A Royal Obligation
Chapter 125: Don’t disgrace Zephyros

Chapter 125: Don’t disgrace Zephyros

The echoes of Queen Elena’s departure had barely faded when the boisterous laughter of Kaelix’s cousins and Eirik’s brothers filled the halls. The atmosphere shifted in an instant, transforming from quiet anticipation to lively excitement. Kaelix barely had time to collect his thoughts before he found himself surrounded by them, their mischievous grins making his heart race for entirely different reasons.

"Kaelix, are you ready?" Darren asked, his voice dripping with mock seriousness as he clapped a firm hand on Kaelix’s shoulder. "Tonight’s the big night! Don’t mess it up."

Before Kaelix could even form a response, he felt the ground disappear beneath him. A yelp escaped his lips as his feet left the floor, hoisted into the air like a victorious champion. "Hey! Put me down!" he protested, but his words held no weight against their collective laughter. His cousins and brothers-in-law only grinned wider, clearly enjoying their game.

"Oh no, not until we’ve delivered you to your fate," Julian chimed in, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he helped balance Kaelix on their shoulders. "Eirik’s been waiting long enough."

Kaelix’s face turned bright red. The playful atmosphere around him was infectious, but the weight of the moment wasn’t lost on him either. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves, but he couldn’t help but be swept up in their energy.

"You all don’t have to make such a big deal out of it," he muttered, trying to sound nonchalant, but his voice betrayed him, quivering slightly under the surface.

Lysander leaned in closer from below, his wide grin flashing. "Oh, come on, Kaelix. Don’t act so innocent. We all know what’s expected of you tonight. Besides, this is your last walk as a free man. Might as well make it memorable."

Kaelix’s stomach flipped at Lysander’s words. Of course, he knew. This wasn’t just any night, this was the night that sealed their union, in more ways than one. He tried to shake off the nerves tightening in his chest, focusing instead on the laughter and teasing around him.

"You’re all impossible," he groaned in mock horror, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

They marched down the corridor, their laughter echoing off the marble walls as servants hurried to step out of their way. Kaelix could feel the curious gazes of onlookers, but all he could focus on was the pounding of his heart and the overwhelming warmth from his cousins’ and brothers’ camaraderie.

"What’s the hurry, anyway?" Kaelix managed to ask between breaths, laughter still bubbling in his throat.

"My brother’s been waiting long enough," Julian called out from below, his voice laced with amusement. "Can’t keep him waiting on his wedding night, can you?"

Kaelix’s face flushed deeper at the thought. Eirik was waiting. His stomach fluttered, a knot of anticipation tightening inside him as he thought about what awaited him on the other side of those doors.

The group finally reached the large wooden doors that led to the chamber, where Eirik was undoubtedly already waiting. Without any warning, they unceremoniously dumped Kaelix back onto his feet, and he stumbled slightly, catching his breath as he straightened himself.

"Alright, this is where we leave you," Darren said with a pat on Kaelix’s shoulder, as if handing over a great responsibility. "Don’t mess it up."

Julian leaned in, his grin wider than ever. "And don’t hurt my brother too much, okay? We still need him."

Kaelix laughed, rolling his eyes in response. "I’ll be gentle."

Lysander raised a skeptical eyebrow, his smirk devilish. "Gentle? No, no, Kaelix. That’s not how you make sure there are little princes running around by next year."

Kaelix’s face burned a deeper shade of red as he stammered, "Lysander!"

"What? It’s true!" Lysander threw his hands up in mock innocence, his grin never fading. "Do your duty, cousin. The Zephyros bloodline depends on it."

Darren gave Kaelix a playful shove toward the doors, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Go on, don’t keep him waiting. You’ve got a long night ahead of you."

Lucian, who had been quieter throughout, finally stepped forward. His demeanor was always more reserved than the others, but his smile was genuine. "Good luck," he said softly, offering a reassuring nod. "Just relax, Kaelix. Everything will be fine. Don’t overthink it."

Kaelix smiled back, appreciating the calmness Lucian brought to the moment. He took a deep breath, feeling a little more grounded amidst the teasing chaos.

"And make sure you get him pregnant tonight!" Lysander added with a final loud laugh, clearly determined to get the last word in.

Kaelix groaned, running a hand over his face in embarrassment. He didn’t bother responding this time, knowing that anything he said would only fuel their antics further.

As the heavy doors creaked open, they all exchanged knowing looks, grins still plastered across their faces. Then, without giving Kaelix a moment to compose himself, they pushed him inside.

Kaelix stumbled through the doorway, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process. He caught himself just in time, straightening up as the doors swung shut behind him with a resounding thud.

"Don’t disgrace Zephyros!" Darren’s parting shout echoed faintly through the now-closed doors.

And just like that, the boisterous laughter and teasing faded into the background, leaving Kaelix alone with the overwhelming silence of the chamber. The stark contrast to the lively hallway moments ago left him momentarily breathless.

His eyes scanned the room, and they immediately landed on Eirik, sitting gracefully on the bed. The soft glow of the candlelight illuminated him, casting a warm, ethereal glow over his figure. For a moment, Kaelix froze, unable to move or speak.

Eirik looked radiant, his delicate features softened by the flickering flames. The silk robe he wore clung to his form, accentuating the graceful lines of his body. His long white hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall of moonlight, gleaming in the low light.

Kaelix’s breath hitched. For a long moment, he could only stare, captivated by the beauty before him. Eirik, his Eirik, was stunning.

Eirik glanced up from where he sat, his wide eyes a mixture of shyness and anticipation. A soft flush colored his cheeks, and the sight made Kaelix’s heart pound even harder.

Kaelix couldn’t believe this beautiful person was his.

Eirik shifted slightly on the bed, his hands resting nervously in his lap. He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice faltered, and he hesitated.

Kaelix snapped out of his trance, taking a step forward. "You look beautiful," he murmured, the words slipping out before he could stop them. He wasn’t sure how else to put it, there were no grand phrases that could capture what he felt in that moment.

Eirik’s blush deepened, his gaze dropping to his lap as he fidgeted with his fingers. "I...I don’t know what to say," he admitted softly.

"You don’t have to say anything," Kaelix whispered, still keeping his distance. "I’m nervous too, you know."

Eirik’s eyes widened slightly at the admission. "You? Nervous?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaelix chuckled softly. "Yes. Terrified, actually." He gave a small, reassuring smile. "But... I’m also excited. To be with you."

Eirik stared at him for a long moment, his expression softening as he seemed to take comfort in Kaelix’s words. Finally, a small, shy smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "I’m excited too," he confessed quietly. "But...I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to do."