearly Xavier who was still holding back his anger while controlling to keep his tears from spilling.

Xavier then left his father's study. With hurried footsteps rang out along the corridor, while calling out the name of his trusted assistant to face him immediately.

"Liam! LIAM!"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Liam half-runs to face Xavier.

"Call Doctor Albert to the palace right now!" Xavier Pinta.

"Eh? What's up, Your Majesty?"

"Don't ask too many questions, hurry up!"

"Well, Your Majesty." Then Liam ran to the communication bureau room and immediately called Doctor Albert.

Xavier who was still in shock made his body not stop pacing waiting for the presence of the doctor. He was confused, shocked and scared.

After fifteen long minutes, Doctor Albert finally arrived at the palace. He went straight to Xavier according to orders.

"Sincerely, Your Majesty. What is it that His Majesty calls me these nights?" Said Doctor Albert.

"How much longer are you going to hide this big deal from me?" Xavier.

"Big problem?"

"My father's illness, why did you hide it from me?"

Doctor Albert's eyes enlarged, the secret that had been kept tight because of the king's own request was finally revealed.

"A-Anu... Y-Your Majesty already knows?"

"Ironic that I know this from someone else. How bad is dad now, doc?"

Albert's doctor gulped his saliva, his throat was lint, and words were not easily spoken from his mouth. He then sighed before answering Xavier's question, "King Arthur is already in the final stage."

"Over these five years, he stole time for silent treatment. But there are no significant changes to your body. Treatment only suppresses the symptoms to appear less often. But lately, paduka more frequent headaches, nausea and vomiting. His weight also decreased, and he lost his appetite." Obviously Doctor Albert.

Doctor Albert looked into Xavier's eyes seriously, "....Your condition has gotten worse since last year, Your Majesty." Follow Doctor Albert.

"How did this happen?" Xavier asked in a soft tone that sounded resigned.

"I don't understand either, Your Majesty. Generally liver cancer is caused by several factors, such as obesity, diabetes, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, age, genetics, and another one is exposure to toxins. But for your own majesty, I have not found the exact cause." Obviously Doctor Albert.

Xavier twisted his brain, the possibility of what could happen to his father, "Dad is not classified as obese, he also has no diabetes or heredity. Dad is also not an alcoholic drink–..... Is there any chance he was poisoned?"

"For that thing– I have not dared to give certainty. I've done toxicology tests on your majesty, but the results are not found poison in his body."

"Lalu– Do I have to accept the fact that this is due to age? This is so unfair."

Albert was silent and made no comment.

"Your Majesty must have prepared himself."

"What do you mean, Doc? Don't tell me that you can't be saved." Xavier began to raise his voice.

"The body has refused various treatments. Your own majesty does not really seriously want to heal, maybe your majesty has made peace with its own circumstances."

"Just do the treatment right this time. I'll take over all his duties– At least, I want to fight for father's recovery."

"Okay, Your Majesty."

"Reply test the possibility of poison in his body, and make sure this is not smelled by the media before I command."

"Just calm Your Majesty, for his plight your majesty also asked to be kept secret. Only I, Prince Dominick, you and Lord Elthon know."

"Good then."

Their full discussion ends here. It's been a long night for Xavier. His mind floated around thinking of the worst possible thing that could happen this time. It's... Very very scared.

For someone who has lost many loved ones in his life, their departure is never easy for the person who is left behind. There is always a sense of trauma and a fear of solitude. No exception also for Xavier who was never accustomed to the departure of his beloved family. Because basically, no one is ready to accept the death of a loved one.

There is an ancient saying that reads, "The dead cannot return, but the abandoned must go on with their lives."

And that's what Xavier's been doing all along, moving on with his life.

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"It's been a long day for you, Xavier." Xavier said to himself as he entered his room.

He found his wife Oliver asleep on the right side of the bed. His ayu face and looking very calm made Xavier involuntarily smile when he saw it. Her tiny body curled up and wrapped in a blanket looked adorable. Xavier felt the burden and problems he went through today lifted immediately after seeing Oliver.

Xavier realized he was no longer alone. He has Oliver by his side. He has someone who will welcome him when he comes home, someone who will smile at him, someone he can hold in his arms like he is today.

Xavier lay down beside Oliver, and held him in his arms.

'Oliver– are you also going to leave me like the others?'

...––––––...

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🌹To be continued....