A Royal Obligation
Chapter 204: Lord Cedric’s Acceptance

Chapter 204: Lord Cedric’s Acceptance

The soft glow of candlelight cast delicate shadows across the room as Lord Cedric stood just outside the healing chamber, his gaze fixed on Kaelix.

The young prince sat close to Eirik’s bedside, his hand gently resting over Eirik’s, his thumb brushing the back of it in slow, tender circles.

Eirik’s face was pale, almost translucent in his unconscious state, and Kaelix’s brow was furrowed, his face etched with worry and fatigue.

Cedric’s heart clenched. He had once doubted this union, believed that Kaelix’s devotion to Eirik was fleeting, mere affection born of convenience and circumstance.

But now, as he watched Kaelix’s unwavering focus, he realized how deeply he had misjudged him. Kaelix’s love wasn’t just a title or a duty, it was fierce, consuming, and genuine.

The gentle hum of the room seemed to soften even further, and Cedric took a step back, closing the door behind him in silence.

He exhaled deeply, feeling the weight of his own guilt pressing on him. How blind he had been. He had thought his opposition to their marriage was justified, an attempt to protect the family and shield Eirik from what he perceived as a fleeting attachment.

But seeing Kaelix here, so devoted and broken over Eirik’s suffering, Cedric understood that Kaelix’s love was a strength they had all underestimated. Now, Cedric felt that Kaelix was, without a doubt, part of their family.

As he walked through the quiet halls of the Neomenia palace, Cedric’s mind churned with remorse and a sense of duty. He found his way to the chapel, a secluded place lit only by the flickering candles placed on the altar. The scent of incense hung in the air, mingling with the quiet and reverence of the sacred space. Cedric knelt, folding his hands together, bowing his head as he closed his eyes in prayer.

"Please," he whispered, his voice trembling, "if there’s any grace or mercy left in this world, let Eirik recover. Give him strength to pull through, and forgive me for my doubt." He inhaled, the scent of candle wax and ancient wood grounding him. "And forgive me, too, for underestimating Kaelix’s love for him. I see now how deeply he belongs to us, how he has become a son in every way but blood. Help me to guide him, to give him the strength he needs to face what lies ahead."

He lingered there, silent, letting the echoes of his prayer settle within him, mingling with his resolve. When he finally rose, he felt a sense of calm and purpose. He would be there for Kaelix, for Eirik, for all of them.

---

Later that evening, Cedric made his way to the chambers that had been granted to King Xavian by Queen Aveline. Cedric knew this would be difficult.

He paused outside the door, steadying himself before he entered. Xavian was seated by the fireplace, his figure silhouetted against the crackling flames, casting long shadows that danced across the walls. His hands were clasped, his head bowed, and the weight of his grief was palpable even from across the room.

"Your Majesty," Cedric greeted softly, closing the door behind him.

Xavian looked up, his face lined with exhaustion and sorrow. "Cedric," he replied, his voice a low rumble. His eyes were clouded, a mix of anger and sadness, the helplessness of a father who could do nothing to protect his child.

Cedric stepped forward, his gaze softening as he took in the expression on Xavian’s face. "I came to speak with you... to share some thoughts I’ve had." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

"You’ve been here with Eirik, and he knows, even in his state, that you’re here for him. But, Xavian... perhaps it’s time for you to consider returning to Zephyros."

Xavian’s brows drew together, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "How can I leave my son? After everything they’ve done to him... after what he’s been through. How can I abandon him now?"

Cedric held his gaze, understanding Xavian’s turmoil. "I know it feels wrong to leave, but your kingdom needs you, Xavian. Zephyros needs its king, especially now. You’ve always said that a ruler’s duty is to his people, to his kingdom, no matter what."

Xavian’s face softened slightly, though his jaw remained tight. "I can’t just leave him here, Cedric," he murmured, his voice cracking slightly. "Eirik has been through too much. He’s... he’s my son. How am I to turn my back on him now?"

"You’re not turning your back on him," Cedric replied gently, his voice steady. "You’re going back to protect what we holds dear. And... it should be you who tells Queen Morgana what has happened to him. She deserves to hear this from someone who truly understands the depth of the pain, who can console her. If you send a messenger, it would be a wound without any comfort."

The mention of Morgana softened Xavian’s stance. He knew that his wife would be devastated, and the thought of her receiving such news from a stranger rather than her own family weighed on him. He let out a heavy sigh, his hands covering his face as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

Cedric stepped closer, placing a hand on Xavian’s shoulder. "We’ve found him, Xavian. He’s alive. That’s what matters. And I swear to you, as his uncle, that I will be here. I’ll make sure Kaelix has all the support he needs, and that Eirik is taken care of. You have my word."

Xavian let his hands drop, meeting Cedric’s eyes, the flicker of doubt in them shifting to reluctant acceptance. "You would do that?"

Cedric nodded. "With every fiber of my being. I will treat Kaelix as my own son, as he has proven himself to be. And I will watch over Eirik, protect him, and ensure that when you return, you find him whole."

The silence between them was thick, the weight of Xavian’s decision looming. But as he looked at Cedric, at the unwavering resolve in his expression, the burden seemed to lighten, if only slightly.

"Thank you," Xavian whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Cedric, for being here. For giving Kaelix a chance."

Cedric clasped Xavian’s shoulder firmly. "We’re family, Xavian. And that’s what we do. We take care of each other, even when it’s difficult. And the boy has prove himself more than once, it’s time I stop my prejudice."

Xavian gave a slow, solemn nod. His gaze drifted to the window, the night stretching beyond, vast and uncertain. He knew what he had to do, even if it meant bearing the painful responsibility of relaying the news to Morgana himself. He would tell her gently, support her through her grief.

"Then I’ll return to Zephyros," Xavian said finally, his voice steadier, though the grief lingered.

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