A Royal Obligation
Chapter 117: Am I Your Type?

Chapter 117: Am I Your Type?

The banquet had finally come to an end, and the palace grounds fell into a hushed stillness, with only the faint glow of moonlight illuminating the grand courtyards. Kaelix and Eirik slipped away from the festivities, seeking solace in the quiet of the night.

They found themselves at the edge of the lake in the palace ground, a serene spot hidden away from prying eyes.

The moonlight glistened on the water’s surface, casting silver ripples that danced with every soft breeze.

Eirik’s eyes traced the familiar outline of the lake, lost in thought.

He could still remember the day Kaelix had caught him here, tangled in an intimate moment with Sadiki.

It felt like a lifetime ago, yet that unexpected encounter had marked the beginning of something far deeper between him and Kaelix.

That day had shattered their formal distance, unveiling the desires and vulnerabilities that lay beneath their carefully constructed facades. Who would have thought that a moment of carelessness would set them on a path to becoming more than just allies?

Eirik’s lips curled into a soft smile at the memory, and he shook his head slightly at the irony of it all. Kaelix, ever attentive, caught the faint curve of Eirik’s smile. He couldn’t help but ask, "What’s got you smiling like that?"

Eirik blinked, pulled from his reverie, and glanced at Kaelix with a mixture of fondness and amusement. "Oh, it’s nothing," he said, though his eyes told a different story. "Just thinking about how far we’ve come. It’s hard to believe sometimes."

Kaelix let out a low chuckle and moved closer, his arm wrapped around Eirik’s waist, as they stood at the water edge. "I know what you mean," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

He pulled Eirik gently against his chest. "I still can’t believe it myself. Tomorrow... tomorrow, we’ll be married. You and me. I’ve dreamed of it, but now that it’s here..." He trailed off, his usually composed demeanor showing a rare flicker of vulnerability.

Eirik leaned into the warmth of Kaelix’s embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart through his cchest

For a moment, everything faded away. It was just them, standing together by the lake, two souls who had found each other in the most unexpected way. Eirik’s fingers brushed lightly over the fabric of Kaelix’s tunic, savoring the closeness.

"I’m glad it’s you," Eirik whispered, his voice tinged with sincerity. "Through all of this... I’m glad it’s you I get to marry."

Kaelix’s eyes softened at Eirik’s words. "You know, that day I saw you with Sadiki, I was furious. Not at you, but at myself, for feeling something I thought I shouldn’t."

He paused, his gaze drifting over the lake as if searching for the right words. "But that moment... it made me realize how much I wanted you, not just as a political ally, but as someone I could truly love. It terrified me."

Eirik, could hear the raw honesty in his voice, the kind of vulnerability Kaelix rarely showed. "You’re not the only one who was scared," Eirik admitted. "I’ve always had to hide who I am, what I feel. But with you... I don’t have to hide. No more nightmares. I can just be me."

Kaelix tightened his hold, his thumb brushing tenderly against Eirik’s cheek. "And that’s all I’ve ever wanted, to see the real you. No veils, no nightmares. Just us." He hesitated, his usual confidence wavering slightly. "I’ll admit, I’m nervous about tomorrow. Not about marrying you, but about... failing you somehow."

Eirik turned to face him fully, cupping Kaelix’s face in his hands. He shook his head, his smile warm and rreassuring

"You could never fail me, Kaelix. We’re in this together, and we’ll face whatever comes our way. This is just the beginning of our forever. And I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Kaelix’s heart swelled at Eirik’s words, a wave of gratitude washing over him. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against Eirik’s.

They shared a lingering gaze, the unspoken understanding between them deepening. For a moment, they were the only two people in the world, bound by a love that had grown quietly but fiercely, defying all expectations.

Finally Kaelix leaned in, capturing Eirik’s lips in a soft, heartfelt kiss that spoke of all the promises and hopes they shared. Eirik responded, his hands finding their way to Kaelix’s shoulders, pulling him closer as they lost themselves in the moment.

