A Royal Obligation
Chapter 236: The Queen’s Relief

Chapter 236: The Queen’s Relief

Morgana had left Eirik’s chambers earlier that morning, her heart heavy with guilt and grief. She hadn’t wanted her son to see her break down; he needed strength from her, not more sorrow.

Yet the sight of him, so withdrawn, so fragile, had shattered the last of her composure. She couldn’t hold back the tears that had streamed down her face as she leaned against the cold stone walls outside his chamber, silent sobs wracking her body.

She eventually retreated to her own chambers, the weight of her emotions almost too much to bear. Sitting by the large bay window overlooking the castle gardens, Morgana had buried her face in her hands, blaming herself for everything.

I failed him, she thought bitterly. She hadn’t been able to protect Eirik, not from the betrayal, the heartbreak, or the pain that followed. And now, seeing him like this, silent, defeated, and unwilling to even acknowledge her presence, was too much to endure.

The door creaked open softly, and Morgana looked up through her tears. King Xavian stepped inside, his expression grim but gentle. He took in the sight of her, still sobbing silently, and sighed deeply. He had always admired her strength, but seeing her so broken pulled at his heart.

Without saying a word, he crossed the room and sat beside her, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders. Morgana leaned into him, her sobs muffled against his chest.

"He couldn’t even talk to me," she wept, her voice shaking. "I don’t think he ever will."

Xavian pressed a kiss to her temple, holding her close. "He will come around, my love," he murmured softly.

"He wouldn’t even touch his favorite honey rolls," she continued, her voice filled with anguish. "He used to devour them like a little whirlwind, but now... now he won’t even look at them."

Xavian sighed again, his hand gently stroking her back. "Let’s give him time, Morgana. He’s trying to heal in his own way. Pushing him too much might only make him retreat further."

"I just want my sweet, naughty boy back," Morgana whispered, fresh tears falling as she clutched Xavian’s tunic.

Xavian’s voice was firm yet soothing. "You will. But for now, we need to be patient. Healing isn’t a straight path, it’s slow, and sometimes painful. You know that as well.

So let’s give him time. But I promise you, he’ll find his way back to us. And when he does, we’ll be here for him, just as we always have been."

Morgana nodded weakly, drawing strength from her husband’s quiet reassurance. Slowly, her sobs subsided, and her breathing steadied.

Moments later, a knock sounded at the door, breaking the fragile silence. The couple turned to see their eldest son, Theron, standing in the doorway. His expression was apologetic but determined.

"Forgive me for interrupting," he said, his voice respectful yet urgent. "Father, your presence is required."

Xavian pressed a kiss to Morgana’s forehead before rising to his feet. "Stay here and rest, Morgana," he said gently. "I will be back."

Morgana gave a small nod, watching as her husband and son exited the room. Once they were gone, she sat in silence for a moment, staring at the door. Rest? How could I possibly rest while my son is suffering like this?

Steeling herself, Morgana stood and smoothed her dress. I need to see him again. I need to try.

Determined to make amends, Morgana had stood up to go and check up on him again, what he didn’t expect to see was Eirik stuffing food and Prince Kaelix patting his back, when she entered Eirik’s chambers.

Her breath hitched. Her heart nearly stopped. For a moment, she froze, taking in the sight before her.

Eirik was sitting on the bed, surrounded by plates of food. He was devouring it hungrily, he focused more on the honeyed rolls she had lamented about just moments ago. Kaelix sat beside him, his hand gently patting Eirik’s back as he ate, a rare smile softening the prince’s usually tense features.

Morgana couldn’t move, relief flooding her as she took in the scene. Eirik looked so different, still frail, but alive, eating with an urgency that gave her hope.

"Eirik," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Eirik looked up briefly, his lips glistening with honey. His tear-streaked face was clearer now, his eyes less clouded with pain. He met her gaze for a moment, offering a small nod before returning his attention to the food in front of him.

Kaelix rose from his seat and approached her, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty," he said.

She shook her head, her lips curving into a smile that was both grateful and tearful. "Thank you," she whispered, though her eyes remained fixed on Eirik.

Kaelix stepped aside to allow her closer, though his expression was one of quiet astonishment.

Unbeknownst to Morgana, he was just as shocked as she was. This sudden change had caught him completely off guard, and yet it filled him with an immense sense of relief.

Morgana moved to sit on the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Eirik’s face. Her touch was featherlight, filled with maternal love and relief.

"You’re eating," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Eirik didn’t reply, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was barely there, but it was enough to make Morgana’s heart swell.

She glanced up at Kaelix, gratitude shining in her eyes. "I don’t know what you did, but thank you," she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kaelix gave a small shake of his head, his lips quirking into a wry smile. "I didn’t do anything, Your Majesty," he admitted. "I’m just as surprised as you are."

A knock came at the door, and Drystan stepped inside. He stopped short, his eyes widening slightly at the sight before him. Eirik stuffing his face, and Kaelix, usually so solemn and tense since the incident, now wore a rare, genuine smile.

Drystan coughed lightly to announce his presence. "Your Highnesses, Your Majesty," he greeted, bowing to each of them in turn.

Kaelix and Morgana both nodded in response, though Eirik didn’t even spare him a glance, too focused on his food.

"Your Highness," Drystan addressed Kaelix hesitantly, "may I have a moment of your time?"

Kaelix hesitated, his gaze flickering to Eirik, then back to Drystan. He didn’t want to leave Eirik, not now, not when he was finally making progress.

"Please, Your Highness," Drystan added, his tone almost pleading. "Just a few minutes."

Kaelix looked between Drystan and Eirik, he didn’t want to leave Eirik now, not even for a moment. Morgana sensed his indecision, and offered him a reassuring smile. "Go," she said softly. "I’ll take care of him."

Kaelix sighed, reluctant but understanding. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of Eirik’s head. To his surprise, Eirik looked up and offered him a tiny smile, a real, genuine smile.

Kaelix’s breath caught. That small gesture filled him with a warmth he hadn’t felt in days, and it gave him the strength to leave, knowing Eirik was in good hands.

He turned to Drystan and followed him out of the chamber, though he cast one last glance over his shoulder, committing the sight of Eirik smiling and eating to memory.

Morgana turned her full attention back to Eirik, her hands gentle as she patted his back and offered him more food. She urged him to slow down, handing him a cup of water between bites. Eirik accepted everything without complaint, eating with a determination that filled her heart with hope.