A Royal Obligation
Chapter 115: The Arrival of Guests

Chapter 115: The Arrival of Guests

The streets of Zephyros were alive with jubilation. Banners of crimson and gold fluttered in the breeze as the were hung from every window and balcony.

Children darted through the crowds, their laughter and song filled the air.

Some children waved from rooftops and doorways, their small hands eager to greet the grand carriages rolling through the stone streets.

They were in high spirits, their faces lit with joy. Tomorrow would be a day of celebration, one of the most significant the kingdom had seen in years: the royal wedding of Prince Kaelix of Zephyros and Prince Eirik of Valeidio.

The grandeur of the carriages making their way toward the palace was a sight to behold. Horses with glistening coats pulled elaborate carriages gilded in silver and gold. Some were carved with symbols of prosperity, others adorned with banners representing the great houses of the realm. The people of Zephyros had never seen such a spectacle, and their excitement was palpable.

The palace itself was a sight to behold. The banners fluttered in the soft breeze, the sun catching on the golden spires that towered above the courtyard. Servants hurried about, their arms laden with gifts and arrangements, preparing for the arrival of the distinguished guests. Musicians played soft melodies, creating a backdrop of elegance and grandeur that enveloped the palace grounds.

At the palace gates, Queen Elena of Zephyros stood with regal poise, her deep red gown reflecting the vibrant hues of the sunset. The queen’s posture was one of elegance and authority as she graciously welcomed the esteemed guests from across the four kingdoms.

To her right stood her husband King Reagan, his broad shoulders and stern countenance a striking contrast to her warmth. He surveyed the approaching carriages with an expression of measured pride, his arms crossed behind his back. The soon-to-be-married couple, Prince Kaelix and Prince Eirik, stood just behind them, their personal guards Sadiki and Drystan flanking them protectively.

Prince Eirik was nothing short of mesmerizing.

His long white hair cascaded over his shoulders, glinting like freshly fallen snow, and his violet eyes shimmered with an ethereal light that left everyone who looked at him captivated.

Guests arriving from far-off lands could not contain their awe. Murmurs of admiration filled the air as they commented on his beauty, and it was clear that many found it hard to believe someone so breathtakingly handsome existed in the realm.

"Zephyros is blessed," one courtier whispered. "Prince Kaelix is a lucky man indeed."

Kaelix, overhearing the praise, smiled with quiet pride. His chest swelled as guest after guest congratulated him, each remark reminding him of how fortunate he was to be getting married to someone as beautiful and graceful as Eirik. His fingers brushed Eirik’s ever so slightly, a subtle reassurance as if to say, Yes, I know how lucky I am.

Eirik, though outwardly composed, could feel the weight of their admiration. His violet eyes flicked from one guest to another, polite but guarded. He was used to such attention, yet it never truly sat comfortably with him. Still, he leaned into Kaelix’s presence, finding comfort in the firm, grounding energy of his fiancé.

Kaelix leaned closer to Eirik and murmured something that made the younger prince smile, albeit faintly. Drystan, standing just behind them, caught the interaction and allowed himself the briefest of smiles before returning his gaze to the crowd.

King Xavian and Queen Morgana of Valeidio stood slightly to the side, observing the arrivals with dignified pride. It was not every day that such a union between kingdoms took place, and this marriage represented more than love; it was an alliance, a bond of peace and strength.

As each guest was announced, the crowd in the palace courtyard whispered in awe, eager to see who had come to witness this union.

From the direction of the gates, a new carriage arrived, its dark, polished wood gleaming under the sunlight. The banner of Mbuzuoria fluttered proudly atop it. As the door swung open, Crown Prince Carl of Mbuzuoria stepped out, close behind him was Caledon, the king’s advisor, a man known for his sharp mind and quiet influence within the Mbuzuorian court.

Carl, dressed impeccably in royal blues and silvers, cut a striking figure with his tall stature and sharp features. His eyes were intense, and the crowd seemed to hush as he approached the royal family.

Queen Elena greeted them warmly, her smile radiant as she exchanged pleasantries. After offering his respects to the Zephyros royal family, Prince Carl made his way over to Kaelix and Eirik.

As Carl neared, his gaze fell upon Eirik, and for a moment, he faltered.

