A Royal Obligation
Chapter 238: A Mother’s Tender Care

Chapter 238: A Mother’s Tender Care

Back in Eirik’s chamber, the soft glow of the sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room.

Morgana remained seated at Eirik’s bedside, her eyes never straying far from her son. Her hands gently cradled a dish of sliced fruit, offering it to him as he eagerly shoveled food into his mouth. His movements were quick and almost frantic, as if he hadn’t eaten in days, his focus solely on consuming what was before him.

"Eirik, try this one next," Morgana suggested, her voice soft and soothing. She held out a small bowl of warm porridge, the steam rising delicately from its surface. "It will be easier to eat." Her hand reached out to tenderly brush a strand of his pale, white hair from his forehead, a small gesture of affection that seemed to calm him momentarily.

Eirik paused, his mouth still full of fruit, before he nodded, his eyes flickering with gratitude. He reached for the next dish she offered, the smooth porridge slipping easily from the spoon as he ate with steady, quiet determination.

Once the food was gone, Eirik looked up at her, his piercing violet eyes now carrying a depth of sorrow, a heaviness that made Morgana’s heart ache. "Mother..." His voice cracked slightly, the word sounding small and fragile as if it had taken all his energy to say it. "Why isn’t Kaelix back yet?"

Morgana’s lips curved into a soft, tender smile as she stroked his hair, the act a quiet comfort. "He’ll be back any moment now, darling," she reassured him, her voice unwavering in its calmness. "You don’t need to worry, my love."

Eirik nodded slowly, but his gaze remained fixed on the door as if willing it to open, as though his entire being was focused on Kaelix’s return. "I think I want to sleep more," he murmured, his voice low, filled with exhaustion.

"No problem, my baby," Morgana replied, her voice filled with a warmth that matched the nurturing tone of a mother. She helped him settle back against the soft pillows, her hands moving with practiced care to adjust the blankets and tuck him in snugly. Each movement was deliberate, making sure he was comfortable, her motherly instinct kicking in despite the overwhelming sense of helplessness that was consuming her.

For a fleeting moment, Morgana wished things were different, wished her son could be up and about, driving the whole palace mad with his energy as he once did, rather than lying in this bed, fragile and vulnerable. But the quiet progress, however small, was still progress, and she had to hold onto that.

She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, her lips lingering there for just a second longer than necessary. "Rest now," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

After straightening up, she carefully picked up the empty dishes, her fingers brushing lightly against the edges of the bowls, and transferred them to the nearby table. Her eyes lingered on her son one last time before she turned toward the door, preparing to call for some servants to clear the room. But just as she reached the doorframe, she nearly collided with Kaelix, who stepped into the room just as distracted as she was.

Kaelix, his mind still heavy from the conversation with Drystan, hadn’t noticed Morgana until she was nearly upon him. His brows furrowed as he looked at her, his expression tired but relieved upon seeing her.

"Kaelix!" Morgana’s smile brightened the room, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. "You’re back?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Kaelix replied, bowing his head respectfully, though his usual composure was weighed down by the exhaustion that had been building within him. His eyes flickered briefly toward the bed, where Eirik lay, still unaware of his arrival.

"Mother," Morgana said, her voice now taking on a firmer, yet affectionate tone as she addressed Kaelix. She had long since grown used to the formality with which the younger man addressed her, but now, she felt a subtle shift in the air. "You should call me Mother, Kaelix," she added gently, almost urging him. "Eirik asked for you earlier."

Kaelix hesitated, his mouth parting in a brief moment of uncertainty before he spoke, the word foreign yet comforting as it left his lips. "Yes... Mother," he replied, testing the unfamiliar title. It was strange, yet there was a warmth in the word that made it feel more natural than he expected. "He asked about me?"

Morgana’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach her eyes entirely. The weight of the situation still lingered there. "He did," she said softly, stepping aside to let Kaelix enter the room. "I think he was worried you hadn’t returned yet."

Kaelix’s chest tightened at her words, the mention of Eirik waiting for him striking a chord deep within him. It was a bittersweet ache that filled him, mixing with the guilt he still carried. He moved past Morgana, his eyes immediately seeking Eirik, needing to see him with his own eyes.

Eirik lay curled up on the bed, his once-pristine features now softened by sleep, the tension of the day easing as he rested. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, Kaelix noted the faintest hint of peace on his face, a look that had eluded him for so long.

"He just fell asleep," Morgana said quietly, her gaze shifting from Kaelix to her son. She placed the empty dishes on the table with a soft clink. "He ate well, nearly everything I offered him. It’s the most I’ve seen him eat in weeks."

Kaelix’s lips curved slightly, a faint but genuine smile pulling at the corners of his mouth as he approached the bed. "That’s good," he murmured, sitting gently on the edge of the mattress. His hand hovered above Eirik’s hair for a moment before he carefully brushed a few stray strands away from his face, his fingers lingering just for a second longer than necessary.

Morgana watched him with a quiet intensity, noticing the tenderness in Kaelix’s actions. It filled her with a strange mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "You’ve been good for him," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion that she didn’t quite know how to express.

Kaelix looked up at her, his brows furrowed as if the compliment didn’t sit right with him. "I don’t feel like I’ve done enough," he admitted, his voice low, almost a whisper. "He’s been through so much, and I couldn’t protect him from it."

Morgana shook her head gently, stepping closer to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "None of us could," she said softly, her voice firm but kind. "But you’re here now, Kaelix, and that’s what matters. He needs you, he always has."

Kaelix looked back at Eirik, his heart swelling with a newfound resolve. "I won’t leave his side," he declared, his voice steady with determination.

Morgana’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, though she nodded, her gaze full of silent understanding. "I know you won’t."

She lingered a moment longer before excusing herself, her voice soft as she turned toward the door. "I’ll have the servants clear these," she said, gesturing to the plates on the table. "You stay with him."

Kaelix inclined his head in gratitude, his gaze never straying from Eirik. "Thank you... Mother."

The word came more easily this time, and it brought a flicker of warmth to Morgana’s smile as she exited the room.

Kaelix remained by Eirik’s side, his fingers lightly tracing delicate patterns on the blanket that covered him. Watching him sleep, Kaelix allowed himself to breathe, his thoughts quieting for the first time that day. The steady rise and fall of Eirik’s chest, the faint color returning to his cheeks, it was enough to rekindle the spark of hope Kaelix had been desperately clinging to.

Minutes passed, stretching into an hour, but Kaelix remained motionless, his focus solely on Eirik. When Eirik stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible, Kaelix leaned closer, his voice low and soothing as he whispered, "I’m here, love. Rest."

Eirik settled once again, and Kaelix couldn’t suppress the small smile that tugged at his lips.

The soft sound of footsteps echoed outside the chamber, and Kaelix turned just as a servant entered, carrying a tray to clear the dishes. He gestured for them to work quietly, his attention never straying far from Eirik’s peaceful form.

Once the room was tidied, Kaelix rose, adjusting the blanket around Eirik’s shoulders with gentle hands. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Eirik’s temple. "I’ll always be here for you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

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