A Royal Obligation
Chapter 102: Valeidio Royals Are Here

Chapter 102: Valeidio Royals Are Here

The early morning sun bathed the palace in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the courtyard as Eirik strolled aimlessly through the corridors. His steps were slower than usual, a reflection of the nervous energy buzzing inside him.

Today was the day. His family, the Valeidio Royals, were supposed to arrive at Zephyros, and while the excitement coursed through him, so did an unshakable anxiety. After so long away from them, Eirik wasn’t sure what to expect.

He hadn’t seen them in so long. His mind raced with thoughts, his brothers, his cousins, the inevitable teasing, and perhaps more importantly, the judgment they would pass on his new life here in Zephyros.

As he walked through the gardens, past fountains and marble statues, deep in thought. What would they think of him now? Would they notice how much he had changed since arriving in Zephyros?

His hand instinctively brushed his cheek, free of the veil he had worn for so long. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought about how shocked his siblings would be, especially the twins.

But the smile didn’t stay long. He needed a distraction. Something to occupy his thoughts before his nerves consumed him.

As Eirik rounded a corner, he caught sight of the courtyard, where two familiar figures were sparring. Sadiki and Drystan, locked in a mock battle, moved fluidly, their forms precise and focused, the clash of their blades ringing out in the stillness of the morning air. Eirik stopped for a moment, his anxiety forgotten as he watched.

Sadiki, his personal guard, seemed lighter these days, more at ease, more himself.

There was a warmth in his expression that Eirik hadn’t seen in awhile.

And it didn’t take much to figure out why.

Drystan, Kaelix’s personal guard, had become more than just a sparring partner. Their relationship had shifted, and Eirik couldn’t help but smile as he observed them.

Sadiki and Drystan traded blows, laughter mingled with their grunts of effort, a sound that warmed Eirik’s heart. It was good to see Sadiki finding some happiness.

He was happy for Sadiki, truly. Seeing him like this, after everything they’d been through, was a reminder that happiness could be found in the most unexpected places.

Just then, Kaelix appeared at Eirik’s side, following his line of sight toward the courtyard. "They’ve been at it all morning," Kaelix commented casually, a hint of amusement in his tone. "It’s like they can’t get enough of each other these days."

Eirik grinned, sensing an opportunity to tease. "You sound almost jealous," he said, nudging Kaelix playfully. "What’s the matter? Afraid Drystan’s found someone else to focus on?"

Kaelix shot him a look of mock indignation, but there was a flicker of something behind it, a brief flash of truth that Eirik, being who he was, couldn’t mmiss

"Jealous? Please," Kaelix scoffed, though his voice didn’t carry its usual sharpness. "I’m just glad Drystan has found a new hobby. It means I get to breathe in peace without him hovering around me all day."

Eirik chuckled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, the great Prince Kaelix, threatened by his own guard’s love life. I never thought I’d see the day."

Kaelix rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. "If anything, I should give him a raise for taking Sadiki off your hands. Maybe I’ll add a little bonus for distracting him enough so that you can focus on me."

Eirik laughed, the sound light and free, releasing the tension that had been building in his chest all morning. "A raise? You’re that desperate, are you?"

Kaelix chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving the sparring pair. "Desperate isn’t the word. Cunning is more like it."

They shared a comfortable silence, their gazes drifting back to Sadiki and Drystan as they continued their training, oblivious to the attention they were receiving.

After awhile, Sadiki and Drystan, paused their sparring to catch their breath.

The two men stood close, exchanging words too quiet for Eirik and Kaelix to hear from where they stood. Whatever they were saying, it clearly wasn’t about fighting anymore. There was a different energy between them, an undeniable connection.

Eirik’s teasing grin softened as he turned to Kaelix, his voice quieter now. "It’s funny, isn’t it? How much things can change in such a short time."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, glancing at Eirik. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... Sadiki. Drystan." Eirik gestured toward the courtyard. "They’re both different now. And I think it’s because of each other. I’ve known Sadiki my whole life, and I’ve never seen him like this... This happy. I thought he was happy back then, but... maybe I was wrong."

Kaelix’s expression shifted, becoming more thoughtful. He crossed his arms, leaning against the stone railing. "When the right person comes along. We changed the way we never believe, could be possible. I suppose."

Eirik nodded, his thoughts drifting. "It makes me wonder about us. How much we’ve changed."

Kaelix turned fully toward him now, his eyes searching Eirik’s face. "Do you regret it? Any of it?"

Eirik blinked, caught off guard by the sudden seriousness of the question. Regret? No. That wasn’t the right word for what he felt. He shook his head, smiling softly.

"No. No regrets. Just... surprise, maybe. I didn’t think I could ever be this happy when I first came to Zephyros. I thought I was being sent away. I thought I was losing everything. But now... look at us."

Kaelix’s smile returned, softer and more genuine. "Indeed," he echoed, stepping close to Eirik.

They stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the courtyard fading into the background as they shared a quiet, reflective moment.

Eirik leaned into the warmth of Kaelix’s presence, feeling the familiar comfort settle over him.

Just as Eirik was about to break the silence, a guard appeared at the entrance of the courtyard, bowing low before them. "Your Highnesses," the guard greeted. "The royals of Valeidio have arrived."

Eirik’s breath caught in his throat, the weight of the moment crashing back down on him. His family was finally here.

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