A Royal Obligation
Chapter 227: The Farewell Procession

Chapter 227: The Farewell Procession

Outside, Kaelix was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, his face a mask of worry and exhaustion. Cedric paused, placing a hand on Kaelix’s arm.

"You’re doing all you can," Cedric said reassuringly. "But grief is a battle only he can fight. All we can do is be there for him when he’s ready."

Kaelix nodded, though his eyes remained fixed on the door. "I just, I don’t know how to reach him anymore. It’s like he’s slipping further away every day."

Cedric’s gaze softened. "You have to stay strong, Kaelix. For him and for yourself. And I think it’s time we all returned home. Eirik needs his mother now more than ever. Her guidance and love might be the anchor he needs to pull himself out of this darkness."

Kaelix hesitated, his brow furrowing. "Do you think it’s too soon? What if the journey is too much for him?"

"He’s strong enough," Cedric said firmly. "But this place only reminds him of what he’s lost. Perhaps a change of scenery, and the comfort of his mother, will help him begin to heal."

Kaelix exhaled deeply, nodding. "I’ll speak to him about it."

Cedric gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before walking away, leaving Kaelix alone with his thoughts. He straightened, took a deep breath, and entered the room.

---

Eirik was still in the chair, his body slumped, his hands limp in his lap. Kaelix crossed the room and knelt in front of him, his hands resting on Eirik’s knees.

"Eirik," he said softly, his voice trembling with emotion. "We need to talk."

Eirik didn’t respond, but Kaelix pressed on. "Uncle Cedric thinks it’s time for us to go back home. He believes a familiar presence could help you heal."

Eirik’s eyes flickered with something, fear, anger, perhaps both. "I don’t want to go back," he muttered.

"Why not?" Kaelix asked gently.

"Because I’ll have to face everybody," Eirik said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ll have to see the disappointment in their eyes, hear them said that I failed to protect my own child."

Kaelix’s heart broke at the raw pain in Eirik’s voice. He reached up, cupping Eirik’s face in his hands, forcing him to look into his eyes. "We all love you, Eirik. Nobody will blame you for what happened, just like I don’t blame you. You need to let go of this guilt before it destroys you."

Eirik’s lip trembled, and he leaned forward, burying his face in Kaelix’s shoulder. His body shook with silent sobs, and Kaelix held him tightly, whispering soothing words into his ear.

---

The morning sun bathed the courtyard of Neomenia Palace in golden light, its warm rays glinting off the polished marble columns and casting long shadows across the cobblestones.

The air buzzed with activity as servants scurried about, their arms laden with supplies, ensuring everything was in place for the journey to Zephyros.

The clatter of hooves echoed against the palace walls, mingling with the rustle of fabric and the occasional barked order from the men preparing to depart.

In the center of the courtyard stood a grand carriage, its exterior a deep midnight blue trimmed with ornate silver. Inside, plush cushions of rich velvet were being arranged with great care, their soft hues of lavender and cream chosen for Eirik’s comfort.

Two footmen in green and gold livery worked swiftly, adjusting the seating to ensure the prince’s fragile state would be accommodated during the long journey.

To one side, Queen Aveline stood with Lord Cedric, their voices hushed as they engaged in an intense, private conversation.

Aveline’s pale blue gown shimmered faintly in the sunlight, the intricate embroidery on the sleeves catching the light.

A delicate tiara rested on her braided silver-blonde hair, giving her an air of quiet regality. Beside her, Lord Cedric’s dark riding cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, the edges brushing against his leather boots. His expression was solemn, his brow furrowed as he listened to the queen.

Neither seemed inclined to share the details of their exchange, their occasional glances toward the carriage only adding to the air of mystery.

Nearby, Julian and Lucian were busy tending to their horses. Julian’s chestnut steed stamped impatiently, its bridle jingling as he secured the saddle.

His twin, Lucian, stood beside a sleek black stallion, tightening the straps of its harness with practiced ease.

Both wore riding attire in shades of deep green and gray, their tunics embroidered subtly with the Valeidio crest.

