A Royal Obligation
Chapter 123: The Bridal Preparations

Chapter 123: The Bridal Preparations

Eirik stood nervously at the edge of the marble tub, his breath catching in his throat as he gazed at the steaming water infused with rose petals and herbs. The bathroom was filled with a soft, floral fragrance, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Candlelight flickered on the walls, casting gentle shadows that danced around the room, adding to the sense of intimacy.

Eirik shivered slightly as the servants approached, their expressions respectful but determined.

The servants, dressed in elegant robes of deep blue, approached Eirik with reverence. Each movement was precise and graceful, a practiced dance of service that had been passed down through generations.

They bowed their heads slightly, acknowledging Eirik’s status but also the vulnerability of this moment. Eirik hesitated, his cheeks flushing a delicate pink. He knew the significance of these rituals; they were part of an age-old tradition meant to cleanse, purify, and prepare him as the newly wedded bride for his first night with Kaelix. But knowing didn’t make the process any less nerve-wracking.

"Please, Your Highness, step into the bath," one of the servants urged, her voice gentle but insistent.

Eirik took a deep breath and did as he was told, slipping into the warm water.

The heat embraced him immediately, soothing his nerves and loosening the tension in his muscles. The water’s surface was a vibrant display of red and pink petals, floating serenely, and the steam rising from it enveloped him like a gentle mist. Eirik closed his eyes, letting the fragrant warmth work its magic, but he couldn’t quite silence the flutter of anxiety in his chest.

The servants’ hands were gentle yet firm as they began the cleansing rituals, washing his body with a fragrant soap that lathered into a soft, foamy cloud.

Their fingers dipping in and out of the water as they followed the ceremonial motions. They started with his arms and shoulders, rubbing in cleansing balms mixed with herbs and oils that smelled of fresh lavender and sandalwood. Every stroke felt deliberate, and Eirik found himself surrendering to the ritual, allowing the process to carry him forward.

They moved with such care, as if they were tending to something precious and fragile.

Eirik tried to focus on the warmth of the water, the soothing rhythm of the hands that washed him, but his thoughts kept drifting to Kaelix. How would he react? Would he find Eirik desirable, worthy of this elaborate preparation?

When the servants moved lower, scrubbing his legs and feet with precision, Eirik felt his cheeks flush. He had known this would happen, every part of him was to be cleansed, but the reality of it was mortifying.

The servants began to meticulously remove the hairs from his body, Eirik shifted uncomfortably as they gently washed the hair from his body, their touch professional and respectful, but the intimacy of it was overwhelming.

No part of him was left untouched; every inch of his skin was made smooth and spotless, stripped of any trace of hair. When they reached his more private areas, Eirik’s embarrassment peaked. He bit his lip, cheeks burns, he stared resolutely at the ceiling, trying to ignore the feeling of utter exposure.

It was all part of the tradition, an act of purification and presentation, but that did little to lessen the embarrassment coursing through him.

"You’re doing well, Your Highness," one of the servants said softly, noticing his discomfort. "This is tradition. Soon it will be over."

Eirik nodded stiffly, unable to muster a response.

They continued to work, massaging fragrant oils into his freshly cleansed skin. The scents of lavender and sandalwood mingled in the air, wrapping Eirik in a heady, intoxicating fragrance.

Their hands moved in practiced, circular motions, rubbing the oil in until his skin glistened with a healthy, radiant sheen. Eirik’s body felt new, like he was being reborn, each touch erasing the anxiety of the day and replacing it with a quiet confidence. The oils sank into his skin, leaving him soft and glowing, like a marble statue come to life.

The servants rinsed him thoroughly, making sure every trace of the cleansing oils and balms was gone. The lingering sensations made Eirik feel both vulnerable and cherished, wrapped in layers of scents that spoke of old-world elegance and romance.

His hair was next, and the servants moved with careful precision, washing the long, cascading strands until they were free of any impurities. Eirik’s hair was his pride, a shimmering white waterfall that flowed past his waist. They worked meticulously, combing and drying it until it gleamed like silver under the moon, the strands so soft that they felt like silk slipping through the fingers.

When the bath was over, Eirik was helped out of the water, his skin still tingling from the warmth. The servants draped a soft robe around his shoulders, but Eirik could feel the chill of the air against his freshly smoothed skin, every inch of him sensitized by the oils and balms. He allowed himself to be led to a cushioned seat, where they continued to work on his appearance.

The robe they dressed him in was breathtaking. It was a delicate, nearly translucent silk garment that clung to his form, accentuating the soft curves of his slender body. The fabric was so light it felt like wearing nothing at all, and the way it caught the light made Eirik look almost ethereal, like something out of a ddream

"You look magnificent, Your Highness," one of the servants murmured, stepping back to admire their handiwork. "Prince Kaelix is truly fortunate to have you."

Another chimed in, her tone filled with sincere admiration. "There’s not another in all the lands who could compare. You are a vision."

Eirik’s cheeks flushed at their praises, a mix of pride and bashfulness swirling within him. He was used to being complimented on his appearance, it was an inevitable part of his life, but today, it felt different. It felt more intimate, more charged with the weight of what was to come. Every word seemed to hang heavily in the air, reminding him of the night that awaited him.

"Thank you," Eirik said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. There was a part of him that felt like a deer caught in the open, vulnerable and exposed, yet another part that was warmed by the attention, by the effort everyone was making to ensure he looked perfect for Kaelix.

The servants continued their work, pinning small, decorative jewels into his hair and adorning him with subtle touches of color on his lips and eyes. They moved quickly but efficiently, making sure every detail was immaculate. Eirik looked at his reflection in the ornate mirror placed before him, and he hardly recognized the person staring back. He looked radiant, a figure of elegance and beauty that felt both familiar and foreign.

"Prince Kaelix will be lost for words when he sees you," another servant said, her voice filled with excitement.

Eirik gave a shy smile, his heart swelling with both anticipation and nervousness.

"Do you think... Do you think he’ll like it?" Eirik asked, his voice tinged with both hope and nervousness. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, showing the boyish uncertainty behind the composed exterior.

The servants exchanged warm smiles, and one of them leaned closer, her voice gentle. "There is no doubt in our minds, Your Highness. He will be captivated. No one could resist such beauty, especially when it is paired with a heart as pure as yours."

The servants words were comforting, yet they also heightened the reality of the night ahead. He was being transformed, not just for himself but for the man who was waiting for him. Kaelix would see him like this, touched and adorned, every part of him carefully prepared to be worthy of their union.

They dusted his skin with a light shimmering powder that caught the candlelight, making his skin glow as if he were lit from within. His cheeks, already flushed with anticipation, were given a hint of color, and his lips were brushed with a balm that tasted faintly of honey and mint. Eirik stared at himself in the mirror, feeling both unfamiliar and deeply connected to the image staring back at him.

The anxious boy who had stepped into the bath was gone, replaced by someone who was both regal and vulnerable, eager and unsure. Eirik took a deep breath, feeling the silk robe brush against his legs, the cool touch of the shimmering powder on his skin. He was ready. Or at least, he hoped he was.

The servants bowed respectfully, and stepped back to give him space, when they’re done.

As they left the room, Eirik took one last look at his reflection, a small, hopeful smile tugged at his lips.

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