A Royal Obligation
Chapter 116: The Grand Banquet

Chapter 116: The Grand Banquet

Watching the dynamic between the two princes was always entertaining to Drystan, but it was clear to him that their love was genuine. There was no doubt in his mind that Prince Eirik and Prince Kaelix were meant for each other.

As Abigail and her entourage were escorted away, another grand carriage rolled into view, this one adorned with the proud sigil of Valeidio.

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Eirik’s breath caught at the sight of familiar faces. General Marcellus and Lady Helena stepped out, their expressions bright with joy as they approached the couple.

"Prince Eirik!" Lady Helena called, her voice filled with warmth as she hurried forward, her skirts trailing behind her. "It’s been far too long, my dear!"

Eirik’s face broke into a genuine smile, and he stepped forward to greet her, his heart swelling at the sight of his old companions. "Lady Helena, General Marcellus. It’s so good to see you again.

Marcellus offered a deep bow, his hand resting over his heart. "Your Highness. Valeidio rejoices in your union. We are honored to be here."

The reunion was heartfelt, filled with laughter and fond memories. Kaelix watched from the side, his hand resting gently on Eirik’s back, content to let his fiancé bask in the love of his people.

After the initial reunion with the soon-to-be-wed couple, Marcellus and Helena turned to greet King Xavian and Queen Morgana, both of whom had arrived in Zephyros two days earlier to oversee the final preparations for the wedding.

They exchanged warm words and shared stories of Valeidio, their laughter echoing in the courtyard as memories of home were revisited.

As the day wore on, the sun began to sink below the horizon, casting the palace in a golden glow.

Eirik and Kaelix stood side by side, and watched as the last of the guests disappeared into the palace.

With a shared glance, they turned and made their way inside to prepare for the grand banquet awaiting them later that evening.

---

The grand banquet hall of Zephyros Palace shimmered with light, every inch adorned in golds and silvers, while soft music echoed through the space.

Tables were laid with gleaming silverware and overflowing platters of food. Torches along the walls cast a warm glow, reflecting off the chandeliers that hung overhead like stars in the night sky.

The scent of roasted meats, fragrant herbs, and exotic wines filled the air, blending with the hum of excited conversations.

Queen Elena stood at the head of the hall, her posture regal as she oversaw the event. Her lips curled into a serene smile, but beneath her grace was the sharp focus of a ruler.

This was more than just a wedding banquet, it was a political arena where alliances could be strengthened or broken. Her eyes swept the room, taking in the key figures from the four kingdoms who had gathered under her roof.

At a central table sat Prince Kaelix and Prince Eirik, side by side, a united front. The couple radiated a quiet strength, an aura of love that was impossible to miss.

Their closeness was evident in the way Kaelix would occasionally lean in to whisper something to Eirik, drawing a smile or soft laugh from him.

Surrounding the couple were Eirik’s siblings, his older brother Theron, who sat with a drink in hand, observing the room with a protective gaze, and the mischievous twins, Lucian and Julian, who were deep in conversation with Eirik’s cousins, Theo and Ella.

The group’s playful banter kept the atmosphere light, despite the tension lingering beneath the surface.

Kaelix’s cousins, Darren and Lysander, sat nearby, their eyes twinkling as they joined in the jokes about the wedding. "I’m just saying," Lysander said with a teasing grin, "Kaelix looks like he’s already lost in Eirik’s eyes. If he gets any more love-struck, he might stumble down the aisle tomorrow."

Darren laughed heartily. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already written poetry for the vows. You’ve got it bad, cousin."

Kaelix rolled his eyes, though a smile played on his lips. "I’d say it’s worth it," he replied, his gaze drifting fondly to Eirik, whose cheeks flushed under the attention. "I’ve never been more certain of anything."

The teasing from both sides of the family continued, but there was a warmth to it. Even though tomorrow’s wedding was a grand political event, for those who knew the couple best, it was also a celebration of genuine love.

Eirik’s siblings shared a glance, their silent communication clear: they were relieved.

Relieved that Kaelix, despite the political nature of their union, truly adored their brother. Eirik, so often reserved, looked radiant tonight, his usually hidden beauty on full display.

