A Royal Obligation
Chapter 150: A True Zephyrian

Chapter 150: A True Zephyrian

Eirik nodded again, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes. A female healer discovered it, she works in the royal hospital in Valeidio. They kept it a secret, fearing other kingdoms would try to go after her, but... she can save the queen. I’m sure of it."

Kaelix lifted his head from Eirik’s chest, his tear-filled eyes wide with hope. "You mean... there’s a chance?"

Eirik looked at him, then at the king, his expression firm. "Yes. We need her. She’s the only one who can help."

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, a spark of hope flickered in the king’s eyes. He looked to Eirik with gratitude and desperation. "Then we must send for her at once."

Kaelix wiped at his face, his sorrow giving way to determination. He squeezed Eirik’s hand, his voice steadier now. "We have to save her."

Eirik’s heart raced as he stood before King Reagan and Kaelix, having just revealed the critical piece of information.

"But there’s one more thing," he continued, his voice steady despite the urgency building in the room. "The healer... she’s not permitted to leave Valeidio. The queen must be taken there to receive the treatment."

Kaelix’s breath hitched, and the king’s face fell, but neither hesitated. "We’ll do it," the king declared, his voice firm with newfound determination. "Whatever it takes. She has to be healed." His eyes flickered with desperation, grasping onto the shred of hope Eirik had provided.

Kaelix nodded, wiping the remnants of tears from his face. "We can’t waste any more time. Let’s prepare to take her to Valeidio." His voice wavered slightly, but the strength in it couldn’t be denied. He squeezed Eirik’s hand tightly, grateful beyond words.

King Reagan called out to the nearby servants, his voice ringing through the hall.

"Prepare for the queen’s departure! She leave for Valeidio as soon as possible."

The palace, which had been wrapped in a heavy shroud of silence and sorrow for weeks, suddenly burst into motion. Servants rushed to make arrangements, and guards began organizing for the royal escort.

Eirik wasted no time, turning toward the door with Kaelix trailing behind him. They moved swiftly through the palace halls toward their chambers, their footsteps echoing against the stone floors.

Kaelix followed closely, his eyes fixed on Eirik’s back as they moved with purpose. There was a sense of urgency in the air that neither of them could ignore.

Eirik was walking quickly, his mind racing with thoughts of the letter he needed to write. "I need to get in contact with my family," he muttered to himself, his voice sharp with focus. Kaelix, trailing behind like a shadow, couldn’t help but feel a deep swell of gratitude for the man he’d married.

As they reached their chambers, Eirik hurried over to the desk, pulling out a parchment and quill. He sat down, his movements swift and deliberate as he dipped the quill into the ink and began to write.

Kaelix stood just behind him, watching intently as Eirik’s hand flew across the page. His heart swelled with admiration and love. In this moment of crisis, Eirik’s composure and quick thinking were the very reason his mother still had a chance.

Eirik’s brow furrowed in concentration, the scratching of the quill the only sound in the room as he crafted the letter to his family in Valeidio.

Every word was precise, every instruction clear. He was outlining everything, the queen’s condition, the urgency of her transport, and the importance of the healer.

Kaelix watched in silent awe, his heart thudding in his chest. He couldn’t help but think of how fortunate he was to have Eirik by his side. His consort was not only saving his mother but also sharing Valeidio’s secret.

When Eirik finally finished the letter, Kaelix stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you," Kaelix said, his voice thick with emotion. "You’re sharing Valeidio’s secret to save my mother, our queen. I can never repay you for this."

Eirik turned to him, a soft smile on his lips as he touched Kaelix’s cheek gently.

"Isn’t that the purpose of our marriage?" he asked, his voice tender.

"Our kingdoms formed an alliance through us so that we could help each other when we needed it. Besides, Zephyros is my home now. I would do anything to save our queen, your mother."

Kaelix’s throat tightened at the words, his emotions raw. "You’ve done more than I could have ever asked. I don’t know what I would do without you," he said, his voice low and sincere.

