A Royal Obligation
Chapter 44: Summer Palace (2)

Chapter 44: Summer Palace (2)

"Your Majesty," Eirik had said, quickly rising to his feet as he recognized Queen Elena. He was about to bow, but she waved him off, a gentle smile on her lips.

"No need for formalities, Eirik," she said, her voice soft and soothing, almost maternal. "I hope I’m not disturbing your sleep."

Not at all, Your Majesty," Eirik replied, though his heart was still pounding in his chest. He couldn’t help but wonder what had brought the queen to his chambers at such a late hour.

Before he could offer her a proper greeting, Queen Elena had already moved closer, sitting on the edge of his bed, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She reached out and took his hand in hers, the warmth of her touch both comforting and unsettling.

Eirik was taken aback by the gesture, unsure of how to react. The queen had not been particularly warm when he first arrived in Zephyros, in fact, she had seemed rather cold, distant. But after the welcoming ball, Her demeanor suddenly changed. which left Eirik wondering what had brought it on. But he never let any of his internal conflict reflect on his face.

"We’ll be family soon, Eirik," Queen Elena said, her eyes searching his.. "You can just call me Mother."

Eirik hesitated, the words catching in his throat. The sudden change in her attitude was really disorienting, and he couldn’t help the suspicious that grows within him. But he also knew that he couldn’t afford to make an enemy of the queen. Not when his position here was already so precarious.

"Thank you, Mother," Eirik said, with a polite smile, the word feeling strange on his tongue.

Queen Elena had seemed to sense his hesitation, her own smile faltered slightly.

"I know I may have come across as hostile when you first arrived," she had admitted, her tone apologetic. "And for that, I’m truly sorry. It wasn’t because I disliked you, Eirik. I was... Well, I’m just... protective of my son. And it’s hard for a mother to see her child in pain, especially when there’s little she can do to ease it."

Eirik had listened intently, unsure of what to say. He had been particularly close to his own mother, Queen Morgana. They shared a deep bond. But the idea of having another mother, one who might care for him in this foreign land, was both comforting and unsettling.

"You’re a Ferre," Queen Elena continued, her voice gentle. "You’ll come to understand my place of reason one day. But I want you to know that, despite my initial reservations, I believe you have a good heart, Eirik. And I believe that you and Kaelix can find happiness together."

Eirik’s mind raced as he processed her words. Happiness? With Kaelix? The very idea seemed absurd. How could he possibly find happiness with someone who treated him with such disdain? But he knew better than to voice his doubts. Instead, he nodded, his expression carefully neutral.

"I appreciate your words, Mother," Eirik said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I’m truly sorry for misunderstanding you at first," Queen Elena had continued, her grip on his hands tightening slightly. "Kaelix is my only child, and I’ve always tried to protect him from harm, from heartache. When I first heard about the marriage arrangement, I was worried. But I see now that you’re a good man, Eirik, and I hope you can forgive me for my initial coldness."

"There’s nothing to forgive," Eirik had said, his voice gentle. "I understand, truly. I know this isn’t easy for any of us."

Queen Elena had smiled again, a sad but understanding smile. "You seems like a very patient child, Eirik. And I want you to know that I appreciate that. Kaelix... he’s not an easy person to get along with. He’s just very set in his ways, very particular. He hates when his plans are disrupted, and this whole situation has been a disruption of the highest order for him. But deep down, he’s a sweet child. He just hides it behind his arrogant, unreasonable front."

Eirik couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her description. Sweet? That wasn’t exactly the word he would use to describe Kaelix. But he also knew that a mother’s love could be blind, and perhaps Queen Elena saw something in Kaelix that he couldn’t.

"But you do get the arrogant and unreasonable part, right. " Eirik thought, but he kept the words to himself.

Queen Elena seemed to sense his skepticism, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I know this isn’t easy for you, Eirik. And I know that Kaelix can be difficult. But I ask that you be patient with him. Give him time. He’ll come around."

Eirik nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. Patience was something he had always prided himself on, but few times he had interacted with Kaelix, the other seemed to test the limits of that virtue at every turn.

Queen Elena offered him a reassuring smile before continuing. "The king and I have arranged for you and Kaelix to spend some time at the Summer Palace," she said. "It’s a beautiful place, far from the pressures of court life. I believe it will give you both the opportunity to bond, to get to know each other better. You’ll have a few weeks there before the wedding. I hope it will be a chance for you to build a foundation for your future together."

Eirik’s heart sank at the thought of spending weeks alone with Kaelix, but he forced himself to smile. He knew that refusing wouldn’t change anything. "Thank you, Mother," he said, his voice soft.

Queen Elena had seemed satisfied with that, she gaved his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I know this might not be what you wanted, Eirik," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "But I believe that you and Kaelix can make this work. Please, give it a chance."

"I’ll do my best." He had promised.

Queen Elena leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, a gesture that was both comforting and strange. "Thank you, Eirik," she had said warmly. "I’m glad we had this talk."

Eirik swallowed hard, a lump forming in his throat. The queen’s words, though well-meaning, and her tender gesture had cut Eirik off guard once again. It only served to remind him of how much he missed his own mother, how much he longed for the familiarity and comfort of his home in Valeidio.

"Goodnight, Eirik," Queen Elena said, rising to her feet. "I’ll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Mother," Eirik replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

He watched as the queen left his chambers, the door closing softly behind her. As soon as she was gone, Eirik let out a long, shaky breath.