A Royal Obligation
Chapter 119: The Royal Wedding

Chapter 119: The Royal Wedding

Back in his chamber, Eirik stood before a large mirror, finally dressed and ready. His heart fluttered as he took in his reflection, barely recognizing the man staring back at him.

Draped in rich royal blues and whites, the fabric adorned with silver embroidery that glimmered like starlight, he looked every inch the prince he was meant to be. Yet beyond the elegance of his attire, it was the soft smile on his face that caught his attention, a genuine, quiet smile, the kind that came from knowing he was in love and ready to embrace whatever came next.

Theron, standing beside him, placed a reassuring hand on Eirik’s shoulder. His eyes were warm, filled with a brotherly pride that Eirik had come to rely on. "Are you ready?" Theron asked, his voice gentle but steady.

Eirik took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day settle into his bones. "I think so," he replied, though his voice wavered slightly.

Julian, who had been watching from the side, wiped the last of his tears away before giving Eirik a playful grin. "You’ve got this, little brother. And if Kaelix so much as makes you frown, I’ll be sure to set him straight."

Eirik laughed, feeling lighter with Julian’s teasing. "I’m sure you will, Julian. But I think we’ll be okay."

As the minutes ticked by, Eirik found himself surrounded by those he loved most, his brothers, his cousins, his parents.

They were his family, the people who had shaped him, stood by him, and lifted him through every trial and triumph. He looked at each of their faces, feeling a profound sense of gratitude well up inside him, threatening to spill over as tears.

This was his family, his strength, but today he would step forward not alone, but with Kaelix by his side.

"Time to go," King Xavian said gently, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled in the room. His voice was calm, but his eyes, just like everyone else’s, glimmered with the bittersweet emotion of the moment.

Eirik nodded, fighting back the lump in his throat. He squared his shoulders and took one last look at himself in the mirror. "Thank you all for being here," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I couldn’t have done this without you."

Meanwhile, in the opposite wing of the palace, Kaelix was also preparing for the ceremony.

The playful teasing of his cousins had been a welcome distraction, but now, alone in his chamber, the reality of what was about to happen hit him all at once. He stared at his reflection in the polished mirror, his ceremonial robes gleaming brightly in the morning sun. Everything about this day felt surreal, as if he were living in a dream that he might wake up from at any moment.

Kaelix ran a nervous hand through his hair, trying to steady his racing heart. Eirik would soon be his husband, and the thought filled him with a surge of determination. He was ready for this new Chapter, for the life they were about to build together.

The doors to his chamber swung open as Darren and Lysander entered, their earlier mischief replaced by sincere encouragement. "It’s time, Kaelix," Darren said, his tone supportive. "We’ll be right behind you."

Kaelix nodded, his heart a mix of nerves and excitement. "Thanks. I’m ready."

The three of them exited the chamber, making their way through the grand halls of the palace. As they walked, Kaelix could hear the distant sounds of celebration, the soft strains of music, the quiet hum of guests finding their seats, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. Every detail, every note, every whisper of joy, was a reminder that this day was for him and Eirik.

As they approached the main hall, Kaelix paused for a moment, taking in the scene. Nobles from both kingdoms, dignitaries, and honored guests filled the room, each dressed in their finest attire, their faces lit with anticipation. His parents stood near the entrance, their expressions filled with pride, and Kaelix’s heart swelled with affection.

The palace bells began to toll, signaling the final hour before the ceremony. The deep, resonant sound echoed through the palace, a call to everyone that history was about to be made. On opposite sides of the palace, Eirik and Kaelix, separated by tradition but united in purpose, felt their hearts beat in sync with the chimes.

As the final chime sounded, Eirik inhaled deeply, his nerves giving way to resolve.

He stood at the start of the grand corridor, flanked by his family. Julian gave him a quick wink, trying to hide his tears, while Theron stood tall, offering a steadying presence. Lucian gave him a slight nod, Ella and Theo were beside him, their expressions calm but filled with silent encouragement. Eirik drew strength from each of them, feeling their love bolster his steps as he moved forward.

The long corridor was a vision of beauty, adorned with fresh flowers, every petal and leaf meticulously arranged for this moment.

Eirik began his walk down the long corridor, each step bringing him closer to a new life. Memories of his first days in Zephyros and quiet moments with Kaelix flooded his mind. Every stride was a step toward something he never knew he needed.

Kaelix stood at the altar, his nerves frayed but his heart full. He tapped his leg anxiously, his gaze fixed on the grand double doors where Eirik would soon appear. Darren leaned in, whispering with a grin, "Relax, cousin. Don’t faint on me now."

Kaelix chuckled softly, grateful for the brief moment of levity.

The guests’ faces beamed with anticipation, the chandeliers above casting a warm, golden light over the grand hall.

When the double doors finally swung open, the room fell silent. All eyes turned toward Eirik as he stepped forward, the collective gasp of the crowd echoing through the hall. Draped in royal splendor, Eirik looked ethereal, radiating a quiet strength that made him seem almost otherworldly.

Eirik’s heart fluttered as his eyes met Kaelix’s. For a brief moment, the grandeur of the palace, the watching eyes, and the buzz of the crowd faded away. All that existed was Kaelix, standing at the altar, looking regal and breathtaking in his ceremonial armor. Eirik’s heart swelled, and he knew, without a doubt, that this was where he was meant to be.

Kaelix’s breath hitched as he watched Eirik approach. He had seen Eirik a thousand times before, but today, in this moment, Eirik looked like a vision, a blend of grace, strength, and gentle nobility. The emotions that had been bubbling inside Kaelix all morning rushed to the surface, and he knew with absolute certainty that this was his future, his person, his heart.

As the ceremonial music swelled, Eirik moved closer, each step bringing him closer to the life he was about to begin. His father walked beside him, guiding him with pride and love, but Kaelix’s gaze never wavered from Eirik. When they finally stood face to face, Kaelix reached out, and Eirik took his hand.

The high priest’s voice echoed through the hall, but Kaelix barely registered the words. All his focus was on Eirik: the warmth of his hand, the steadiness in his eyes, the strength that had drawn Kaelix to him.

Eirik squeezed Kaelix’s hand, a silent promise, and Kaelix smiled, a genuine smile that lit up his entire being.

This was it. They were ready.

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