A Royal Obligation
Chapter 249: One Step at a Time

Chapter 249: One Step at a Time

Kaelix helped Eirik out of bed with gentle hands, steadying him as they made their way to the bathing chambers.

Inside the bathing chambers, Kaelix carefully adjusted the water temperature, ensuring it was warm but not too hot. Eirik stood nearby, leaning lightly against the edge of the stone tub, his expression distant but calm.

Kaelix turned back to him and extended a hand. "Come," he said softly, his voice filled with tenderness.

Eirik placed his hand in Kaelix’s, letting the older prince guide him into the bath. The warm water enveloped him, drawing a soft sigh of relief from his lips. Kaelix knelt by the tub, rolling up his sleeves as he dipped his hands into the water to gently wet Eirik’s hair.

Eirik closed his eyes, leaning into Kaelix’s touch as his hands moved with care, washing away the tension that had settled over him for days. The quiet intimacy of the moment brought a small smile to Eirik’s lips.

"You spoil me," Eirik murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kaelix chuckled softly. "I’ll always spoil you, my baby," he said, his fingers combing through Eirik’s hair as he lathered it with soap.

The nickname made Eirik’s cheeks flush faintly, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he allowed himself to relax fully, the weight of his worries momentarily forgotten in Kaelix’s presence.

After a while, Kaelix rinsed Eirik’s hair, careful not to let the water splash into his eyes. Once he was satisfied, he helped Eirik out of the bath, wrapping him in a soft towel and guiding him to a nearby chair.

Eirik watched quietly as Kaelix dried his hair with gentle strokes. "You don’t have to do all this," he said, though there was no protest in his tone.

Kaelix smiled, kneeling in front of him. "I want to," he replied simply.

The sincerity in his words made Eirik’s chest ache, but he didn’t say anything more.

Once Eirik was dressed in a fresh tunic, Kaelix offered him his arm. "Shall we?"

Eirik hesitated for only a moment before slipping his arm through Kaelix’s. Together, they made their way out of the chambers and down the corridors toward the garden.

The palace staff and guards were surprised to see Prince Eirik stepping out of his chambers for the first time since he was brought back.

Eirik stayed close to Kaelix as Kaelix led him to a garden he’d found by accident while wandering the palace, he wasn’t entirely familiar with Valeidio yet.

The crisp air greeted them as they stepped outside, the late morning sun casting a soft glow over the vibrant flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. Eirik inhaled deeply, his shoulders relaxing as the gentle breeze kissed his skin.

Kaelix guided him to a stone bench beneath a blooming magnolia tree. They sat together in comfortable silence, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves filling the space between them.

After a while, Eirik broke the silence. "I feel... lighter out here."

Kaelix smiled, turning to him. "That’s good. You need this. Fresh air, a little sunlight. You’ve been cooped up for too long."

Eirik nodded slowly, his fingers absently tracing the edge of his tunic. "I suppose you’re right," he admitted.

"Theo and Ella have been asking about you in their letters," Kaelix said gently.

Eirik didn’t reply immediately, his gaze drifting as if lost in thought. Kaelix turned to look at him, wondering if Eirik had heard him at all.

Finally, Eirik spoke, his voice soft. "I must have worried everybody."

Kaelix reached out, gently placing a reassuring hand on Eirik’s knee. His voice was calm and steady as he replied, "They care about you deeply, Eirik. We all do. You’ve been through so much, but no one sees you as a burden. They’re just waiting for you to find your strength again, in your own time."

Eirik’s eyes softened, and after a moment of silence, he leaned his head against Kaelix’s shoulder, his gaze following two sparrows playing among the branches of the magnolia tree.

"It’s hard," Eirik admitted quietly. "Sometimes, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to move forward."

Kaelix tilted his head slightly, resting it gently against Eirik’s. "You don’t have to move forward all at once," he replied. "Today, you stepped outside, and that’s enough. Strength isn’t always about pushing ahead, it’s about allowing yourself to rest, to breathe. And you’ve done that."

Eirik let the words sink in, his breathing growing steadier. "You make it sound so simple," he murmured.

"It doesn’t have to be complicated," Kaelix said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You’re stronger than you think, even if you can’t see it yet. And I’ll remind you as many times as you need."

Eirik closed his eyes, letting the comfort of Kaelix’s words and presence wash over him. The two birds darted into the sky, their chirps fading into the distance, but neither prince moved, content in the quiet sanctuary of the garden.

--

Not too far from the garden, Theron and Lucian stood hidden behind the cover of a tall hedge, their gazes fixed on their younger brother leaning against Kaelix. The scene before them was serene, almost fragile, and yet it stirred different emotions in each of them.

Lucian, his arms crossed loosely, tilted his head slightly. "He’s good for him," he said quietly, his tone holding a note of relief.

Theron, standing with his arms crossed, didn’t reply immediately. His gaze lingered on Eirik, who seemed more at ease than he had in days. Finally, he spoke, his tone calm but thoughtful. "He is. But it doesn’t mean it’s easy to watch."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, tilting his head toward his brother. "What do you mean by that?"

Theron’s lips pressed into a thin line before he sighed. "It’s not that I’m doubting Kaelix, Lucian. He’s proven his devotion to Eirik time and time again.

But seeing Eirik lean on someone like this, needing this much support... it just reminds me of how much he’s been hurt." His voice dropped slightly, a hint of guilt slipping through. "And how much we failed to protect him.

Lucian placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You’re his brother, Theron. You’ve always been there for him, even if you think it wasn’t enough. But Kaelix? He’s the one Eirik chose to stand beside him, to share his burdens. Trust him to carry what we can’t."

Theron’s gaze remained fixed on Eirik, who had closed his eyes, his head still resting on Kaelix’s shoulder. The gentle interaction between them was unspoken proof of the bond they shared. After a long pause, Theron exhaled slowly. "You’re right. He’s what Eirik needs."

Lucian gave him a small, satisfied smile. "I know I am."