A Royal Obligation
Chapter 101: Preparations for the Family’s Arrival

Chapter 101: Preparations for the Family’s Arrival

Eirik paced around the royal chambers, his heart thumping with excitement and nerves. In just a few days, his family from Valeidio would be arriving in Zephyros, and he was filled with an overwhelming mix of emotions.

Excitement coursed through him at the thought of seeing them again, of feeling their presence and hearing their familiar voices. But along with that excitement came a touch of anxiety, he couldn’t help but wonder what they would think of his new life here.

He ran a hand through his hair as he glanced out the large windows overlooking the city, the golden light of the afternoon sun bathing the stone buildings in a warm glow. Zephyros had become home to him, but he knew his family might see things differently.

Still, the thought of the chaos his siblings and cousins would bring into the palace made him grin. He could already imagine it. The palace of Zephyros was refined and regal, full of calm and order.

But soon, that would change. Soon, the Valeidio royals, his brothers, the twins Lucian and Julian, his big brother Theron, and his cousins Ella and Theo, would descend upon the place, and it would never be the same.

Eirik’s mind drifted to Lucian and Julian, the twins he missed more than he’d ever admit. The endless banter between them, the way they would tease and provoke him, always pushing buttons just to get a reaction.

He couldn’t wait to see the look on their faces when they saw him without his usual veil. Valeidio had always known him as the mysterious, veiled prince, hiding his face behind layers of cloth. But now, there would be no veil. No more hiding.

"They’ll be shocked," he muttered to himself with a smile. "Absolutely stunned."

And then there was Theron, his eldest brother, always the steady one, the responsible one. Theron had always treated him with a mix of overprotectiveness and quiet respect. Eirik wondered what his brother would think of the new life he’d built here, of the upcoming marriage to Kaelix.

Kaelix.

At the thought of his soon-to-be husband, a warm feeling spread through Eirik’s chest. Who would have believed that the young man who left Valeidio crying over this arranged marriage would now be looking forward to it?

He chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head at the thought. Back then, the idea of marrying Kaelix had felt like a prison sentence. Now, it was something else entirely.

"How things change," he murmured.

Eirik’s grin widened as his thoughts turned to his cousins, Ella and Theo. They had always been his partners-in-crime, the ones who could match him in mischief. Zephyros had no idea what kind of chaos was about to descend upon it.

"Queen Elena is going to have her hands full," he said aloud, his voice echoing slightly in the empty room.

As if summoned by his thoughts, Queen Elena entered the room just then, her elegant presence filling the space. She was all smiles, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Eirik, I’ve just checked with the staff, and everything is coming along perfectly," she said, her voice warm and full of pride. "We’ll have the palace quarters ready for your family’s arrival in no time."

Eirik smiled at her, feeling a surge of gratitude. Elena had become like a second mother to him, especially now as he prepared to marry her son. "Thank you, Mother. I don’t know what I’d do without your help."

Elena waved a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. It’s my pleasure. Besides, I’m looking forward to meeting your family. From everything you’ve told me, they sound like quite the lively bunch."

Eirik laughed, a genuine sound of joy bubbling up from his chest. "Oh, they are. You have no idea. The twins alone will cause enough chaos to keep the entire palace on edge."

Elena grinned. "Good. It’ll be a nice change of pace around here."

Eirik chuckled again, his excitement momentarily outweighing his nnerves

He and Elena spent the next few hours going over the final details, making sure everything was perfect for his family’s arrival.

They supervised the staff, ensuring that the rooms were prepared, the décor was welcoming, and that there was enough space to accommodate the lively Valeidio royals.

By the time evening fell, Eirik found himself standing alone once more in his chambers. The palace was quiet, the hustle of the day winding down, and he had a moment to himself to reflect. He moved to the balcony and leaned against the railing, gazing out over the city as the sun set in the distance.

Zephyros had become home to him. The people had embraced him as one of their own, and in return, he had found a sense of peace and belonging he hadn’t expected. Yet as the wedding day loomed closer and his family’s arrival neared, he couldn’t help but feel a small pang of uncertainty.

Would his family understand how much he had changed? Would they see the life he had built here? Or would they still see him as the young, uncertain prince who left Valeidio behind?

A familiar presence behind him made Eirik turn, and there stood Kaelix, his fiancé and the person who had become his anchor in this new world. Kaelix’s face was soft, his eyes warm as he approached.

"You’re thinking too much again," Kaelix teased, slipping his arms around Eirik’s waist and pulling him close.

Eirik smiled, leaning into the embrace. "I can’t help it. They’ll be here soon, and I can’t stop wondering how they’ll react."

Kaelix hummed thoughtfully, resting his chin on Eirik’s shoulder. "And what do you think they’ll say?"

Eirik tilted his head back, laughing softly. "Oh, they’ll have plenty to say, especially the twins. They’ll probably try to get under your skin."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, smirking. "The twins, huh? Should I be worried?"

Eirik turned in Kaelix’s arms, facing him with a mischievous grin. "They’ll do their best to rile you up, but don’t let them win. Just be your usual, charming self. If they see that I’m happy here, they’ll come around."

Kaelix’s expression softened, his smile fading slightly. "Do you really think they’ll like me?"

Eirik’s heart ached a little at the vulnerability in Kaelix’s voice. He lifted a hand to Kaelix’s cheek, gently brushing his thumb across the smooth skin.

"Of course they will. My family isn’t the easiest bunch to win over, but once they see how much you mean to me, they won’t have a choice but to love you, just like I do."

The words slipped out of Eirik’s mouth so naturally that it took him a second to realize what he had just said.

His heart skipped a beat as he processed it, but instead of panicking, a calm certainty settled over him. He had never imagined that saying those three words could feel so... effortless.

Kaelix, on the other hand, stood frozen for a heartbeat, his eyes widening in disbelief before they sparkled with joy. He looked like a man who had just heard the best news of his life but wasn’t quite sure if he was dreaming.

"You..." Kaelix’s voice cracked slightly, and he swallowed, trying to hold back the overwhelming rush of emotions. "You love me?"

For a moment, they both stood there in silence, the weight of Eirik’s confession hanging between them like an invisible thread connecting their hearts. Then Kaelix’s lips curved into a playful grin, breaking the tension. "You? Love me? Now that’s news."

Eirik rolled his eyes, though a smile tugged at his lips. "Don’t make me take it back."

Kaelix laughed, pulling Eirik closer. "You know, I remember a time when we couldn’t stand the idea of getting married to each other. You were determined to frustrate me at every turn."

Eirik smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "I remembered it differently, it was you who was dead set on making my life miserable."

Kaelix raised his hands in mock surrender. "Guilty as charged. But hey, look at us now. Who would’ve thought?"

Eirik chuckled, leaning his head against Kaelix’s chest. "I certainly didn’t. But I’m glad we’re here."

They stood there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, watching the city lights twinkle below. The quiet of the moment was soothing, a brief reprieve from the chaos that was sure to come with his family’s arrival.

After a long pause, Kaelix spoke softly. "I’m glad too, Eirik. More than you know."

Eirik smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment settle over him. "Whatever happens when they get here, we’ll face it together."

Kaelix nodded, pressing a kiss to Eirik’s temple. "Always."