The veils he’d once worn had been cast aside for this occasion, allowing the world to see the man Kaelix had fallen in love with.

But not everyone in the room was focused on the celebration of love.

Across the banquet hall, Prince Carl of the Mbuzuoria Kingdom sat with his father’s advisor, Caledon.

Carl’s face was set in a thoughtful frown, his fingers tracing the rim of his goblet as he observed the room. He had come to Zephyros with one goal: to ensure that Prince Eirik would not survive the night.

But now... now everything had changed.

When Carl had first been introduced to Prince Eirik earlier that day, he had been struck, no, captivated. He hadn’t expected such beauty, such grace hidden beneath the rumors of Eirik’s withdrawn nnature

Eirik was unlike anyone Carl had ever seen. His presence, his laughter, the way Kaelix adored him, it stirred something deep in Carl, a possessive desire that took root and wouldn’t let go.

Carl’s eyes lingered on Eirik now, watching the prince laugh with Kaelix and his family. His heart twisted with envy and something darker.

"That should be me", he thought, his grip tightening on his goblet. If only he had known Eirik’s true beauty earlier, he would have made his move long before Kaelix had entered the picture.

Subtle glances were exchanged between Carl and the object of his desire, though Eirik seemed unaware of Carl’s growing obsession.

As Eirik leaned into Kaelix, laughing at some jest, Carl clenched his goblet so hard he thought it might shatter. He had never wanted anything more. "I will have him", Carl vowed silently. "One way or another."

The banquet’s laughter and music continued, but Carl’s mind churned with plans. He had come here to end Eirik’s life on his father’s orders, a calculated move to destabilize the alliance between Zephyros and Valeidio.

But that plan no longer served him. Now, Carl’s mission had changed. He didn’t want Eirik dead, he wanted him for himself.

He would find a way to take Eirik, to make him his, and Kaelix? Kaelix would be nothing more than an obstacle in his path. Carl’s eyes shifted to Sadiki, standing behind Eirik, ever the silent and dutiful guard.

As if on cue, Sadiki’s gaze met Carl’s for a fleeting moment, and Carl smirked knowingly. Sadiki quickly averted his eyes, his stoic mask slipping for a fraction of a second.

Drystan, who stood behind Kaelix, had been watching Sadiki all night, and he knew something was clearly amiss between Prince Carl and Sadiki.

Ever since the arrival of the Mbuzuorian delegation, Sadiki had been... off. Drystan could sense it.

Prince Carl leaned closer to Caledon, his voice low but commanding. "Stop them," he said.

Caledon, confused, hesitated. "My prince?" he asked softly, his brow furrowing. "You promised your father..."

"I said stop them," Carl interrupted sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There’s been a change of plans. I’ll explain it to my father when we return."

Caledon’s expression shifted, uncertainty clear in his eyes, but he nodded obediently. "Of course, Your Highness."

The advisor’s voice was a mere whisper, meant for Carl’s ears alone.

Sadiki, chest tightened , unease crept in as he watch Prince Carl and Caledon whispering to each other. "What are they planning?"

Sadiki’s thoughts raced, his mind darting between the possible reasons for Carl to be in Zephyros. Carl is not someone that loves celebrating with others, so is definitely not for the wedding celebration.

Carl’s smirk lingered as he watched Sadiki’s subtle discomfort. The Mbuzuorian prince knew exactly how to rattle him, and the satisfaction that came from it was almost as sweet as the idea of claiming Eirik for himself.

As the banquet continued, the political undertones became harder to ignore. Conversations at the various tables dipped into tense subjects, alliances, resources, the balance of power among the kkingdoms

Kaelix leaned closer to Eirik, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. "Are you alright?" he asked quietly, sensing Eirik’s unease.

Eirik smiled at him, though his eyes flickered with a sense of uncertainty.

"I’m fine," Eirik assured him. "It’s just... there’s a lot going on tonight." He cast a glance around the hall, catching the pointed looks exchanged between guests, the whispered conversations that carried a hint of danger. "I just hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow."

"It will," Kaelix promised, squeezing his hand under the table.

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