A Royal Obligation
Chapter 270: Unsettling Silence

Chapter 270: Unsettling Silence

Amarok’s eyes widened, his thoughts racing. For a moment, he was utterly speechless. "Your Ma...uhm... Mother," he stammered, correcting himself nervously, "don’t you think they’re the ones who are supposed to ask me that?" His voice carried a mix of confusion and disbelief. He fidgeted slightly, worried he might sound like he was challenging the queen’s authority.

To his surprise, Queen Elena burst into laughter, the sound rich and genuine. "If you’re waiting for them to ask, I might be long gone by then," she said, wiping a tear of mirth from the corner of her eye. "Those boys of mine are too scared to ask you."

"Too scared?" Amarok echoed, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why would they be scared?"

The queen nodded, still smiling. "They’re afraid you won’t be comfortable marrying both of them."

Amarok blinked, startled by the revelation. "I don’t understand," he admitted, his voice quieter as he processed her words.

The queen chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "You don’t have to understand them, Amarok. Honestly, half the time, I don’t even understand the king, and we’ve been together for decades." She gave him a playful wink, and Amarok couldn’t help but blush faintly.

"But truly," she continued, "the twins spoke to me before they left for the battle. They told me how much they love you, how they can’t imagine a future without you in it. But they’re terrified of your answer. They don’t want to lose you, not even for a moment."

Amarok’s heart swelled, his chest tightening with emotion. He let out a slow breath, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a soft smile. "I would be more than glad to marry them," he said finally, his voice steady with conviction.

The queen’s smile broadened, her face glowing with joy. "Then it’s settled! We have a wedding to prepare," she declared. "You don’t know how happy this makes me. I never got to prepare Eirik’s wedding since it was done in Zephyros. But this... This will be a celebration for all of us."

Amarok chuckled nervously, his cheeks still tinged with a faint blush. "I suppose I’ll leave the planning to you, Mother."

"Oh, don’t think you’ll escape that easily," she teased, wagging a finger at him. "You’ll have to pick out your attire, help me decide on the theme, and of course, approve the guest list. I don’t want the twins accusing me of inviting anyone they don’t like."

Amarok laughed softly, the warmth of her words settling over him like a comforting blanket. "I’ll do whatever you need," he promised.

Queen Elena stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You’ve brought so much joy to my sons, Amarok. And now, you’ve brought joy to me as well. Thank you for loving them so deeply."

Amarok lowered his head, his face flushing with both humility and gratitude. "They’ve given me more than I could ever ask for. Loving them is the easiest thing I’ve ever done."

The queen’s smile grew even softer. "You’re a good man, Amarok. A rare one. I’m so glad my sons found you."

She stepped back, her regal poise returning. "I’ll bid you good night now. We’ll discuss the preparations soon."

"Good night, Mother," Amarok said, bowing slightly.

As the queen left the room, Amarok stood there for a moment, letting her words sink in. A small smile lingered on his lips as he finally made his way to the oversized bed. Though it felt empty tonight, he found himself looking forward to the day when the twins would return, and the three of them could share it once more, not just as lovers, but as husbands.

He stared up at the ceiling as he replayed the queen’s words in his mind, "will you marry my sons? " Over and over again.

The question had stunned him, but the answer had been so clear, so deeply rooted in his heart, that he hadn’t hesitated for long. The thought of standing beside Julian and Lucian, of pledging himself to them forever, filled him with a warmth that chased away the loneliness of the empty bed.

He ran a hand through his hair, a soft smile playing on his lips. The twins were everything to him, his light, his joy, his peace. But knowing they had been too afraid to ask him themselves tugged at his heart. He made a mental note to remind them, when they returned, that his love for them was unconditional and unwavering.

Yet, as much as the thought of their future together comforted him, a pang of worry crept in. It had been a week since the twins and others had departed for Mbuzuoria.

The last message they had received was a brief report confirming they had breached the border. Since then, nothing. The silence was deafening, and though he trusted their strength and skills, he couldn’t shake the unease settling in his chest.

Meanwhile, in the royal chambers, Queen Morgana sat beside her husband, King Xavian, who was poring over a map detailing the surrounding kingdoms. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, drawing his attention.

"Xavian, there’s something I need to tell you," she began, her voice light but filled with meaning.

The king raised an eyebrow, his expression softening as he set the map aside. "What is it, my love?"

She smiled warmly, the kind of smile that made her look years younger. "Amarok has agreed to marry the twins."

Xavian’s eyes widened for a moment before a grin spread across his face. "Truly? That’s wonderful news!" He leaned back, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. "I knew he cared for them deeply, but this... This cements it. Amarok is a remarkable young man."

"He is," Morgana agreed, her tone full of pride. "Not only has he loved and supported Julian and Lucian so selflessly, but he’s also been a rock for Eirik during his healing. His patience, his kindness, it’s no wonder our sons are so devoted to him."

Xavian nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "It’s rare to find someone with such a pure heart, especially in times like these. Amarok has done more for this family than we could have ever asked. And now, to think of him as a future member of this household... It feels right."

Morgana’s gaze softened as she looked at her husband. "We’re fortunate to have him, Xavian. He’s not only a blessing to the twins but to all of us."

The king reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We’ll celebrate properly when they return. But for now, I can’t help but wonder how they’re faring in Mbuzuoria. It’s been too long since we’ve heard anything."

Morgana nodded, her expression clouding with concern. "I’ve been thinking the same. The last we heard was when they breached the border. Kaelix would have sent word if something had gone wrong, wouldn’t he?"

Xavian frowned slightly, his jaw tightening. "Of course he would, but the silence is unsettling."

Morgana sighed, her free hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Our sons are strong, and Kaelix is with them, even my brother and his children are there. We have to trust in their ability and wait."