A Royal Obligation
Chapter 276: Epilogue: Like Niece like Uncle

Chapter 276: Epilogue: Like Niece like Uncle

The handmaids exchanged exhausted but grateful smiles before retreating to a respectful distance, ready to act if needed. Theron watched them with a sympathetic expression, shifting his grip on the twins. "You have my gratitude," he said kindly. "But you should take a moment to rest. These two little whirlwinds can be... relentless."

The handmaids gave weary nods and stepped back, their expressions a mix of relief and amusement as they finally got a moment to catch their breath.

Abigail gently tucked a stray curl behind Arin’s ear as she leaned into Theron’s side. "They’re just excited," she said, her tone warm with affection. "But we should probably channel some of that energy before they leave the palace staff in shambles."

Theron chuckled, shifting the twins in his arms as they giggled mischievously. "How about this?" he proposed, looking between his two children with a mock-serious expression. "We’ll head to one of the carriages and wait. That way, we’ll give your mother time to finish organizing everything. Agreed?"

The twins shared a quick, conspiratorial glance, their bright eyes brimming with excitement, before nodding enthusiastically. "Agreed!" they chorused in unison, their little voices ringing out.

Theron had barely taken a step toward the carriages when the sound of wheels on cobblestone drew everyone’s attention. Two grand Warcrest carriages entered the courtyard, their black-and-gold designs glinting in the sunlight.

"Aunt Ella and Uncle Theo are here!" Arin squealed, her small voice filled with glee.

"Let us down, Papa!" Dorian added, wriggling energetically.

With a laugh, Theron set them on their feet, and the twins bolted across the courtyard before Abigail could even call after them. "Slow down!" she yelled, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation, though the corners of her mouth twitched with a smile.

The first carriage rolled to a halt, and out stepped Ella, her face glowing with health and happiness, her hands resting protectively on her growing belly. Her husband, Lord Mars, was quick to assist her, his every movement attentive and gentle as he helped her down the carriage steps.

The twins, however, showed no patience for formalities. They launched themselves at Ella, their tiny arms wrapping around her legs and waist as they squealed her name.

Mars stood by, arms outstretched as if ready to intercept them, but quickly realized he was entirely ignored. He stepped back with a wry smile. "Well, that answers where I stand," he muttered, his tone dripping with mock resignation.

The second carriage had barely come to a stop when Theo emerged, stepping down with his usual flourish. He opened his arms as the twins turned toward him, but his hopeful expression quickly faded as they rushed past him to the older man stepping out behind him.

"Grand Uncle Cedric!" the twins cried, their voices high-pitched with excitement as they barreled toward the white-haired elder.

Theo froze, his arms still outstretched, looking entirely betrayed. "Really?" he muttered to no one in particular.

Ella burst into laughter, holding her rounded belly as she leaned against Mars. "Oh, Theo," she teased, "don’t take it personally. They have their favorites."

"Welcome to the unfavored club, Theo," Mars said, smirking as he watched his brother-in-law shocked expression. "It gets easier the third or fourth time."

Theo lowered his arms, shaking his head. "I think I’ll pass on the membership."

Meanwhile, Cedric knelt down, effortlessly scooping up the twins as if they weighed nothing. His white hair gleamed in the sunlight, the streaks of silver more pronounced than ever. "And how are my two favorite troublemakers?" he asked warmly.

"We missed you, Grand Uncle Cedric!" Arin exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Cedric chuckled deeply, his weathered face softening. "And I missed you," he replied, his eyes twinkling with joy as he carried the giggling pair toward their parents, who were watching the scene with matching expressions of warmth.

Theron and Abigail stepped forward to greet him. Abigail curtsied slightly, her smile warm. "Lord Cedric," she said, her voice laced with respect.

Theron inclined his head. "Uncle," he said warmly, "it’s good to see you. Everything is almost ready. We’re just waiting for my parents and the twins to join us."

Before Cedric could respond, Arin wriggled in his arms and spoke up. "Grandmother’s checking on them!"

Dorian, not to be outdone, added, "To make sure the twins uncles aren’t ganging up on Uncle Amarok!"

Cedric raised a brow. "Ganging up?" he echoed, his tone puzzled.

Dorian nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! They’re always ganging up on him, on the bed, on the sofa..."

"And in the garden!" Arin added seriously.

There was a beat of silence before the adults burst into laughter. Cedric’s shoulders shook as he held the twins close, his deep laugh echoing in the courtyard. "You...!" he managed to say through his laughter, wiping a tear from his eye.

His laughter was interrupted by the arrival of Julian and Lucian, who appeared in the doorway with Amarok in tow. Julian’s sharp gaze swept over the gathered group. "What’s so funny?" he asked, his tone mildly suspicious.

"We were just discussing how..." Arin began eagerly, but Ella stepped forward and clapped her hand over the little girl’s mouth.

"Something funny," Ella said quickly, her wide smile betraying her amusement.

Julian narrowed his eyes but didn’t press further. "Well, let’s get going," he said, brushing it off. "I need to see my favorite niece."

Arin frowned. "Aren’t I your favorite?" she asked, her eyes narrowing, her voice muffled by Ella’s hand.

Julian smirked. "Nope. You’re a nuisance."

Arin gasped dramatically, her hands flying to her chest. "Then you’re not my uncle anymore!" she declared.

"Deal," Julian replied, his tone as nonchalant as ever.

Arin’s jaw dropped in shock, her small face twisting in exaggerated surprise, causing the entire courtyard to burst into laughter once again. Even Amarok, who had been unusually quiet up until that point, couldn’t hold back a chuckle. "Like uncle, like niece," he muttered under his breath.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke the laughter, and the attention of the gathered crowd shifted. King Xavian and Queen Morgana emerged from the palace, their regal presence immediately commanding the courtyard. Queen Morgana’s eyes scanned the group, taking in the lively scene with a knowing smile.

"I see we’re all ready to move," she remarked, her voice smooth and confident, as her gaze briefly lingered on her brother, Lord Cedric, before sweeping over the rest of the party.

Cedric, still chuckling under his breath at the playful exchange between his great-niece and nephew, lowered the twins gently to the ground. His tone was light, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yes, we are," he replied, offering Queen Morgana a respectful bow of the head. "Shall we finally get this journey underway?"

The adults exchanged knowing glances with the ones closest to them, Theron and Abigail, Mars and Ella, and Theo with his father, before nodding in unison.

"Let’s go, then," Queen Morgana said decisively, stepping forward and leading the way toward the awaiting carriages.

With a gentle breeze ruffling her gown, Queen Morgana moved with graceful purpose, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as the group moved towards their respective carriages.

Morgana and Xavian, climbed into the same carriage, their grandchildren, predictably, insisted on riding with them. They scrambled up into the carriage after their grandparents, Arin and Dorian nearly tripping over their feet in their excitement, Morgana smiled warmly at the sight of them nestled comfortably between herself and Xavian.

Behind them, Theron and Abigail made their way toward their own carriage, The twins and Amarok did the same, Theo and his father, Lord Cedric, stepped back toward the carriage they had just arrived from.

Ella and Mars followed, ensuring the pregnant mother was settled in. The bustle of the royal family preparing to depart was met with a few moments of hurried conversation and hurried gestures, but nothing could detract from the underlying excitement in the air.

Once the last of the carriages were filled, the Royal Soldiers and Warcrest Sentinels, flanked the royal procession, keeping a vigilant guard as the party prepared for their departure. With the rhythmic sound of hooves against stone, the Valeidio royals, set off toward Zephyros.

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