Eirik smiled warmly, his thumb brushing against Kaelix’s cheek affectionately. "Don’t worry," he whispered. "The queen will be up and moving before you know it. She’s strong, just like her son."

Kaelix smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. He kissed Eirik’s hand softly. "I hope you’re right."

The two of them left their chambers and made their way to the palace courtyard, where preparations for the queen’s departure were already in full swing.

The courtyard buzzed with activity, servants rushed about, loading provisions into carriages, and guards mounted their horses, preparing for the journey.

A regal carriage was being readied for the queen, its interior fitted with soft cushions and blankets to make her as comfortable as possible on the road.

Kaelix and Eirik moved through the courtyard, watching as everyone worked tirelessly. The atmosphere was tense, but there was a renewed sense of purpose that hadn’t been there before. Everyone was eager to get the queen to Valeidio as quickly as possible.

Eirik approached Balthor, the head healer, who was overseeing the final checks on the queen’s condition. Eirik handed him the letter he had written. "You’ll need this," Eirik said, his tone firm. "Give this to my family when you arrive in Valeidio. They’ll arrange for the healer to meet you, and they’ll teach you how to cure Nyrax Syndrome."

Balthor, who had been kneeling in despair just hours earlier, now looked up at Eirik with gratitude and awe. "Thank you, Prince Eirik. This... this will change everything. I promise to learn all I can." He bowed deeply, clutching the letter to his chest. "I will not fail you."

The king approached then, his eyes red but filled with newfound hope. "Eirik," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "I cannot thank you enough for this. You’ve not only given us hope but also shared a secret that could save countless lives in Zephyros."

Eirik smiled softly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "What, did you not accept me as a true Zephyrian after I married your son?" he asked playfully.

King Reagan blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the question. For a moment, he looked shocked, and then he realized Eirik was teasing him. A smile tugged at his lips, and he chuckled softly. "You’ve always been one of us, Eirik. Today only proves it further."

Kaelix chuckled at his father’s reaction, the tension between them finally breaking. "You’ll learn not to take Eirik too seriously," he said with a grin.

Eirik’s smile softened, and he turned serious again. "I am a Zephyrian now," he said, looking at both the king and Kaelix. "And I will do anything for the kingdom’s progress. Besides, Zephyros and Valeidio are now family. Family helps each other."

Kaelix felt a surge of emotion and wrapped his arms around Eirik from behind, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice filled with love and gratitude.

The king nodded gratefully as well. "We will never forget this, Eirik."

The three of them stood together as the unconscious queen was gently lifted and placed into the prepared carriage. The king climbed in after her, kneeling at her side.

He took her hand in his and kissed her forehead, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke to her. "I’ll be waiting for you, my love," he murmured. "Please come back to me."

The scene was quiet, filled with reverence. The guards stood at attention, their eyes forward as they awaited orders. The servants bowed their heads in respect, and Balthor stood nearby, clutching the letter like it was a lifeline.

King Reagan stepped out of the carriage, his face resolute. Two servants climbed in beside the queen to tend to her on the journey, and the king closed the carriage with a soft thud. He stepped back, his eyes never leaving the carriage as it prepared to depart.

Kaelix turned to the guards, his voice steady and commanding. "Be careful," he ordered. "Protect her diligently throughout the journey. You are responsible for our queen’s safety."

The guards saluted in unison. "Yes, Your Highness!"

Balthor climbed into his own carriage, and with a final look from the king, the journey began. The carriages rolled forward, the sound of wheels and hooves filling the courtyard as they disappeared down the road.

King Reagan, Kaelix, and Eirik watched the carriages go, their hearts filled with hope and fear in equal measure. They stood in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

But just as they turned to head back inside, Eirik suddenly collapsed, his body crumpling to the ground.

"Eirik!" both the king and Kaelix shouted at the same time, their voices filled with panic.

The guards nearby rushed forward, shouting, "Your Highness!" as they gathered around.

Kaelix dropped to his knees beside Eirik, his heart hammering in his chest, his hands trembling as he shook Eirik gently. "Eirik... no..." he whispered, fear gripping him tightly.