His breath hitched, just barely perceptible, and something primal stirred within him.

"I want him," was the first thought that tore through his mind, sudden and unbidden. But Carl, ever composed, quickly masked his emotions, forcing himself to smile warmly as he approached.

"Prince Kaelix, Prince Eirik," Carl greeted, his voice smooth and controlled, "I bring congratulations from Mbuzuoria. Your union is a symbol of hope for the realm. And it is an honor to witness such a significant moment for the realm."

Kaelix nodded, the smile on his lips polite, though his sharp eyes caught the brief flicker in Carl’s expression. "We are honored by your presence, Prince Carl."

Eirik, though silent, dipped his head in acknowledgment, but something in Carl’s gaze unnerved him. He could feel the weight of Carl’s attention, the way his eyes lingered just a fraction longer than they should have. It was subtle, but enough to stir something in the pit of his stomach, a discomfort he couldn’t quite place.

Caledon stepped forward, offering his own polite greetings to the couple. His words were smooth and rehearsed, the mark of a practiced diplomat.

As they were prepared to leave, Carl gaze flicked toward the guards standing behind the couple. His eyes landed on Sadiki, and for a moment, they locked. Carl’s expression tightened almost imperceptibly, his stare lingering a beat too long.

Sadiki shifted uncomfortably under the weight of that stare, unease crawling up his spine, his usually steady presence momentarily faltering. It was subtle, but it was enough to draw Drystan’s attention.

Drystan standing close by, noticed the exchange. His brow furrowed slightly, his eyes darting between Carl and Sadiki. Does he know him? Drystan wondered, making a mental note to question Sadiki later. Whatever had just transpired, it was not something to be overlooked. For now, he kept his thoughts to himself, his sharp gaze flickering between Carl and Sadiki.

As Carl and Caledon was escorted away by a servant, Sadiki stood rigid, his mind racing. Drystan, noticing the tension in his friend’s posture, leaned slightly toward him, his voice low. "You seem rattled, Sadiki. Is everything alright?"

Sadiki gave a stiff nod. "I’m fine. Just... nothing to worry about." But the edge in his voice told Drystan otherwise.

Before Drystan could press further, another carriage approached, this one bearing the elegant insignia of Neomenia Kingdom.

A sleek carriage painted in deep blue and silver, came to a stop.

Princess Abigail, dressed in a flowing gown of midnight blue, descended from the carriage with grace, followed closely by Neomenia’s prime minister, an older man with a stern expression.

Abigail was a vision of beauty, her smile warm as she approached Queen Morgana of Valeidio, who welcomed her with open arms.

After the formal greetings, Abigail turned to the couple, her gaze lingering on Kaelix.

"Prince Kaelix, Prince Eirik," she said, her voice melodic. "Neomenia offers its deepest congratulations. Your union will be celebrated throughout the realm. And may the gods bless your union with prosperity and joy. Neomenia celebrates with you."

Kaelix inclined his head, and Eirik smiled politely, but Kaelix’s gaze lingered on her for just a moment. A flicker of recognition passed through his eyes, recalling a time before his engagement to Eirik when Abigail had caught his attention.

But as he looked at Abigail, he found himself wondering what had once attracted him to her.

She was undeniably beautiful, yes, but as he stood beside Eirik, he realized how far she paled in comparison. Eirik’s beauty was unparalleled, his presence commanding in a way Abigail’s never could be.

And Kaelix couldn’t imagine anyone else being by his side. His husband-to-be was more than anything he had ever dreamed of, Eirik’s beauty, both inside and out, far outshone any fleeting attraction from his past.

Eirik, catched the way Kaelix stared at Abigail, he frowned slightly, jealousy flaring in his chest. Without thinking he nudged Kaelix with his elbow, his violet eyes narrowing slightly in warning.

Kaelix, senses Eirik’s sudden mood, he leaned close and whispered, "Don’t worry. No one could ever compare to you." His words were soft, filled with affection."

Eirik’s cheeks flushed, though he kept his expression carefully composed.

Behind them, Drystan watched the exchange, amusement dancing in his eyes. Eirik’s jealousy was endearing, and Kaelix’s attempts to soothe him were just as entertaining.