The explosion sent the king and commander flying—the commander more so than King Gray. As the one who bore the brunt of the explosion, he took the most damage, even with his barrier.
"Ugh!" King Gray groaned in pain as he slammed into one of the central pillars. He slid to the floor, took a moment to clear his head, then lifted his gaze. He had to make sure Lance was alright.
"L-Lance…?" King Gray called out softly, his voice barely a whisper. "Are you alright?" With another groan, the king attempted to approach the commander, slowly dragging himself toward where he lay.
"Your Majesty!" The explosion had drawn the attention of the other palace knights, who rushed to the scene.
"Stay back!" King Gray growled the moment the first of the knights appeared.
"Bu—" The knight attempted to speak, but the king cut him off.
"No one is to approach. Is that clear…?" His voice grew cold, sending a chill down the spines of the knights. It was better to be safe than sorry.
