A Royal Obligation
Chapter 114: Queen Morgana’s Blessing

Chapter 114: Queen Morgana’s Blessing

Eirik sat on the cushioned bench in front of his mirror, watching in the reflection as his maids gently unwound the few braids from his long, silvery-white hair.

The soft, rhythmic motions were soothing, and for a moment, the world outside his chambers faded away.

His mind wandered, replaying the events of the past few weeks, his family teasing Kaelix, his annoyance and most of all their apologies. Eirik was happy that his family has finally come around.

Who could have thought he would be so upset with his family for provoking Kaelix. Who could have believed that he and Kaelix once start off with the wrong foot. But now, they both genuinely care for each other.

Kaelix, the man he had been so hesitant to marry, had turned out to be the one who made him feel more at home than he ever thought possible, made him shout at his family for the first time.

Eirik smiled at that thought.

It was all worth it...

A knock at the door broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

"Come in," Eirik called softly.

The door creaked open, and the figure that entered made his smile widened, a familiar, regal presence.

Queen Morgana, his mother, stepped into the room with her graceful stride, her long, deep blue gown trailing softly behind her. Her silver crown, glinting in the candlelight, seemed almost too heavy for such a delicate woman, but Queen Morgana bore it effortlessly, as she did all the burdens of her royal duties.

The maids, seeing the queen, quickly curtsied and excused themselves from the room, leaving Eirik alone with his mother.

"Mother," Eirik greeted with a warm smile, rising from his seat to kiss her cheek.

Morgana returned the gesture, her hand resting affectionately on his arm. "My son, you look well," she said, her voice carrying the usual softness that belied her strength. She gestured for him to sit, settling herself in a nearby chair.

Eirik sat back down, letting out a small sigh of relief. His mother’s presence is always a welcomed company. "I’m feeling better than I thought I would, honestly."

Morgana raised an eyebrow as she sat across from him. "Better than you thought, hmm? I recall someone being rather... distressed at the thought of this marriage."

Eirik laughed, his eyes crinkling at the memory. "You mean crying like a child when I found out I had to marry a man I barely knew?"

"Yes, exactly that," Morgana teased, her voice light and full of affection. "And now look at you."

Eirik’s face flushed in embarrassment at the mention of his past distress.

"I wanted to speak with you privately," Morgana said, her eyes studying him carefully, as though trying to gauge the true state of his mind. "I’ve been meaning to since we arrived, but you’ve been so occupied with your siblings and cousins."

Eirik chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We’ve a lot of catching up to do. And A lot of things to amend."

"Of course you have." Morgana’s eyes softened. "I’m sure it hasn’t been easy, but I must say, from what I’ve heard, you’ve been handling it with grace."

Eirik raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "Grace? That’s an interesting word for it."

His mother laughed, a sound that was warm and rich. "I heard you put them in their places."

Eirik flushed slightly, though he couldn’t help but laugh along. "Yes, well... in my defense, I was defending and protecting the man I love."

Morgana leaned back in her chair, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Love? You love him already?"

Eirik hesitated for a moment, glancing at his reflection in the mirror.

He thought of Kaelix and the relationship they were beginning to form.

Eirik remembered how, he was so upset when he found out about the marriage arrangement.

In his defense, he didn’t exactly know what he was walking into. He thought he was being thrown to the wolves.

Into a loveless marriage.

But, things weren’t the way thought it will be.

Zephyros welcomed him with open arms and hearts, And now Kaelix love him, even though he was annoying at first. Most of all, how he love Kaelix as well.

"Yes I do..." Eirik’s voice trailed off, and he shook his head, smiling faintly. "I guess things worked out for the better."

His mother’s gaze softened even further, a look of pride shining in her eyes. She leaned forward, her tone gentle but probing. "Kaelix seems to adore you."

Eirik smile at that. "I adore him too," he said quietly, as if the truth of his feelings was too big to say out loud.

Morgana’s eyes twinkled with motherly pride. "I’m glad to see that the two of you have found happiness. It brings me peace, Eirik. Knowing that you’re not only safe but loved."

A small, knowing smile tugged at Morgana’s lips. "And did you noticed the way he looks at you like you’re the only thing in the room. It’s clear to anyone paying attention."

Eirik laughed nervously, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "Mother, I think you might be reading too much into things."

Morgana shook her head, her smile widening. "I’m not blind, Eirik. I know what I’m talking about. The way he looks at you... Anyways I’m not surprised, I knew he will never resist your charm. You are too lovable not to be loved."

Eirik smile and shifted slightly, thinking back to those early days of uncertainty. "It wasn’t so easy at first. But Kaelix... he made everything better now."

Morgana’s smile deepened. "Kaelix is a good man. I can see why you’ve grown to love him."

Eirik nodded, feeling the truth of her words settle warmly in his chest. "He is. I never imagined I’d be this happy, especially considering how things began."

Morgana’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah yes, very unforgettable beginning."

Eirik chuckled, shaking his head. "I really thought I was being exiled to some far-off kingdom where no one would care about me."

"And instead," Morgana said with a playful smile, "you found a man who cherishes you."

Eirik smiled again, feeling his heart lighten with every passing second. "It feels strange, in a way. How something that began as a political arrangement turned into something real."

Morgana leaned forward, her expression softening. "That’s how the best things in life often happen, Eirik. Love doesn’t always come in the way we expect. Sometimes it sneaks up on us when we least expect it."

Eirik laughed, the tension he hadn’t realized he was carrying slipping away. "It definitely snuck up on me."

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence for a moment.

After a moment, Morgana reached out, and takes Eirik’s hand in hers. "I am so proud of you, my son. You’ve always been the heart of our family, and now, you’re the heart of this one as well."

Eirik felt a lump rise in his throat, "I’m just glad you’re here to see it," Eirik said, his voice thick with emotion.

Morgana smiled, her thumb brushing gently over his hand. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And don’t think I won’t be visiting often. I want to see how this love story of yours unfolds."

Eirik laughed, shaking his head. "I’m sure Kaelix will love that."

"I’m sure he will," Morgana teased. "He’ll just have to get used to me."

Eirik smiled, his heart full. He knew his mother and Kaelix would get along just fine. Morgana had a way of charming even the most stoic of hearts, and Kaelix, though strong and commanding, had a soft spot when it came to family.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Morgana leaned back in her chair, her eyes growing thoughtful. "You know, I never doubted you would find your way, Eirik. But I did worry about whether you would find happiness."

Eirik looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Why?"

Morgana’s gaze softened. "Because you’ve always been so focused on duty, on being what everyone else needed you to be. I worried you would never let yourself want something just for you."

Eirik opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words. His mother was right, of course. He had spent so much of his life trying to live up to expectations, trying to be the son, the prince, the man everyone thought he should be. He had never really let himself think about what he wanted , not until Kaelix had come into his life.

"I guess I’ve been lucky," Eirik said after a long pause. "I didn’t think I deserved this, but Kaelix... he makes me feel like I do."

Morgana’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and she reached out to cup his cheek. "You do, my love. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Eirik smiled, leaning into her touch. "Thank you, Mother."

Morgana stood, her hand slipping from his cheek as she stepped back. "I won’t keep you any longer. But just know, Eirik, that I’m always here for you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it."

Eirik rose to his feet, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "I know. And thank you, for everything."

Morgana smiled, her eyes filled with love and pride. "Take care of yourself, my son. And take care of Kaelix."

"I will," Eirik promised, his heart full.

As his mother left the room, Eirik stood by the door for a moment, feeling a sense of peace settle over him.

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