Chapter Text
Cale was preparing for his third meeting of the week, certainly not his last. Since the end of the war just a week ago, he hadn't stopped. He had temporarily taken on the role of Prime Minister to assist Alberu. His family wanted him to stop and rest, but he was determined to finish everything first.
The only problem was that he felt exhausted. He hadn't been feeling well since that morning, but he had insisted on coming anyway.
He finally arrived at the council chamber, waiting for the door to be opened by the guards. Once inside, he sat down to the right of Alberu's chair, who had not yet arrived.
Sitting in his corner, he pondered the purpose of this meeting. It was a gathering of various nobles from Roan to discuss the reconstruction of areas destroyed during the war. He could see that all the representatives of the great families were present. With the exception of the Henituse family, their region had been largely unaffected and they were the wealthiest family in Roan, so they certainly did not need financial assistance. His friends Eric, Taylor, Amiru, and Gilbert were also in the room.
His attention was diverted from them when he heard the arrival of His Highness announced by the voice of the guards. He stood up to show his respect for the future king, their eyes meeting momentarily.
Alberu, who saw Cale, frowned. 'He looks tired... has his face always been this red?' He made a mental note to check him later.
After greeting everyone, he went and sat down next to Cale.
Once the meeting started, Alberu finally got a chance to talk to him. "Are you all right?" He asked in a low voice.
Cale nodded and turned his attention back to the nobles. They were taking stock of the funds needed by each territory for reconstruction and which ones had priority.
He was having a bit of trouble concentrating, despite his best efforts, and was beginning to get a headache and feel hot.
The more time passed, the more difficult it became, he began to feel out of breath and his vision sometimes blurred, but he didn't let it show. He turned back to Alberu. "How much longer will this go on?"
Alberu looked at Cale after hearing his question. 'Is it just me, or is he getting redder and redder?'
With these thoughts in mind, he discreetly reached under the table and took Cale's hand. 'His hand is warm, too warm!' Now he was worried, Cale had a fever. He looked at his eyes and saw they were a little misty.
"Your Highness?" Cale who was still waiting for an answer called him back. He hoped it wouldn't be much longer.
"Are you not feeling well?"
"No, I'm-"
"Don't say you're fine when you've got a fever!" He raised his voice involuntarily at the redhead's total disregard for his health. He felt frustrated.
The nobles who had been surprised by Alberu's loud voice turned to him.
"Is there a problem, Your Highness?" Asked Marquis Stan. Taylor was a little worried, too, after seeing Cale's tired face when he came in.
"No, I just need to discuss something with my Prime Minister, I have to go out for a few minutes. Nothing too important."
"No, it's fine, I-"
Alberu pulled Cale by the arm to make him stand up and follow him. "Don't talk any more and follow me." He whispered to Cale.
The redhead said nothing more and calmly followed him. He tried to get up, but his head suddenly, started spinning and everything went black. He ended up fainting.
Alberu grabbed him by reflex, not immediately registering that he was unconscious.