A Royal Obligation
Chapter 132: Farewells at Zephyros

Chapter 132: Farewells at Zephyros

The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the courtyard of Zephyros, but it did little to warm the heavy hearts gathered there.

Eirik stood with Kaelix by his side, the weight of impending separation hanged in the air as his family from Valeidio prepared to leave. He blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill, but the emotions were too palpable, too raw.

"I wish you didn’t have to go," Eirik said softly, his voice thick with emotion as he clung to his twin brothers, Julian and Lucian. The two men embraced him tightly, and Eirik could feel the weight of the moment in their touch.

Julian, ever the joker, tried to hide his tears behind his usual teasing grin, but his voice wavered. "Hey, don’t cry too much, little brother. You’ll make us look bad," he quipped, but the crack in his voice betrayed him.

Eirik sniffled, his heart aching as he buried his face in Julian’s shoulder. "I can’t help it. I’m going to miss you both so much."

Lucian, always the stoic one, said nothing at first, but his arms tightened around Eirik. His face, though calm, betrayed the depth of his feelings in the way he held his brother. "We’ll miss you too, Eirik," he finally said, his voice steady but soft. "But this isn’t goodbye forever. We’ll see each other soon."

Julian wiped at his eyes, clearly uncomfortable with the display of emotion. He pulled back first, clearing his throat and glanced over at Kaelix, who stood quietly by Eirik’s side. "You," Julian said, pointing a finger at Kaelix. "If you ever hurt my little brother, I will hunt you down. Mark my words, Kaelix."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugged at his lips. "Understood," he replied with a chuckle. "But you won’t have to worry about that. I’d never hurt him."

"Good," Julian said, though his eyes softened with approval. "Because I’ll be watching."

Eirik laughed through his tears, giving Julian a shove. "You’re such a drama queen."

Julian grinned, the teasing light in his eyes dimmed by the sadness of parting.

Next, Theron, Eirik’s eldest brother, stepped forward. He didn’t say much, he never did, but the way he clasped Eirik’s shoulder spoke volumes. His eyes were filled with a protective warmth, though his expression remained stoic. "Take care of yourself, Eirik," Theron said quietly, his voice firm but laced with affection.

"I will," Eirik promised, his throat tightening with emotion as he hugged his eldest brother. He knew Theron wasn’t one for overt displays of emotion, but the hug was fierce, conveying a brotherly bond that words couldn’t capture.

When they pulled apart, Theron turned his gaze to Kaelix. The silent exchange that passed between them was enough, a warning glance from Theron that needed no words. Kaelix met his gaze with a nod, understanding perfectly. He knew the weight of the responsibility he bore now that Eirik was his husband.

Then came Ella and Theo, Eirik’s cousins, who approached with bright smiles. Ella, ever the playful one, threw her arms around Eirik, squeezing him tightly. "You better not keep me waiting too long, Eirik," she teased, her voice lilting with amusement. "I expect to be an aunt soon!"

Eirik’s face flushed crimson at her words, and he spluttered, "Ella! Really?"

Kaelix, who stood nearby, chuckled at the sight of Eirik’s embarrassment, while Ella only laughed louder. "I’m serious!" she continued, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Don’t keep me waiting, cousin!"

Theo, standing beside her, patted Eirik’s shoulder with a kind smile. "Take care of yourself, Eirik," he said, his tone gentler than Ella’s but filled with the same affection. "I’ll make sure to greet Uncle Cedric for you."

Eirik smiled warmly, glad for Theo’s calm presence amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "Thank you," Eirik replied, nodding. "And do me a favor, go with the Warcrest Sentinel who’s been watching over me. I don’t think I need them around, their services will be needed more in Valeidio."

Theo’s brow furrowed in surprise, clearly caught off guard. "You knew about the Sentinel?"

Eirik gave him an exaggerated look, half amused and half exasperated. "I trained with them, remember? You can’t hide a Sentinel from me."

The rest of his family exchanged glances, clearly surprised that Eirik had known about the Sentinel’s presence the entire time. Eirik shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I’m not that easy to fool."

Theo hesitated, glancing at Ella for support. "Are you sure I should call them off? Father sent them to protect you, after all..."

Eirik reached out and clasped Theo’s hand reassuringly. "I’m sure. You’ve seen how things are here, there’s no danger. Zephyros is my home now, and I’m safe here."

Theo looked uncertain for a moment longer, but finally nodded. "Alright, if you say so. I’ll trust your judgment."

With that, Eirik’s parents, King Xavian and Queen Morgana, stepped forward, their eyes filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. Queen Morgana was the first to reach her son, tears already glistening in her eyes. Eirik, not wanting to see his mother cry, gently wiped her tears away with a soft smile.

"Don’t cry, Mother," Eirik whispered, his voice tender. "You’ll make me cry again."

Queen Morgana cupped his face in her hands, her thumb gently caressing his cheek. "My darling boy, you’ve grown up so fast. I’m so proud of you. Remember to always be true to yourself, no matter where you are. And... don’t be afraid to lean on those who love you."

Eirik nodded, his heart swelled with love as she kissed his forehead, a mother’s blessing in the simplest of gestures. "I love you, Mother."

"I love you too, my sweet boy," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

King Xavian approached next, his expression stern but softening as he looked at his youngest son. He placed a firm hand on Eirik’s shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Eirik," he said, his voice low but filled with warmth. "And trust in the strength you’ve built. You’ll always be our son, but now Zephyros is your home too."

Eirik nodded, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat. "I’ll make you proud, Father."

King Xavian turned to Kaelix, his eyes sharp as he regarded his son-in-law. "Take care of him," he said, the weight of his words heavy in the air.

Kaelix straightened, meeting King Xavian’s gaze with sincerity. "I will, Your Majesty. I promise."

King Xavian gave him a curt nod, satisfied with the response, and stepped back.

At that moment, King Reagan and Queen Elena, Kaelix’s parents, stepped forward to bid farewell to their in-laws. The two kings exchanged respectful nods, while the queens embraced warmly. There was a mutual understanding between the four of them, one built on shared respect and love for their children.

As Eirik’s family began to board their carriages, Eirik’s heart clenched painfully in his chest. His tears, which he had tried so hard to hold back, spilled over as he waved to them, his hand trembling. He watched them go, the distance between them growing with each passing second, until the carriages disappeared from view.

Kaelix stepped up behind him, wrapping his arms around Eirik’s waist and pulling him close. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of Eirik’s head, his voice a gentle murmur. "It’s going to be alright, love."

Eirik leaned back into Kaelix’s embrace, letting the warmth of his husband’s arms ground him. His tears continued to fall, but there was comfort in knowing that Kaelix was there, that he wasn’t alone.

"I know," Eirik whispered, his voice barely audible as he kept his eyes on the path where his family had disappeared. "I just miss them already."

Kaelix tightened his hold, resting his chin on Eirik’s shoulder. "You can visit them, anytime you want. And in the meantime, you have me."

Eirik smiled softly through his tears, grateful for Kaelix’s unwavering support. "Thank you."

Behind them, King Reagan and Queen Elena quietly retreated back into the palace, leaving the newlyweds alone in the courtyard. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Eirik stayed in Kaelix’s arms, finding solace in his husband’s embrace.

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