A Royal Obligation
Chapter 156: Letters From Valeidio (2)

Chapter 156: Letters From Valeidio (2)

Eirik lay back against the headboard,a soft smile tugging at his lips as he read his cousin Ella’s letter.

"Dearest Eirik," the letter began in Ella’s elegant script. "We heard about the baby and could hardly believe it! You, a father! We are so excited for you and Kaelix. Theo and I have been talking about the things we’re going to spoil this little one with. Theo says he’s going to teach the child how to fly Falcons as soon as they can walk, which I’ve told him is ridiculous, but you know how he is."

Eirik laughed softly, already imagining Theo trying to introduce their child to his beloved falcons.

Kaelix smirked, his thumb gently rubbing over Eirik’s knee. "Your cousin does sound a little ambitious."

"Ambitious is putting it lightly," Eirik replied. "Theo’s always been like that, so eager to teach, to share his passions with anyone who’ll listen. I can only imagine what he’ll be like with our child."

The word "our child" lingered between them, soft but full of promise. The pregnancy wasn’t showing yet, but the idea of becoming parents had already started to sink in, filling their quiet moments with a sense of wonder and anticipation.

Kaelix’s eyes softened as he looked at Eirik, his voice gentle. "He’ll be a doting uncle, no doubt. And Ella... well, she’ll probably spoil them rotten."

"Our child is one lucky baby. " Eirik said with a smile as he continued to read the letter.

"We miss you so much, Eirik. Valeidio feels different without you here, but we know you are exactly where you need to be. We can’t wait to visit when the little one arrives. Until then, take care of yourself and know that we’re thinking of you every day."

Eirik felt a pang in his chest at the mention of home again, as he told the letter with care and set it aside. "I miss them," he admitted softly. "Valeidio feels so far away."

Kaelix leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Eirik’s shoulders. "We’ll see them soon," he promised, his voice low and steady. "After the baby is born, we’ll make the trip. You’ll get to introduce our child to your family."

Eirik nodded, comforted by the thought, though the ache of distance still lingered. His family meant everything to him, and though he was deeply in love with Kaelix and grateful for the life they were building in Zephyros, a part of him always longed for the familiarity of home.

He reached for the next letter, his fingers brushing against the formal envelope. "This one’s from my uncle," he said, recognizing the handwriting immediately. Lord Cedric, his mother’s brother, had always been a presence in his life, protective in his own stern way. Eirik unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the opening lines.

"My dear nephew," the letter began, the handwriting formal yet tinged with warmth.

"I apologize for not being able to attend your wedding. Affairs in the kingdom kept me away, but I want you to know how happy I am for you and Kaelix, though I still think you deserve a better husband."

Kaelix let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Your uncle doesn’t hold back, does he?"

Eirik rolled his eyes, though his lips twitched with amusement. "He’s always been overprotective. Don’t take it personally. He’d say the same thing no matter who I married."

"Still," Kaelix said with a grin, leaning in closer, "I’m flattered he thinks so highly of me."

Eirik nudged him playfully before returning to the letter. His uncle’s words were always blunt, but underneath the formality and sharpness, there was affection, an affection Eirik had grown up with, one that made him feel safe even when the words themselves seemed critical.

"The news of your pregnancy has brought me great joy," Eirik continued, "and I cannot wait to meet the future heir of Zephyros. Please take care of yourself, and know that I am always here for you, even from afar. And if Kaelix tries anything, let me know, I’ll set him straight."

At that, both Eirik and Kaelix burst into laughter. Eirik shook his head, folding the letter and setting it aside with the others. "He’s impossible," Eirik said, though there was a warmth in his voice. "He means well, though. He’s just... always been like that."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I’d like to see him try to ’set me straight.’"

"Oh, don’t tempt him," Eirik replied with a smirk. "He’s fiercer than you think."

When the laughter subsided, the room fell into a comfortable silence. Eirik leaned into Kaelix’s embrace, resting his head against his husband’s chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of Kaelix’s breath.

The letters from his family had brought him comfort, a connection to the life he had left behind, but they also reminded him of the distance, of how far away Valeidio was, how far away his loved ones were.

"I wish I could see them," Eirik murmured, his voice soft, almost wistful. "But I know... this is my life now. With you."

Kaelix’s arms tightened around him, his lips brushing the top of Eirik’s head in a tender, reassuring gesture. "You’ll see them again," he promised, his voice low and certain. "When the baby is born, we’ll make the journey to Valeidio. Your family will meet our child, and you’ll get to see them. But until then, I’m here. You’re not alone."

Eirik closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into the warmth of Kaelix’s embrace. "I know," he whispered, his heart swelling with gratitude. "And I’m so lucky to have you."

Kaelix smiled against Eirik’s hair, his voice soft with affection. "I’m the lucky one."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, the weight of the letters and the emotions they carried settling around them like a soft blanket. Eirik’s heart was full, but there was still something lingering, something they hadn’t talked about yet.

Kaelix seemed to sense it, because after a few moments, he spoke again, his tone more serious. "I’m happy my mother is getting better."

Eirik lifted his head slightly, meeting Kaelix’s gaze. The news of Queen Elena’s possible recovery had been a shocking rrelief

"I’m happy too," Eirik said softly.

Kaelix’s eyes darkened, a mixture of hope and fear swirling in their depths. "It feels... unreal," he admitted, his voice low. "I’ve spent so long preparing myself for the worst. And now... now there’s hope again."

Eirik reached up, cupping Kaelix’s face gently in his hands. "You’re allowed to hope," he whispered. "She’s your mother. She’s coming back to you."

Kaelix closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling softly as he leaned into Eirik’s touch. "My father will be thrilled," he said, his voice a little steadier. "He’s been waiting for this day for so long. I’ll have to tell him later... when I’ve had time to process it myself."

Eirik smiled, resting his forehead against Kaelix’s. "I’m happy for you."

Kaelix nodded, his arms tightening around Eirik once more. "It’s all thanks to you," he said softly.

Just as the moment settled, a soft knock came at the door, interrupting their quiet. A servant entered, bowing low before speaking. "Your Highness, I’ve brought some refreshments for you."

Eirik smiled, sitting up a little straighter as the servant placed a tray of snacks on the nearby table. Kaelix thanked the servant with a nod, and once they were alone again, he turned to Eirik with a playful grin.

"Snacks? They’re really spoiling you."

Eirik laughed, feeling the weight of the morning’s emotions lift slightly. "Well, I am carrying the future heir of Zephyros. I suppose I deserve a little spoiling."

Kaelix chuckled, reaching for one of the snacks. "That you do, my love. That you do."