A Royal Obligation
Chapter 269: Will you Marry my Sons?

Chapter 269: Will you Marry my Sons?

As Eirik ascended the dimly lit stairway from the dungeon, his mind churned with emotions he couldn’t quite name. Each step away from Sadiki felt both like a release and a burden. Forgiveness hadn’t brought him the peace he thought it might. The image of Sadiki’s broken form lingered in his mind, haunting him with its rawness.

When he emerged into the open corridor, the cool breeze flowing in from a nearby window hit him, carrying with it the scent of rain. A storm was brewing outside, fitting for the storm that still raged within him.

"Your Highness," a warm, familiar voice broke his thought.

Eirik turned to find Amarok waiting a few paces away, a small basket of fruit in his hands. His expression was both relieved and curious, though his sharp eyes betrayed his concern.

"I thought you’ve already called it a night?" Eirik asked, his tone was tired.

"You went to the dungeon," Amarok said, stepping closer. His tone was light, but there was a depth to it that suggested he understood more than he was letting on. "I was on my way to bring you something to snack on when I was told."

Eirik exhaled deeply and crossed his arms, his gaze flicking to the basket briefly before returning to Amarok. "I needed to see him," he said simply.

Amarok nodded, his usual easy demeanor softened with understanding. "And? Did it bring you any peace?"

Eirik hesitated, his eyes dropping to the floor. "I forgave him," he said finally, his voice steady but laced with weariness.

Amarok tilted his head, studying Eirik carefully. "Forgiveness." He let the word linger in the air for a moment before a faint smile touched his lips. "You’re finally letting go."

Eirik’s gaze snapped to Amarok, his brow furrowing slightly. "Do you think I was wrong to forgive him?"

"No," Amarok said without hesitation. "Not at all. Forgiveness takes strength, Your Highness. It’s not about excusing what he did. It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of what he’s done."

Eirik’s shoulders relaxed slightly, though the weight of the encounter still hung over him. "I told him I forgave him," he said, his voice quieter now. "But I also told him I won’t forget. By tomorrow, he’ll be gone from the dungeon."

Amarok nodded again, his expression thoughtful. "That’s fair. Forgiveness doesn’t mean trust can be restored. He made his choices, and he’ll have to live with the consequences. But I think..." Amarok paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "I think you’ve taken an important step, for yourself, not for him."

Eirik’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he looked away toward the window where the faint sound of rain tapped against the glass. "It doesn’t make the pain any less," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Forgiving him didn’t bring back what was lost. It didn’t undo the suffering. I lost... so much because of him."

Amarok stepped closer, his presence a steadying force. "No, it doesn’t erase the pain. But it means you’re not letting it control you anymore. That’s what matters, Your Highness."

Eirik turned back to Amarok, studying him for a long moment. The warmth in Amarok’s gaze, the quiet encouragement he offered without judgment, reminded Eirik of why he valued him so deeply.

"You’re always the optimist," Eirik said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite the heaviness in his heart.

"And you need that, don’t you?" Amarok replied with a grin, holding up the basket. "Here. I brought these to cheer you up before I knew you were brooding in the dungeon. They’re fresh, your favorite."

Eirik chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You and your late-night snacks"

"Hey, they work," Amarok said with a playful shrug. Then, more seriously, he added, "You’ve done enough for tonight, Eirik. Go rest. The battles ahead will need your strength, and you can’t face them if you’re running on fumes."

Eirik nodded slowly, the weight on his chest feeling just a little lighter. "Thank you, Amarok," he said sincerely.

"Always," Amarok replied, his grin returning. "Now, let’s go."

Eirik shook his head but didn’t argue. Together, they walked toward his chambers, Amarok still holding the fruit basket. The sound of Amarok humming a soft tune filled the quiet halls, and though it was a simple gesture, it eased some of the tension that still lingered in Eirik’s heart.

When they reached Eirik’s chambers, Amarok set the basket down on the small table near the door. "Well, I’ll leave you to rest now," he said, turning to go. "Good night, Your Highness."

Eirik hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Amarok."

Amarok stopped and looked back curiously. "Yes?"

Eirik’s lips curved into a faint smile. "Stop calling me ’Your Highness.’ We’re practically family now. Just... call me Eirik."

For a moment, Amarok’s face lit up with a warm smile. "Of course... Eirik." He gave a playful bow, his eyes twinkling with amusement, before straightening up. "Good night, then." With that, he turned and left, closing the door softly behind him.

Eirik let out a soft sigh, his gaze drifting toward the window. The night outside was calm, the faint rustle of leaves in the wind the only sound. He leaned against the windowsill, staring at the moonlit sky, his mind still caught between the events of the evening and the unknown road ahead.

Meanwhile, Amarok was walking through the hallways, heading toward the chambers he shared with the twins. His thoughts wandered as he moved, his steps slower than usual. The room had felt too quiet without them, and he missed their constant bickering and laughter. A pang of longing filled him as he imagined the three of them piled onto the massive bed, arguing over blankets and pillows.

Deep in thought, Amarok didn’t notice the figure in front of him until it was almost too late. He stopped abruptly, his heart leaping as he realized who it was. He had almost collided with the queen.

"Your Majesty!" Amarok gasped, stepping back quickly and bowing his head. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn’t see you."

Queen Elena’s lips curled into a gentle smile. "Amarok, how many times must I remind you? It’s ’mother,’ not ’Your Majesty.’"

"I’m sorry... Mother," Amarok corrected hesitantly, his voice laced with guilt.

"No harm done," Elena reassured him, her tone calm and warm. "Actually, I’ve been looking for you."

Amarok blinked, surprised. "Me?"

She nodded. "There’s something I’d like to discuss with you."

Amarok couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity. What could the queen want to talk about this late at night? He hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. Shall we...?" He gestured toward the chambers ahead.

The queen smiled and gestured for him to lead the way. Together, they walked into the room Amarok shared with the twins. It was spacious, with a large bed that now seemed too empty in their absence. Amarok stood awkwardly by the door as the queen stepped inside, her gaze briefly taking in the room before settling on him.

"Please, have a seat," she said, motioning to the small seating area near the fireplace.

Amarok complied, sitting down but remaining attentive. "What is it you wish to discuss, Your Majesty?"

The queen took her time, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she looked at him, her tone gentle but firm. "I wanted to thank you again, Amarok. For staying by Eirik’s side during these difficult times. Your presence has been a comfort to him, even if he doesn’t always say it."

Amarok blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I’m only doing what I must," he said modestly. "Eirik...His Highness, has been through so much. I only want to be there for him, as a friend."

The queen smiled faintly. "And that is why I trust you."

Her words carried a weight that made Amarok sit up a little straighter. "Is there something more you need from me, Your Majesty?"

She nodded, her expression growing serious. "Yes. There’s something we need to handle, delicate matters, that require your agreement." Her voice softened, but her tone remained steady. "I would like the twins to settle down when they return from Mbuzuoria. And since you’re the one they’ve chosen to love, I’d like to ask your permission, Amarok, before I begin preparing for their wedding. Will you marry my sons?"