A Royal Obligation
Chapter 199: Tough Sacrifice

Chapter 199: Tough Sacrifice

Queen Aveline’s voice, soft yet unwavering, broke through his thoughts. "Know that we will all be here for you, Kaelix. And when Eirik wakes, he will be surrounded by love and support."

Her words were like a balm, but they barely reached the hollow ache rooted deep in his chest. The emptiness gnawed at him, a wound too profound to heal. He had sacrificed something irreplaceable, their child, for Eirik’s life. His heart ached for the family they would never have, for the little soul he had let go to save the man he loved.

Yet, he stood firm, willing himself to believe that Eirik’s survival would be enough. As long as he had Eirik, he could endure the loss, even as grief weighed on him like a shroud.

Kaelix’s mind drifted to memories of Eirik: the way he would laugh softly at Kaelix’s clumsy attempts to dance, the sparkle in his eyes that always made him feel like he was the only person in the world.

Those memories became his lifeline, the glimmer of hope he clung to in the darkness. Eirik was strong, stronger than anyone he knew. And if there was even a sliver of hope, Eirik would fight with everything he had.

Kaelix remained outside the chamber, refusing to leave.

Eirik’s family surrounded him, their faces etched with both sorrow and resilience. In the heavy silence, a shared vow passed between them, a promise to cherish Eirik all the more if he survived this ordeal.

Hours bled into eternity. Finally, the healer emerged, her face drawn and weary, yet her eyes held a fragile hope.

"Prince Eirik is stable," she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of her relief. "He’s incredibly weak, but he will live."

Kaelix exhaled, his breath trembling with gratitude and unspeakable relief. Eirik was alive. The future was uncertain, but they had another chance.

Theron, Lucian, and Julian shared a look of quiet resolve, an unspoken vow to protect Eirik at all costs. Queen Aveline laid a gentle hand on Kaelix’s shoulder, offering him a soft, steady smile.

Lord Cedric’s gaze lingered on Kaelix, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint nod, he murmured, "You’ve proven yourself today, Kaelix. Eirik couldn’t have asked for a better partner."

Kaelix dipped his head, humbled by the words. He hadn’t sought their approval, but knowing they recognized his devotion filled him with a bittersweet peace. For Eirik, he would bear any burden, even the haunting weight of his sacrifice.

Entering Eirik’s room, Kaelix’s heart clenched at the sight of his consort lying pale and motionless, but alive. Taking Eirik’s hand, he pressed a trembling kiss to his knuckles, a surge of love and relief filling him.

"I’m here, Eirik," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I’m so sorry. I couldn’t save both of you. I... I had to choose." Tears blurred his vision. "But I’ll be here when you wake, and I promise... I’ll spend every day honoring the life we could have had."

Kaelix held Eirik’s hand tightly, letting the warmth of his touch ground him. Behind him, Eirik’s family entered the room, each member bringing a unique blend of strength and sorrow. Theron was the first to approach, his hand resting on Eirik’s shoulder as if willing his brother back to health.

"He’ll make it," Theron murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He looked at Kaelix, eyes softened with unexpected gratitude. "Thank you, Kaelix. You made the right choice. You chose him."

Kaelix nodded, words failing him, as he turned back to Eirik’s face, memorizing every line and shadow. In that moment, a fierce resolve took root within him, a vow to protect and cherish Eirik more fiercely than ever, and a searing desire to make Prince Carl pay for what he had done.

Julian, voice trembling, leaned over Eirik’s bedside and brushed his forehead gently. "You’re safe now, brother," he whispered. "You’ll never be alone again. We’re all here."

Lucian lingered by the door, his usually stoic face etched with a rare vulnerability. His arms were crossed tightly, his jaw set as he struggled to contain his grief.

"I never fully understood the bond you two shared," Lucian said softly, his gaze shifting to Kaelix. "But seeing you here, I understand now why Eirik chose you. Your love isn’t something any of us could question."

Finally, King Xavian stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the bed. His face, usually impassive, was drawn with grief he could not fully suppress. His gaze flickered to Kaelix, and for a moment, the mask of the ruler slipped, revealing the anguish of a father who had almost lost his son.

Xavian’s voice was low and hoarse. "Eirik means everything to us, Kaelix. But he means more to me as my son. You saved my child’s life... at the cost of yours." He faltered, the weight of his words hanging heavily. "Thank you. For everything."

Kaelix met Xavian’s gaze, seeing both the king’s pride and a father’s sorrow mirrored back at him. "I would give anything for Eirik," Kaelix replied, his voice quiet but steady. "I only wish the cost had not been so high."

Lord Cedric, his face solemn, inclined his head in acknowledgment. His expression softened, and there was a trace of regret in his voice as he spoke. "I owe you an apology, Kaelix. I doubted you once, questioned whether you truly understood what it meant to be part of this family. But today, you’ve shown a depth of love I failed to see."

"Thank you, Lord Cedric," Kaelix replied, feeling a quiet acceptance settle within him. "I would carry any burden for Eirik, even if it means bearing the weight alone."

Queen Aveline’s gaze swept over the room, pausing on Eirik’s still form before returning to Kaelix. Her voice, though gentle, held the unwavering strength of a mother. "The healers will remain close. Eirik is safe here, Kaelix, and we will give him every chance to heal."

Kaelix nodded, his grip on Eirik’s hand tightening as he whispered his gratitude. Her compassion, her kindness, it was more than he could put into words.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your kindness... it means more than I can say."

Queen Aveline offered a faint, tender smile. "Kindness is given to those who deserve it, Kaelix. And for Eirik, we will give everything we have."

A silence fell over them, one that carried both grief and hope. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, their minds on the life they had almost lost and the one they would never meet. Kaelix felt the weight of his choice settle over him, but he held onto Eirik’s hand, letting it be his anchor.

Outside, the sun was beginning to set, casting warm hues through the windows of the room. Queen Aveline turned to leave, giving Kaelix and the brothers a moment of privacy. She glanced back, a look of understanding in her eyes.

"Rest now," she advised gently. "There will be time to grieve, but for now, focus on what you have here. Eirik has a chance to live, and that’s a victory worth cherishing."