"I love you," Kaelix whispered, after the break the kids to catch their breath. "Tomorrow, we start a new Chapter, and I can’t wait."

Eirik smiled, brushing his lips softly against Kaelix’s. "I love you too," he replied, his voice filled with warmth and certainty.

They resumed the kiss, slow and unhurried this time, savoring the quietness of the night and the depth of their connection.

Not far from the couple, Drystan and Sadiki stood, keeping a watchful eye on their princes from a respectful distance.

The moonlight bathed the guards in a soft glow, highlighting Drystan’s intense gaze and Sadiki’s subtle fidgets.

Drystan kept stealing glances at Sadiki, who seemed unusually tense. Ever since the Mbuzuorian delegation had arrived, Sadiki had been acting differently, and Drystan couldn’t ignore it any longer.

"So," Drystan began casually, breaking the silence between them.

"Are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and Prince Carl?" Drystan’s voice was low, but there was a pointed edge to his question.

Sadiki stiffened, the question clearly catching him off guard.

His eyes snapped to Drystan’s with a flicker of unease. "Nothing is going on," he said, a little too quickly, his tone defensive, as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Drystan raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the deflection. "You’re not fooling anyone, Sadiki. You’ve been on edge since they arrived, and I’ve seen the way Carl looks at you. It’s not nothing."

Sadiki’s jaw tightened, his discomfort clear. "He just... I just found him uncomfortable for some reason, that’s all," Sadiki replied, his voice strained as if trying to convince himself as much as Drystan. "There’s nothing between us okay."

Drystan studied him for a moment, not missing the slight tremor in Sadiki’s usually steady demeanor. "Why do I find that hard to believe?" Drystan pressed, his tone softer but still insistent. "You’re a terrible liar, you know."

Sadiki’s temper flared, his eyes flashing as he snapped, "I told you, nothing is going on! Just drop it."

Drystan raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, a playful smirk tugging at his lips despite the tension. "Alright... alright, if you say so," he said, his voice laced with a teasing lilt. "No need to get angry, baby. I just don’t want him stealing you from me."

The unexpected endearment caught Sadiki off guard, and for the first time that night, a faint smile broke through his stern expression. A rare moment of embarrassment crossed his usually stoic face.

He glanced at Drystan and rolled his eyes. "He’s not even my type," Sadiki muttered, he tried to sound dismissive but failed to hide the small hint of amusement. His cheeks warm under Drystan’s amused gaze.

Drystan’s grin widened, his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh? And I am? Your type, I mean? He quipped, leaning in closer, his breath ghosting over Sadiki’s ear in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.

Sadiki tried to maintain his composure but found himself flustered under Drystan’s mischievousness. "Whatever," he mumbled. "Stop bothering me, Drystan." Sadiki huffed, but his tone lacked its usual bite.

Drystan’s smirk softened into something warmer, more genuine. "That’s not a no," he pointed out, his voice low and flirtatious. "So I’m taking it as a yes."

Before Sadiki could respond, Drystan leaned in and stole a quick, playful kiss, the boldness of the gesture catching Sadiki completely off guard. And he pulled back with a satisfied grin.

Sadiki shoved him slightly, his expression a mix of exasperation and embarrassment. "Stop it, we’re on duty," he scolded, though there was no real anger in his voice, just the familiar rhythm of their banter.

Drystan chuckled, unabashed.

His eyes lingered on Sadiki with an affectionate warmth. "Can’t help it," he said with a mischievous wink. "You’re irresistible." He paused, his gaze flickered on Sadiki’s lips before he added, "My quarters tonight?" His tone was a mix of suggestion and hope.

Sadiki didn’t respond with words, but the faint smile that tugged at his mouth said more than words ever could. He glanced away, fighting the urge to grin too widely, but the flicker of anticipation in his eyes was unmistakable.

Drystan watched him with a knowing look, pleased with the unspoken promise between them.

Back by the lake, Kaelix and Eirik remained lost in their private world, completely unaware of the quiet exchange unfolding between their guards.

They found comfort in each other’s presence, cherishing these final moments of freedom before stepping into the roles of husband and husband.