A Royal Obligation
Chapter 43: Summer Palace (1)

Chapter 43: Summer Palace (1)

The sun was just beginning to rise over Zephyros, casting a warm golden glow across the palace grounds. The morning was unusually still, as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the journey ahead.

In the courtyard, Prince Kaelix stood near the grand carriage that would take him and Prince Eirik to the Summer Palace. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest, impatience etched into every line of his regal posture. His usually immaculate hair was slightly disheveled, a rare sign that his mood was even more foul than usual. His irritation grew with each passing minute as he tapped his foot impatiently against the cobblestone, the sharp sound echoing in the stillness of the early morning.

Kaelix was not one to be kept waiting, and the fact that he was being delayed only added to his sour mood. He was a man of precision, of order; he hated when things didn’t go according to plan. And yet, here he was, waiting for Prince Eirik, the man who had been thrust into his life by political necessity. A man whose mere existence felt like an intrusion on Kaelix’s meticulously ordered world.

His eyes narrowed as he scanned the palace doors, willing Eirik to appear so they could be on their way already. He was anxious to get this whole farce over with. The prospect of spending weeks with Eirik was not something he relished, and the sooner it started, the sooner it would be over. He had no interest in this marriage, no interest in the person who had become the center of this charade.

Finally, the heavy doors creaked open, and Prince Eirik emerged, his long, flowing robes billowing slightly in the breeze. For a moment, Kaelix’s breath caught in his throat.

Eirik was dressed in a finely tailored outfit that accentuated his graceful figure, his white hair catching the light in a way that made it almost shimmer. It was a rare sight to see someone so perfectly composed, so naturally elegant. Eirik was stunning, his beauty almost otherworldly. The way the morning light played off his fair skin and the graceful way he moved made Kaelix’s heart skip a beat, despite himself.

But instead of allowing himself to appreciate it, Kaelix’s irritation only deepened. How could a man be this beautiful? It felt wrong somehow, almost shameful. It was as though Eirik’s very presence was mocking him, taunting him with a beauty that Kaelix felt should have been reserved for something other than this political pawn he was being forced to marry. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, the sound sharp and dismissive.

"How shameful," Kaelix muttered under his breath as he breezed past Eirik without so much as a glance. But he looks so enchanting and... He shook his head, trying to banish the unwanted thoughts as he climbed into the carriage with a huff, his movements sharp and irritated. He settled onto one of the cushioned seats, glaring out the window as if the very sight of the courtyard offended him. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms as he tried to suppress the confusing mix of emotions swirling inside him.

Eirik watched him go, a flicker of annoyance passing over his own features. How annoying, he thought to himself. Prince Kaelix’s attitude was grating, his constant irritation wearing thin on Eirik’s patience. Every encounter with Kaelix felt like walking on a bed of nails, each step more painful than the last.

He let out a small sigh, choosing to ignore the other prince’s attitude. There was no point in engaging with Kaelix’s rudeness. He had to keep his composure, for the sake of their kingdoms, if nothing else. But even as he tried to maintain his calm exterior, he could feel a slight tension in his chest, a tightening that came from the constant effort of holding back his own frustration.

Sadiki, Eirik’s personal guard, was at his side in an instant. The two shared a brief glance, and Sadiki offered his hand to help him into the carriage. Eirik accepted the assistance without a second thought, his mind already preoccupied with the journey ahead. But as he climbed into the carriage, he could feel Kaelix’s eyes on him, watching the interaction closely. There was something in Kaelix’s gaze, something dark and intense, that made Eirik uncomfortable, though he kept his expression neutral.

Kaelix’s jaw tightened as he watched Sadiki’s hand rest on Eirik’s arm. An unfamiliar emotion surged through him, one that he couldn’t quite place. It was as if something hot and angry was coiling in his chest, urging him to lash out, to do something, anything, to sever the connection between Eirik and his guard. The absurdity of the thought only fueled his irritation further. Why should he care who touched Eirik? Why did it matter to him if Sadiki was the one helping him?

The carriage door closed with a soft click, and Kaelix’s temper finally snapped. "Are you not a man yourself?" he spat out, his voice laced with venom. "How could you shamelessly let another man help you, just to get on a carriage? Weakling." He muttered the last word under his breath, but it was loud enough for Eirik to hear, the insult hanging heavily in the air between them.

Eirik’s gaze flickered over to Kaelix, his expression unreadable. He knew better than to engage in an argument with the other prince. Nothing he said would change Kaelix’s mind, and it would only serve to make their journey even more unbearable. Instead, he chose silence, turning his attention to the passing scenery outside the window as the carriage began to move.

Kaelix fumed at the lack of response, his irritation growing with every moment of Eirik’s calm indifference. He hated being ignored. He hated the way Eirik seemed to effortlessly dismiss him, to act as though his words held no weight. It was infuriating, maddening. How could he stay so calm, so composed, when all Kaelix wanted was to provoke a reaction, to see him crack?

Outside, Sadiki and Drystan, Kaelix’s own guard, mounted their horses, ready to ride alongside the carriage as it made its way towards the Summer Palace. Another carriage followed behind, carrying the four personal maids, Lila and Amara for Eirik, and Isla and Rubi for Kaelix. Their chatter was a distant hum in the background as they prepared for the long journey ahead, oblivious to the storm brewing within the royal carriage.

Inside the carriage, the tension was palpable, but Eirik’s mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts that had been troubling him since the night before. He could still feel the weight of the unexpected visit from Queen Elena, Kaelix’s mother. It had been late, and he had been preparing for bed, his mind heavy and restless. The knock on his door had startled him, and he had been even more surprised to see the queen herself standing there when the doors opened.

"Hope I’m not disturbing your sleep?" Queen Elena had asked.

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