A Royal Obligation
Chapter 222: A Haunting Dream

Chapter 222: A Haunting Dream

Back in Neomenia, Eirik was taking an afternoon nap. He had been transferred from the healing chamber to a different, more comfortable chamber, which he now shared with Kaelix.

The room was spacious but not overly lavish, with soft shades of cream and gold adorning the walls, complemented by wooden beams that added a rustic charm. The ceiling was high, giving the room an airy feel, and a grand chandelier hung in the center, casting a warm, inviting glow.

A large, king-sized bed, draped with plush blankets and an abundance of pillows, occupied the center of the room. The bed’s headboard was intricately carved with floral patterns, adding a touch of elegance. The air smelled faintly of lavender, a scent meant to calm the mind and lull its occupants into peaceful rest. A soft light filtered through the thin, gauzy curtains, casting gentle patterns on the polished wooden floor.

Eirik lay curled up against Kaelix, his head nestled against the older man’s chest. Kaelix’s arm was draped protectively around him, holding him close as though shielding him from unseen dangers.

Even in sleep, his grip was firm, his fingers lightly brushing Eirik’s shoulder as though afraid he might disappear. Eirik’s legs were tangled with Kaelix’s, their bodies fitting together perfectly, creating a cocoon of warmth and safety.

The room was quiet save for the occasional rustle of their movements and the soft breaths they shared. Eirik, however, stirred uneasily, his brow furrowing as he slipped into the depths of a restless dream.

Eirik found himself standing in a darkened room, cradling a tiny baby in his arms. The baby’s face was serene, a beacon of innocence and love that warmed his heart. But the room itself was suffocating. Shadows loomed from every corner, and the air felt heavy with malice.

From the darkness stepped a figure he recognized instantly - him. The man who used to haunt his nightmares for years.

His cruel smile was unchanged, but something was different this time. His face flickered, morphing seamlessly between his own and Carl’s. The transition was jarring, as if Eirik’s mind couldn’t decide which monster to fear more.

"Eirik dearest," the man’s voice drawled, sickly sweet and dripping with menace. The face shifted again, and Carl’s mocking laughter rang out. "You’ve been keeping secrets from me, haven’t you?"

Eirik clutched the baby closer, his heart pounding like a drum. "Stay away," he whispered, his voice trembling.

But the man only laughed, his face flickering once more. With a sudden lunge, he grabbed the baby from Eirik’s arms.

"No!" Eirik screamed, reaching out, but the man held the baby high, out of reach.

"Such a fragile little thing," the man taunted, his face now fully Carl’s, sneering as he looked down at Eirik. "This... thing is in the way, don’t you see? It has to go."

"Please," Eirik begged, falling to his knees. Tears streamed down his face as he clasped his hands together, pleading. "Don’t hurt my baby. I’ll do anything you want. Just give me back my baby."

The man tilted his head, as if considering. "Anything?" he echoed mockingly.

Eirik nodded frantically, desperation etched into every line of his face. "Anything, just please, don’t hurt my baby."

But instead of relenting, the man began to laugh. The sound echoed in the dark room, cruel and endless, shifting back to Carl’s voice mid-laughter.

"You don’t get it, do you?" he sneered. "This baby is the problem. It’s keeping us apart. Without it, you’ll be mine, completely."

The man’s hand tightened around the baby, and Eirik’s heart shattered. "No!" he screamed again, reaching out, his voice cracking with anguish.

Outside the dream, Eirik’s distress became apparent. His body began to thrash lightly, and quiet sobs escaped his lips. "No... please..." he murmured, his voice thick with despair.

Kaelix stirred at the sound, his eyes fluttering open. The moment he registered Eirik’s trembling form, his heart skip.

"Eirik?" he called softly, his voice laced with concern. He sat up slightly, keeping one arm around Eirik while brushing his hair back with the other. But Eirik didn’t wake.

"Give me back my baby," Eirik mumbled, his voice choked with sobs. A single tear slipped down his cheek.

Kaelix felt as though his chest had been pierced by an invisible dagger. He tightened his hold on Eirik, gently shaking him. "Eirik, wake up. It’s just a dream, my love. Please, wake up."

Eirik’s eyes snapped open with a gasp, wild and unfocused. "My baby!" he cried out, his voice hoarse with panic.

Kaelix reached for his face, cupping his cheeks gently. "Eirik, it’s me. It’s Kaelix. You’re safe. You’re here with me," he said, his voice trembling.

But Eirik wasn’t fully awake yet. His hands clutched at Kaelix’s chest, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Where’s my baby? Give me back my baby," he begged, tears spilling freely now.

Kaelix felt helpless. He wished he could rip the pain and fear from Eirik’s heart, wished he could turn back time and protect him from every harm he had ever endured.

"It’s a dream, my love," Kaelix murmured, pulling Eirik into his arms. He rocked him gently, his hand running soothingly up and down his back. "It’s not real. I’m here. You’re safe."

Eirik clung to him, his fingers digging into Kaelix’s shirt as sobs wracked his body. He buried his face in Kaelix’s shoulder, his cries muffled but no less heart-wrenching.

"I’m sorry," Kaelix whispered, his voice breaking. He pressed his lips to Eirik’s hair, holding him as tightly as he dared. "I’m so sorry, Eirik. I wish I could take this pain away. I wish I could have protected you more."

Eirik’s sobs grew louder, his body shaking with the force of his emotions. "Why... why won’t it stop?" he choked out between hiccups. "Why did he have to come back?"

Kaelix didn’t have an answer. All he could do was hold him, rocking him gently and murmuring apologies and reassurances.

As the minutes stretched on, Eirik’s sobs began to quiet, though his body still trembled. He loosened his grip on Kaelix’s shirt slightly, his hiccupping breaths slowly evening out.

Kaelix pulled back just enough to look into Eirik’s tear-streaked face. He wiped the tears away with his thumbs, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Everything is going to be alright," he said, his voice firm despite the emotion threatening to overwhelm him. "I promise."

Eirik nodded weakly, his gaze searching Kaelix’s as though seeking confirmation that this was real and he was still not dreaming.