A Royal Obligation
Chapter 122: Zephyros Fertility Dance

Chapter 122: Zephyros Fertility Dance

The sunlight streamed through the grand windows, bathing the newly wedded in a warm, golden glow as they stepped outside hand in hand.

Kaelix and Eirik were greeted by the joyous cheers of the people of Zephyros. The crowd had gathered to witness the union of their princes, and as Kaelix and Eirik appeared, they were met with an outpouring of love and celebration.

Flowers were thrown at their feet, petals swirling in the air like confetti, blanketing the cobblestones with splashes of colors.

The crowd’s cheers were thunderous, their joy palpable as they celebrated the union of the two princes who had captured their hearts.

Eirik glanced at Kaelix, his heart full as he took in the joy on his husband’s face. It was a look of pure, unbridled happiness that Eirik would remember for the rest of his life. Kaelix met his gaze, and in that silent exchange, they both knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

Kaelix squeezed Eirik’s hand, his gaze filled with unspoken words: We’ve made it, and I’ll never let you go.

They continued toward the elegantly arranged seating area, where tables were draped in rich blue and gold fabrics, the colors of Zephyros. The central table, reserved for the newlyweds, was adorned with a cascade of white roses and ivy, symbolizing purity and eternal love. Surrounding them were the seats for their family and closest allies, positioned in a way that allowed everyone to feel part of the intimate celebration.

Amarok sat in between Julian and Lucian, their expressions a mix of pride and happiness, their gazes never straying far from the newly wedded.

Theron, Theo, Ella , Darren and Lysander filled the seats nearby.

As Eirik and Kaelix took their seats at the central table, the courtiers and citizens raised their glasses in a grand toast. The day was filled with merriment and celebration, laughter echoing through the palace as toasts were raised, and dances were shared. Musicians played lively tunes, and the courtyard was alive with the vibrant energy of Zephyros.

But amidst the joy, there was one lingering gaze, dark and brooding, that stood out among the crowd.

Prince Carl watched from the sidelines, his heart heavy with a dangerous mix of desire and resentment. Seeing Eirik and Kaelix accepting congratulations from the crowd, sent a sharp pang of envy through his chest.

Eirik may have been wedded to Kaelix, but Carl’s patience was not infinite. He would have Eirik, one way or another, and he would lock him away where only he could see that beauty, where no one else could ever touch what was his. For now, he would wait, hiding his jealousy behind a polite smile as he offered his congratulations. But in the depths of his heart, Carl made a silent vow of his own: this was far from over.

As the celebrations continued, the people of Zephyros began to approach the newlyweds, offering gifts wrapped in silks and embroidered boxes. There were blessings from nobles, gifts of gold and precious jewels, and heartfelt words from commoners who had come to pay their respects. One by one, they wished the couple happiness, prosperity, and many children, each blessing echoing the hopes and dreams of an entire kingdom.

Eirik felt overwhelmed but grateful for the love he received from the people of Zephyros, who are now his people. It fill him with a warmth he had never kknown

Kaelix, too, was moved by the outpouring of support.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, the sound of drums and flutes filled the courtyard, signaling the start of one of Zephyros’ most ancient traditions.

As was custom, Eirik, being a Ferre and capable of bearing children, would have to participate in the Fertility Dance, he was required to stand within the circle of pregnant women and Ferres during the ritual.

Eirik hesitated for a moment, unfamiliar with the tradition, but Kaelix squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"You’ll be amazing," Kaelix whispered, his voice filled with pride. "Just enjoy the moment."

Eirik nodded and stepped forward, joining the circle of dancers who welcomed him with open arms. The women and Ferres were dressed in flowing robes of white, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. They moved gracefully, their steps in sync as they began to dance in a slow, rhythmic circle around Eirik. The music was soft at first, a gentle lull of drums and flutes that set the pace of the dance.

The dancers swayed and spun, their movements fluid and mesmerizing. They raised their arms to the sky, calling upon the gods of Zephyros to bless the union and bring forth fertility and abundance. Eirik stood at the center, his eye wide in fascination as they circled around him, their robes billowing like clouds. The dance was a beautiful blend of tradition and ritual, each movement a prayer, each step a blessing.

The drums grew louder, and the dancers quickened their pace, their feet stamping against the ground in a rhythm that echoed through the courtyard. They twirled and spun, their bodies moving with a grace that was both powerful and serene. Eirik found himself captivated by the display, his heart swelling with a newfound appreciation for the traditions of his people.

Kaelix watched from his place, his eyes never leaving Eirik. Darren, standing beside him, leaned in with a mischievous grin. "You’d better make sure you get him pregnant tonight," Darren teased, nudging Kaelix playfully. "Or I might just have to denounce you as my cousin."

Kaelix nudged him off with a chuckle, shaking his head. "Stop it Darren." He said, though his gaze remained fixed on Eirik. There was a quiet intensity in his eyes, a fierce protectiveness that had only grown stronger now that Eirik was his.

The dance reached its climax as the music swelled, and with one final flourish, the dancers stopped, their arms raised in unison. The crowd erupted into applause, and Eirik stood in the center, breathless and amazed by the ritual he had just been a part of.

An elderly woman, the eldest in all of Zephyros, stepped forward from the crowd. She moved slowly, her back bent with age, but there was a wisdom in her eyes that commanded respect. She approached Eirik and placed a hand gently on his shoulder as Eirik kneel to receive her blessing, her touch light but filled with purpose.

"Blessed are you, Prince Eirik, for you carry the hopes of Zephyros within you," the old woman said, her voice strong despite her years. "May the winds guide you, may the earth nourish you, and may the sky protect you. Your union will bring forth a new era of peace and prosperity, and your children will be the stars that light our way."

The guests fell silent, absorbing the weight of her words. Kaelix and Eirik’s parents exchanged proud, tearful glances, their hearts swelling with joy.

Julian and Lucian watched, visibly moved, and even Theron, usually reserved, couldn’t help but smile at the blessing bestowed upon his youngest brother.

Eirik’s eyes glistened with tears as he nodded gratefully to the old woman. "Thank you," he whispered, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment.

Kaelix’s heart ached with love as he watched Eirik standing up from his kneeling position with the help of some pregnant women and Ferres, framed by the setting sun and the applause of their people. He’s mine now, Kaelix thought, his chest swelling with pride and an unshakeable resolve. And I’ll cherish him forever.

After the ritual, servants moved quickly to assist Eirik, guiding him away from the courtyard and toward Kaelix’s chambers to prepare him for the night ahead. Kaelix watched as Eirik was led away, feeling a mix of excitement and antanticipation

But as Eirik disappeared from view, Sadiki who has being observing prince Carl since his arrival, caught sight of Prince Carl who was sitting among the guests.

Carl’s gaze was fixed on Eirik, his eyes dark with something unspoken. Sadiki felt a chill run down his spine, a sense of foreboding that was hard to shake.

The reception continued, filled with laughter, music, and the palpable joy of a day that would be remembered by all.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.