A Royal Obligation
Chapter 155: Letters From Valeidio (1)

Chapter 155: Letters From Valeidio (1)

Eirik lay back against the plush pillows of their bed, the soft morning light casting a warm glow through the gauzy curtains of the royal chambers.

His body was still recovering, and although the palace physicians had been attentive, it had been frustrating, feeling so limited, but Kaelix’s constant presence made it more bearable. His husband was rarely far from his side, always attentive, making sure Eirik never felt alone.

The soft knock on the chamber door interrupted their quiet moment. A servant entered, bowing low as she carried a bundle of letters.

"Your Highness," she said softly, approaching the bed. "Letters from Valeidio."

Eirik’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of home. His eyes brightened as he sat up a little straighter, the promise of words from his family filling him with excitement.

Kaelix, seated beside him with a book in hand, closed it gently and set it aside. His gaze softened when he saw the way Eirik’s face lit up at the sight of the letters. He rose from his sit and took the letters from the servant, nodding his thanks before returning to Eirik’s side.

Eirik couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Though he had fully committed himself to his new life with Kaelix in Zephyros, part of him still yearned for the familiarity of his family back in Valeidio.

The distance between them had been harder to bear lately, especially with the news of his pregnancy. He missed them, their warmth and constant presence.

He sat up a little more in bed, wincing slightly at the effort but waving off Kaelix’s concerned gaze. "I’m fine," he reassured him softly.

Kaelix handed him the first letter, his hand brushing Eirik’s, offering that silent comfort he always provided. "Shall we see what your mother has to say?"

Eirik nodded, carefully opening the letter with a trembling excitement. The familiar script of Queen Morgana, his mother, was like a warm embrace across the miles. He began to read aloud, his voice filled with a mixture of joy and nostalgia.

" My dearest son,

I cannot begin to tell you how much joy your news has brought me. The thought of you carrying a child fills my heart with happiness I cannot describe. I wish I could be there with you, to support and guide you as you prepare for this new Chapter in your life."

Eirik felt his throat tighten, a wave of homesickness washing over him. He paused, glancing at Kaelix, who was watching him intently, his eyes full of understanding. Kaelix reached over and gently took Eirik’s hand in his own, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Your brothers , Theron, Lucian and Julian, are beside themselves with excitement. They can hardly wait to meet the little one. You should hear them arguing about who will be the best uncle! Julian, of course, insists it will be him, while Lucian is already planning what games he will teach the child. Theron keep talking about teaching the child swordsmanship the moment they’re able to hold blade. I had to remind him that it might be some time before that happens! "

Eirik chuckled at the mention of his brothers, their personalities coming to life in his mother’s words. "I can practically hear them now," he murmured, shaking his head in amusement. The noise of their playful arguments was something he missed more than he realized.

Kaelix smiled at the sound of Eirik’s laughter, happy to see some of the tension ease from his husband’s shoulders. "I’m sure they’re already making plans to spoil the baby before it’s even born," he teased lightly.

Eirik’s smile faltered slightly as he continued reading the letter. The next part caused his breath to hitch, the words written in his mother’s flowing hand shaking him to his core.

"But there is more good news, Eirik. Queen Elena has begun to show signs of waking. She has stirred several times over the last few days, and the healers believe it is only a matter of time before she fully opens her eyes."

Eirik’s gaze shot up to Kaelix, who had gone still. "Your mother..." he whispered, searching Kaelix’s face for a reaction.

Kaelix’s lips parted, his expression frozen between disbelief and cautious hope. "She’s waking up?" he asked, his voice low, as though he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing.

Eirik nodded, glancing back at the letter. "That’s what my mother says. The healers think she’ll wake soon."

For a moment, Kaelix said nothing, the weight of the news settling heavily on him. His mother, Queen Elena, had fallen into an unresponsive for months now, and despite the kingdom’s best efforts, she had remained trapped in that deep sleep.

Kaelix had never spoken much about it since she was taken to Valeidio for treatment, keeping his pain buried under his royal duties.

But Eirik knew how much the situation had weighed on him. The fear of losing his mother without ever speaking to her again had haunted him.

Kaelix’s hand tightened around Eirik’s. "I...I didn’t think we would hear news like this so soon," he admitted quietly, his voice trembling ever so slightly.

His dark eyes shimmered with emotions he was trying to keep in check, hope, fear, longing. "I’ve missed her so much. Father will be so thrilled."

Eirik’s heart ached for him. "She’s coming back to you," he whispered, his voice soft yet filled with conviction. "You’ll see her again, Kaelix."

Kaelix’s jaw tightened as he swallowed hard, his free hand resting over his eyes for a moment as he composed himself. "She is," he agreed, though there was still a hint of uncertainty lingering in his eyes.

He didn’t dare let himself believe it completely, not until his mother was truly awake. But the thought, the hope, was enough for now.

Eirik returned his attention to the letter, continuing to read the words that brought him both joy and homesickness.

"I wish I could be with you, to help you during your pregnancy, but I know you are in good hands with Kaelix. Please take care of yourself and remember that we are always with you in spirit. The who kingdom eagerly awaits the birth of the child, and I am counting the days until I can hold my grandchild in my arms."

Eirik swallowed hard, wiping away a stray tear. He could picture his mother’s loving smile, hear her gentle voice in the words she had written. Being so far from Valeidio, from his family, weighed on him in moments like this. Yet, he knew he had a new life here with Kaelix, a duty to his husband and the kingdom of Zephyros.

"I miss her," he admitted softly, the ache of longing creeping into his voice. "I miss all of them."

Kaelix placed an arm around him, pulling him closer. "I know, my love. But you’re not alone. You have me. And soon, our child."

Eirik rested his head on Kaelix’s shoulder, finding solace in his warmth. "I know," he whispered, though a part of him still yearned for the closeness of his family.

They sat like that for a while, the letters resting between them as Eirik absorbed the emotions swirling inside him. Kaelix, ever observant, pressed a soft kiss to Eirik’s temple.

Eirik smiled softly, leaning into him, but the letters weren’t finished. There were still more to read, and with Kaelix’s hand still in his, he opened the next one. This one bore the handwriting of his cousins, Ella and Theo.