A Royal Obligation
Chapter 226: Emotional Withdrawal

Chapter 226: Emotional Withdrawal

"We understand what you’re going through, please talk to me." Kaelix added.

Eirik didn’t move. His eyes remained fixed on the corner, unblinking, his face devoid of emotion. Kaelix’s words seemed to hover in the air before falling into the void. Kaelix tightened his grip on Eirik’s hand, his throat tightening with desperation.

He could see Eirik’s throat working to suppress the tears that threatened to spill.

"Please, talk to me," Kaelix urged again, his voice breaking. "Even if it’s to yell or cry, anything is better than this silence."

Eirik’s gaze flickered for the briefest moment, his lips parting as if he might say something. But the moment passed, and he sank deeper into his silence, leaving Kaelix feeling helpless.

"It wasn’t your fault," Kaelix tried again, his voice trembling slightly. "You couldn’t have known. You couldn’t have stopped it."

At those words, Eirik flinched, pulling his hands free and wrapping them around himself as if shielding his body from the weight of Kaelix’s reassurances.

"Stop saying that," Eirik finally muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "It doesn’t change anything."

Kaelix’s heart broke at the sound of his voice. "Eirik..."

"It’s my fault!" Eirik snapped suddenly, his voice cracking. He looked up, tears streaking his face. "I couldn’t protect our child. I couldn’t even protect myself. I was weak, Kaelix. I am weak."

Kaelix’s chest tightened as he watched Eirik crumble in front of him. He reached out, cupping Eirik’s face with both hands. "No, you’re not weak. You’re the strongest person I know, even if you don’t see it right now."

Eirik shook his head, tears falling freely now. "I failed," he whispered, his voice raw. "I failed you. I failed our child. I failed everyone."

Kaelix pulled him into a tight embrace, cradling the back of Eirik’s head as his consort sobbed into his shoulder.

"You didn’t fail me Eirik," Kaelix said firmly, his own voice shaking. "I’m the one that failed you."

---

Not long after, Eirik’s twin brothers, Lucian and Julian, arrived in the hopes of lifting their brother’s spirits. The sight of Eirik, pale, gaunt, and visibly broken, was a stark contrast to the strong, determined man they had grown up with.

Julian carried a small tray of food while Lucian held a blanket, their attempt at offering comfort in the only way they knew.

"Eirik," Julian said gently, setting the tray on the table beside him. "You haven’t eaten all day. Please, just a little."

Lucian knelt in front of him, his hands resting on Eirik’s knees. "We’ve been worried about you, but we don’t know how to help you.

Please, you need to help us understand how to help you."

Eirik’s eyes shifted slowly to his brothers. For a fleeting second, there was a spark of recognition, but it was quickly swallowed by the void. He turned away, his face tightening as though their presence was a weight he couldn’t bear.

Lucian sighed and stepped forward, his tone more direct. "Eirik, we know you’re hurting, but shutting everyone out won’t help. We’re your family. Let us in."

Still, Eirik remained silent. Julian exchanged a worried glance with Lucian.

Julian let out a frustrated sigh, his fingers gripping the edge of the tray. "This isn’t you, Eirik. You’re stronger than this. Don’t let what happened..."

"Don’t."

The single word was a whisper, but it stopped Julian mid-sentence. Eirik’s voice was hoarse, his tone devoid of its usual strength. He turned his head slightly, just enough for them to see the tears glistening in his eyes.

"I don’t want to talk," he muttered.

Julian’s face fell, and Lucian clenched his fists in frustration. "Eirik, we’re trying here!" Lucian snapped. "Do you think you’re the only one who’s hurting? We lost that child too. We almost lost you."

"Lucian," Julian warned, placing a hand on his brother’s arm to calm him.

Eirik’s gaze flickered toward them, but the words died on his tongue. He looked away.

Lucian placed a hand on Julian’s arm, signaling him to back off. "We’ll be here when you’re ready," Lucian said softly, rising to his feet. He placed the blanket over Eirik’s shoulders before guiding Julian out of the room.

----

The next day, Lord Cedric entered the chamber. Cedric had seen his share of loss and grief, and he carried an air of authority that commanded attention.

He pulled a chair closer to Eirik and sat down, his posture straight, his eyes steady.

He watched his nephew for a moment, noting the hollowness in his expression.

"Eirik," Cedric began, his voice low and steady. "I know you’re hurting. And I know you’re blaming yourself for what happened."

Eirik didn’t respond, but Cedric wasn’t deterred. He leaned forward. "When I lost my wife," Cedric continued, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"I thought the pain would destroy me. I blamed myself for not being able to save her. For not being there when she needed me most."

Eirik’s gaze flickered toward him, though he didn’t speak but his brow furrowed as Cedric’s words sank in.

"I spent years punishing myself," Cedric said. "But eventually, I realized that carrying that guilt did nothing to honor her memory. It only made me lose myself."

Eirik’s hands tightened in his lap. "It’s different," he whispered.

"How so?" Cedric asked.

Eirik’s voice cracked as he replied, "Because it is my fault. If I had listened..."

"Stop," Cedric interrupted gently but firmly. He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "The blame lies with those who hurt you, Eirik. Not with you.

You fought, you survived, and you’re still here. That is strength.

Grief is a heavy burden, but you don’t have to carry it alone.

Eirik shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "You don’t understand. That child ... " His voice broke, and he buried his face in his hands.

Cedric placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "I do understand, more than you know. And I also know that Kaelix, your brothers, and your family need you to come back to them. Don’t let this tragedy take more from you than it already has."

But Eirik didn’t respond. Cedric sighed deeply, recognizing that his words had not reached the young man. He stood, his hand lingering on Eirik’s shoulder for a moment before leaving the room.

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