A Royal Obligation
Chapter 271: Victory and Anticipation

Chapter 271: Victory and Anticipation

The sun had barely begun to rise when the palace gates of Valeidio creaked open, admitting a lone rider bearing a messenger’s sash. The courtyard, still bathed in the soft hues of dawn, stirred to life as the guards led the rider to the royal wing. Moments later, the messenger knelt before King Xavian and Queen Morgana in the grand hall, his voice steady but filled with triumph.

"Your Majesties," he began, "Mbuzuoria has fallen. The battle has been won, and the kingdom is now under the control of Zephyros and Valeidio. The royal family of Mbuzuoria has been taken prisoner. Our warriors will reach home by evening."

The weight that had hung over King Xavian’s shoulders for days lifted instantly. He exhaled deeply, sharing a broad smile with Queen Morgana, who clasped his hand tightly. "At last," Xavian murmured, his voice laced with relief. "Our sons and our people are safe."

"Safe and victorious," Morgana added, her smile radiant. "They’ve done us proud."

The court erupted in a flurry of activity as preparations for the warriors’ return began, but Morgana’s eyes remained on her husband. "It feels as though a storm has finally passed," she said softly.

"It has," Xavian replied, his tone resolute. "And it is their victory to celebrate."

Meanwhile, in Eirik’s chambers, the morning stillness was shattered as Amarok burst through the door, his face alight with excitement. The sudden intrusion startled Eirik awake, his heart racing as he bolted upright, eyes wide in panic.

"Amarok!" Eirik’s voice was sharp, though weak, as he tried to steady his breathing.

Amarok froze in his tracks, realizing his mistake. "I’m so sorry!" he blurted, hands raised in apology. "I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just..."

Eirik exhaled, relaxing slightly when he regained himself. "What is it?" he asked weakly, leaning back against his pillows.

Amarok approached the bed, guilt shadowing his excitement. "The messenger just arrived," he said, his voice quieter now. "Mbuzuoria has been conquered. The battle is won, and no one was hurt. Prince Kaelix and the others will be home this evening."

For a moment, Eirik said nothing, his gaze distant as the news sank in. Then, a faint smile curved his lips. "That’s... good news," he said softly. "I’m glad they’re safe."

Amarok grinned, his enthusiasm bubbling over again. "Aren’t you excited? They’ve won! Mbuzuoria got what they deserved for what they did to us!"

Eirik’s smile faded, and he shook his head slightly. "Don’t say that, Amarok," he murmured. "Let’s focus on the good news, not on revenge."

Chastened, Amarok nodded. "You’re right. I’m sorry."

"It’s okay," Eirik said, offering a small, tired smile. "We’ll see them soon. That’s all that matters."

---

Over in Zephyros, a similar scene unfolded as a messenger strode into the throne room, bowing deeply before delivering the news.

"Your Majesties, Mbuzuoria has been conquered. The battle is won, and the warriors will return this evening. Prince Kaelix has sent word that he will stop in Valeidio first to bring Prince Eirik home."

King Reagan leaned back in his throne, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Kaelix," he said proudly, "has proven himself once again. His bravery and strategy are unmatched."

Queen Elena, seated beside him, raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "You say that as if the entire battle was fought by Kaelix alone."

Reagan chuckled, meeting her gaze with mock indignation. "Well, someone must take credit for his brilliance. It’s clearly inherited."

Elena laughed, shaking her head at her husband’s antics. But as the laughter faded, a wistful look crossed her face. She sighed, her fingers lightly tracing the armrest of her chair.

"What is it?" Reagan asked, his tone softening.

"I’ve missed him," Elena admitted. "It’s been so long since I last saw Kaelix. I just want to hold my son again."

Reagan reached over, placing his hand over hers. "You will, soon enough," he said gently. "And I’m sure he’s missed you just as much."

Elena smiled, nodding as she squeezed his hand.

---

Far away from Valeidio and Zephyros, the morning sun illuminated the winding road leading back to the two kingdoms, casting long shadows of the victorious warriors as they made their way home.

At the forefront of the procession rode Kaelix and Theron, their armor gleaming, their postures regal and proud. The banners of Valeidio and Zephyros fluttered in the breeze above them, symbols of their hard-won victory.

Flanking them were the twins, Julian and Lucian, their expressions calm but their eyes scanning the horizon. Though the journey had been grueling, they exuded an air of quiet confidence.

Behind them rode Ella and Theo, their light banter easing the tension of the long march. Close to them were Kaelix’s cousins, Draven and Lysander, who exchanged glances, their swords resting on their laps but ready if needed.

The somber contrast to the triumph was the line of carts following them. In the first cart sat the defeated royal family of Mbuzuoria, their faces grim and filled with resentment. King Thaddeus, his eyes blazing with fury, glared at Carl, who sat slumped beside him. Carl clutched his severed arm, his face pale and drawn from the pain, while the two younger princes sat silently, their heads bowed in shame.

In the next cart were the queen of Mbuzuoria and the concubines. Their once-proud faces now bore the marks of despair and fear as they huddled together, their jewels a stark reminder of the power they had lost.

Further back, in a specially designed carriage, rode Sadiki’s mother. She sat upright, her frail frame now visibly stronger, her cheeks fuller, though the haunted look in her eyes had not entirely disappeared. Beside her sat Princess Abigail, her head resting against the window as she looked out at the countryside. She had insisted on joining the journey when they passed through her kingdom, wanting to spend more time with Theron, who had been reluctant to allow it but ultimately gave in.

Drystan rode alongside the carriage, his protective gaze fixed on Sadiki’s mother. He had taken it upon himself to ensure her safety, his posture alert even as the victory procession carried a sense of relief.

Behind the carriages marched the warriors of Valeidio and Zephyros, their steps steady, their armor dusted from the battle but their spirits high. The camaraderie among them was palpable, their shared experience of triumph binding them closer together.

The absence of Lord Cedric, who had stayed behind in Mbuzuoria to oversee the Warcrest Sentinel and maintain order, was noted but did not dim the pride of the returning soldiers. His decision to remain ensured that the newly conquered kingdom would not fall into chaos.