The sound of footsteps drew their attention, and they turned to see Princess Abigail descending the grand staircase. She moved gracefully, though her pale pink gown seemed to betray her hesitation, the soft fabric fluttering in the morning breeze. Her hair was loosely braided, and her cheeks were flushed as she approached the twins with an air of determination.

"Princess Abigail," Julian greeted her, his tone light but curious, one brow arching slightly.

Lucian inclined his head in acknowledgment but said nothing, his gaze steady as she stepped closer.

"I... I have a favor to ask," Abigail said softly, holding out a folded letter. Her delicate fingers trembled slightly as she extended it toward them. "Please, could you deliver this to your brother, Theron? It’s important."

Lucian accepted the letter with a polite nod, slipping it into his saddlebag. "Of course, Your Highness," he replied, his tone calm and measured.

Julian’s lips curved into a faint smirk, his dark eyes gleaming with unspoken amusement as he watched the princess retreat toward the palace. He opened his mouth, clearly intending to tease, but whatever quip he had in mind died on his tongue when his gaze shifted to the staircase.

At the top of the grand stairs, Kaelix emerged, his arm wrapped protectively around Eirik. The once-vibrant prince looked pale and frail, his movements slow and deliberate as he leaned heavily on Kaelix for support. The sight sent a pang of sorrow through Julian and Lucian, their shared expression shifting to one of quiet heartbreak.

Neither spoke as they watched their brother descend the stairs, his white hair catching the sunlight but lacking its usual luster. Eirik’s deep purple eyes, once so bright and full of life, seemed distant and clouded, as though haunted by memories he could not escape.

Kaelix guided Eirik with the utmost care, his free hand lightly gripping the prince’s arm to steady him. He wore a fitted black tunic trimmed with silver, the understated elegance a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence. His crimson cloak swayed as they moved, its rich hue a vivid splash of color against the somber backdrop of the moment.

As they reached the courtyard, Drystan stepped forward from where he had been standing with the Zephyros men. His tall frame was tense, and his eyes flickered with a mixture of concern and something deeper, guilt, perhaps. Clad in a simple gray tunic with a dark leather belt, Drystan looked more subdued than usual, his usual confidence tempered by the weight of recent events.

He moved ahead of Kaelix and Eirik, opening the carriage door and stepping aside to allow them inside. Kaelix gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment, his expression unreadable, before helping Eirik into the carriage.

"Careful," Kaelix murmured, his voice low but steady as he guided Eirik onto the cushions. He adjusted the prince’s position, ensuring he was comfortable before climbing in beside him.

Drystan closed the carriage door with a quiet click, his jaw tightening as he turned away and rejoined the other men from Zephyros.

They were mounted on horses of various shades, bays, dapple grays, and a few pure whites, each one outfitted with armor and saddles bearing the Zephyros crest.

The men worked efficiently, checking their weapons and supplies, their disciplined movements a testament to their training.

As the final preparations were completed, Queen Aveline and Lord Cedric approached the carriage. The queen’s composure remained intact, though there was a flicker of emotion in her eyes as she addressed Kaelix.

"May the journey be swift and uneventful," she said, her voice steady but laced with an underlying sadness. "Neomenia will always be open for you, anytime, any day."

Kaelix inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your hospitality will not be forgotten." Aveline’s gaze lingered on Eirik for a moment before she stepped back, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

Lord Cedric turned to her, bowing slightly. "Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness and understanding. Zephyros and Valeidio are indebted to you."

The twins, who had mounted their horses, gave the queen a slight bow in unison before turning their attention forward.

With a signal from Lord Cedric, the procession began to move.

Hooves clattered against the cobblestones as the group made their way out of the courtyard, the carriage rolling smoothly behind them. Kaelix sat close to Eirik inside, his arm draped protectively over the prince’s shoulders as the palace faded into the distance.

Queen Aveline remained where she stood, watching the procession until it disappeared from view. Her expression was calm, but her clenched hands betrayed the storm of emotions raging within her.

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