A Royal Obligation
Chapter 225: The Return to Zephyros

Chapter 225: The Return to Zephyros

The grand gates of Zephyros opened slowly, the sound of creaking iron echoing through the air as Queen Elena’s carriage approached.

The streets leading to the palace were lined with curious onlookers, murmuring in excitement and disbelief.

Whispers filled the air, could it truly be her?

The queen who had been as good as lost to the Nyrax Syndrome? The sight of her vibrant, smiling face through the carriage window seemed like a miracle.

The royal courtyard was abuzz with anticipation.

King Reagan stood at the forefront, his tall, imposing figure as regal as ever, but his usual stoic demeanor was cracked with barely contained emotion. Beside him stood members of the court, their faces a mixture of awe and skepticism.

The carriage came to a halt, and all eyes turned toward it as the royal footman opened the door.

Slowly, Queen Elena stepped out, her movements deliberate and graceful, the sunlight catching on her elegant sapphire gown. She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping across the courtyard as though she were drinking in the sight of her home after so long.

The moment Reagan saw her, he moved. Gone was the composed king, he was simply a man longing for his wife. His strides were purposeful and quick, and before anyone could react, he reached Elena and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Elena," he whispered, his voice cracking as he buried his face in her hair. His arms encircled her, strong and unyielding, as though he feared she might disappear if he let go.

Elena returned the embrace just as fiercely, her fingers gripping the fabric of his royal coat. "Reagan," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I’m here. I’m really here."

For a brief moment, it was as if the rest of the world had disappeared. Court members exchanged glances, some surprised at the raw display of emotion, others smiling at the tenderness of the reunion.

Reagan leaned back slightly, his hands still on Elena’s shoulders as he studied her face. There was life in her eyes, a healthy flush to her cheeks, such a stark contrast to the pale, unconscious woman he had sent to Valeidio months ago. He shook his head in disbelief, a faint, watery smile tugging at his lips. "You look... incredible," he said softly.

Elena chuckled, tears glistening in her eyes. "I feel incredible," she replied. "Thanks to the Valeidio’s healers, they’re really amazing."

Reagan nearly pulled her into another hug but stopped himself, suddenly aware of the court members standing nearby.

He straightened, though his hand lingered at her waist. His expression shifted to something more composed, though the joy in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Your Majesty," one of the councilors, an older man with a meticulously trimmed beard, stepped forward and bowed low. "It brings us great joy to see you returned to us, and in such radiant health."

The other court members quickly followed suit, bowing and murmuring their welcomes. Elena inclined her head graciously, her hand still lightly resting on Reagan’s arm.

"Thank you," she said, her voice warm and steady. "It is good to be home. I know my absence has been difficult for all of you, and I am grateful for your patience and service during my recovery."

Another council member, a stern-looking woman with piercing eyes, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we had prepared ourselves for the worst," she admitted, her voice softening. "To see you here, healed and standing strong, is nothing short of a miracle."

Elena smiled, though her grip on Reagan’s arm tightened slightly. "It was not an easy journey," she said. "But I am here now, and I am ready to resume my duties."

Her words were met with murmurs of approval and relief. Reagan glanced at her, his chest swelling with pride. He placed a hand over hers and said, "Let us not linger in the courtyard. The queen has had a long journey and deserves to rest. We can continue our discussions inside."

The group began to make their way toward the palace, the grand doors opening to reveal the grand halls of Zephyros.

As they walked through the corridors, Elena couldn’t help but marvel at how familiar everything felt, yet how much had changed in her absence. The staff bowed deeply as she passed, their faces lighting up with smiles. The air was filled with an unspoken sense of hope, as though her return had breathed new life into the palace.

Reagan kept a protective arm around her, his touch a silent reassurance. He guided her to the throne room, where they paused.

"Elena," he said quietly, his voice for her ears alone. "You don’t have to push yourself. If you need time to adjust..."

She turned to him, her expression soft but resolute. "Reagan, I’ve been away long enough. The kingdom needs me, and I need to be here."

---

The halls of Neomenia were silent, save for the soft hum of the wind weaving through its high arched windows.

The pale moonlight filtered in, casting silver patterns on the polished marble floors, but its beauty was lost on Eirik. He sat in his chambers, his face gaunt, his shoulders hunched, staring blankly at the corner of the room as though expecting some unseen force to rise and consume him.

Kaelix watched him from across the room, his heart aching at the sight of his partner unraveling. Eirik had always been strong, headstrong and resilient

But now, he was a shadow of himself, haunted by the memories of his abduction and the devastating loss of their unborn child.

Kaelix approached slowly, his footsteps deliberately light as if afraid to shatter the fragile silence. He settled into the chair beside Eirik, placing a warm hand over his. "Eirik," he said softly, his voice laced with both love and sorrow.

"You’re not alone in this. I’m here, and so are your brothers, Lucian and Julian, even your uncle. Please stop shutting us down, We’ll get through this together. You just have to let us in."