A Royal Obligation
Chapter 120: Vows and Jealousy Gaze

Chapter 120: Vows and Jealousy Gaze

The grand hall of the palace was filled with a hushed anticipation as the wedding ceremony of Eirik and Kaelix began.

Nobles and dignitaries from both kingdoms filled the space, their eyes fixed on the altar where the two princes stood.

The High Priest, adorned in robes of deep crimson and gold, stood at the altar, his voice resonating through the vast space as he recited the ancient vows that had been spoken at royal weddings for generations.

Eirik listened, and absorbed every word, but his entire world was focused on the man standing beside him.

He stole a glance at Kaelix, and a quiet warmth spread through him. This was real. They were here. Together. The rest of the world melted away, and for a moment, it was just the two of them, standing at the precipice of a new beginning.

The High Priest concluded, signaling that it was time for Kaelix to speak his vows.

Kaelix turned to Eirik and spoke with conviction that echoed in every corner of the hall.

"I vow to honor you, to cherish every breath we share, and to guard our love fiercely," he said, his voice deep and sincere. "You are my courage, my joy, and my peace, Eirik. I will always be yours."

Eirik’s eyes softened, his lips curling into a small smile that was reserved only for Kaelix. He took a moment to steady himself, feeling the weight of his own vows about to be spoken.

When the time came for Eirik to speak his own vows, his eyes shimmered with emotion. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the presence of the man he loved.

"I promise to stand by you, in light and darkness, in joy and sorrow," Eirik began, his voice steady but layered with feeling. "To cherish every moment we have, and to protect the love we share. You are my heart, Kaelix, today and always.

There was a tremble in his voice, but it was not from fear, it was from the overwhelming depth of emotion that surged through him. Eirik’s gaze never left Kaelix’s, and as he spoke, it was as if they were the only two people in the room.

The room felt charged with the significance of the moment. Every word spoken was a promise, every look shared a testament to their bond. The audience watched in rapt silence, captivated by the profound intimacy unfolding before them.

Yet amidst the sea of joyous faces, one pair of eyes watched with a different kind of intensity.

Prince Carl sat near the front, his posture rigid, his expression carefully composed, but his eyes betrayed a storm of conflicting emotions.

Each word of devotion that Eirik and Kaelix exchanged felt like a dagger, reminding him of what he could not have. Carl’s eyes were fixed on Eirik, his jealousy simmering just beneath the surface.

Carl fists clenched tight in his laps,

his mind consumed with thoughts of what could have been.

Eirik was supposed to be his; it was Carl who deserved to stand at the altar beside him, not Kaelix. Every stolen glance, every touch between the two men was salt in his wounds.

Beside Carl, Caledon watched his prince carefully, he noticed the slight twitch in Carl’s jaw and the intensity in his eyes.

He had seen this side of Carl before, the brooding, the quiet fury that lurked behind his charming facade, but this was different; it was darker, fueled by something far more dangerous.

Caledon’s eyes flicked between the couple at the altar and Carl, a silent question in his gaze: What are you planning?

Carl’s thoughts were a tangled mess of jealousy, desire, and a sense of entitlement that he couldn’t quite shake. He wants Eirik, he was convinced that no one else deserved Eirik other than him.

Seeing Kaelix stand beside Eirik, hearing the vows exchanged with such raw emotion, made something dark twist inside him. It should be me up there, he thought bitterly. Eirik should belongs to me.

The thought of Kaelix spending the night with Eirik, holding him, kissing him, it made Carl’s blood boil. He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his emotions in check, but the envy was suffocating. Be patient, he reminded himself, his mind racing with schemes and half-formed plans. It doesn’t matter who has him first. What matters is who keeps him in the end. Eirik will be mine.

The High Priest’s voice pulled Carl from his bitter thoughts, announcing the exchange of rings.

Eirik and Kaelix each took the ring that symbolized their commitment, slipping them onto each other’s fingers.

The rings, delicate bands of gold set with rare stones, gleamed under the light of the grand chandeliers, each one a symbol of their unbreakable bond. Eirik slipped the ring onto Kaelix’s finger, his touch lingering, while Kaelix did the same, his movements reverent and deliberate.

The High Priest’s voice rang out, clear and commanding. "By the power vested in me and by the ancient tradition of the four kingdoms, I now pronounce you united in love and life. You are bound, not by duty alone, but by the vows you have exchanged today. May your hearts remain as steadfast as your promises.

The room erupted in applause, cheers echoing off the grand walls as the declaration was made official.

Eirik and Kaelix turned toward each other, their smiles soft and full of unspoken promises. They leaned in, sharing their first kiss as husbands, a gentle, heartfelt meeting of lips that was more than just a formality. It was a promise of love, of commitment, of forever. The kiss lingered, tender and sweet, drawing applause and a few teary eyes from the crowd.

Carl watched, his nails digging into the armrest of his chair. It took every ounce of self-control not to stand up and march to the altar, to pull Eirik away and demand that he see reason. Calm down, he repeated to himself, but the words felt hollow. It was getting harder to control the simmering rage beneath his polished exterior.

When Eirik and Kaelix finally pulled apart, they turned to face their families. Julian was openly crying now, his tears a mix of joy and pride, while Lucian subtly wiped his eyes, trying to keep his ccomposure

Amarok stood beside the twins, smiling brightly as he watched the newly wedded couple. Theron nodded approvingly, his usually stoic face softening as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

Ella and Theo clapped enthusiastically, their smiles wide and genuine. The happiness in the room was palpable, a shared joy that spread through every corner of the hall.

Kaelix’s cousins, Darren and Lysander, cheered loudly, their happiness, genuine. King Reagan and Queen Elena watched with quiet pride, their hearts full as they saw their son take this monumental step. Queen Morgana and King Xavian looked on with matching expressions of contentment, knowing that their son had found his happiness.

Drystan nudged Sadiki, the two personal guards beaming with pride for their masters.