A Royal Obligation
Chapter 46: Summer Palace (4)

Chapter 46: Summer Palace (4)

As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the Summer Palace. The horses snorted and pawed at the ground, eager to be free of their burden.

A warm breeze drifted through the trees, carrying the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. The palace stood majestically before them, its pale stone walls glowing under the afternoon sun, surrounded by lush gardens and towering trees.

Kaelix was the first to step out, almost leaping from the carriage as if the confined space had been suffocating him. His face was etched with irritation, his movements stiff with discomfort. It was clear he despised every moment spent in such close quarters with Eirik. The moment his boots hit the ground, he straightened his robe with a sharp tug, his eyes narrowing as he glanced back at the carriage.

"Finally," he muttered under his breath, his voice a low growl, laced with irritation. It was clear to anyone watching that the journey had been anything but pleasant for him.

Sadiki, ever attentive to Eirik’s needs, stepped forward to assist his prince. His strong, calloused hands reached up to help Eirik down from the carriage, his touch gentle but firm.

There was no hesitation in his actions, only the quiet assurance of someone who had performed this task countless times before. Eirik accepted the help without protest, his expression unreadable, though there was a flicker of something in his eyes, gratitude, perhaps, or something deeper, more complex.

Kaelix watched this exchange with a darkening gaze, his lips pressing into a thin line. The sight of Sadiki’s hand on Eirik’s arm for the second time that day, seemed to irritate him to no eend

He couldn’t understand it, this incessant need for Eirik to lean on someone else, to accept help when he should stand on his own. It grated on his nerves, fueling the resentment that had been simmering within him.

Kaelix’s lips curled into a sneer . "Is he so weak that he cannot even step down from a carriage on his own?" he muttered under his breath, loud enough for Drystan to hear as he dismounted his horse.

Drystan, Kaelix’s loyal guard and confidant, raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Your Highness," he teased lightly.

Kaelix shot him a withering glare. "Jealous? Absurd. I simply find it pathetic that a man of his status is so dependent on another."

Drystan raised an eyebrow, a small, knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Is that so?" he mused, not entirely convinced by Kaelix’s vehement denial. But he knew better than to press the matter further, at least for the moment.

Eirik caught the words, his sharp hearing honed from years of needing to stay alert. He glanced briefly at Kaelix, Eirik knew Kaelix’s words were intended to provoke him, but he had no intention of rising to the bait. Instead, he let the remark slide, maintaining his composure as he adjusted his cloak.

Sadiki, however, was far less willing to let the insult slide. His dark eyes flashed with anger, though he kept his voice level when he spoke. "My prince is anything but weak," he said quietly, a hint of steel in his tone. "Perhaps you should consider that strength comes in many forms, some of which are not as obvious as others."

Kaelix’s eyes flicked to Sadiki, the disdain in them evident. But before he could retort, the caretaker of the Summer Palace stepped forward, effectively cutting off the brewing tension.

And at the same time, a second carriage pulled up behind them, carrying the two princes’ personal maids. Lila and Amara, Eirik’s maids, stepped down gracefully, their faces composed but their eyes scanning the surroundings with interest. Isla and Rubi, Kaelix’s maids, followed suit, their posture stiff as they took their place behind their prince.

The palace caretaker, a tall, elderly man with a long silver beard, dignified air and a keen gaze, bowed deeply, his gaze lingering on Eirik’s face for a moment too long, as if trying to decipher something hidden there.

Eirik, accustomed to such scrutiny, met the caretaker’s gaze calmly, though he could feel the weight of the man’s stare. It was nothing new, people often looked at him a second longer.

The intensity of the stare didn’t go unnoticed by Kaelix, he narrowed his eyes in displeasure, his irritation deepening.

The caretaker quickly caught himself, clearing his throat as he gestured for them to follow him. "Welcome to the Summer Palace, Your Highnesses. I have been instructed by Queen Elena to ensure your stay is comfortable. If you would please follow me, I shall show you to your quarters."

Kaelix barely waited for the invitation before striding forward, eager to put some distance between himself and the oothers

The interior of the Summer Palace was as breathtaking as its exteriors. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air.

Eirik followed at a more measured pace, his eyes taking in the splendor around him with quiet appreciation. He had heard so much about the Valeidio’s Summer Palace, but never for once did he imagine it to be this beautiful with a sense of peace it seemed to exude.

But now, knowing he would have to share this space with Kaelix, the palace felt more like a prison than a retreat.

As they walked, the caretaker spoke of the palace’s history, pointing out various artifacts and architectural details. But Kaelix’s mind was elsewhere. Out of annoyance he spoke up interrupting what the caretaker was about to say next...

"Just show me to my room. I wish to be alone." his expression hardening .

The caretaker hesitated, glancing nervously between the two princes. "I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Your Highness. By order of the King and Queen, you will be sharing a room with Prince Eirik during your stay."

"What?" Kaelix’s voice rose, disbelief clear in his tone. He turned to the caretaker, his expression a mix of shock and indignation, his voice was tight, barely suppressing his frustration. "Surely there has been a mistake. I was under the impression that we would have separate quarters."

The caretaker shook his head, his expression apologetic but firm. "I assure you, Your Highness, there is no mistake. The King and Queen were very specific in their instructions. It is their wish that you use this time to... grow closer."

Kaelix’s fists clenched at his sides. He had barely managed to tolerate the journey here, and now he was expected to share a room, a bed, with Eirik? The thought was almost unbearable. He opened his mouth to protest further, but no words came out. There was nothing he could say that would change the orders from his parents.

Eirik, too, was taken aback by the arrangement. He had anticipated some discomfort during their stay, but this... this was more than he had prepared for. His gaze shifted to Sadiki, who stood at a respectful distance, his expression carefully neutral. But Eirik could see the conflict in his eyes.

Kaelix, let out a frustrated breath, his shoulders tense as he turned away. "Fine. Lead the way."

Kaelix remained silent as they walked, his jaw clenched in barely contained frustration. Eirik, sensing the storm brewing within Kaelix, kept his thoughts to himself, his mind racing with how he would survive the next few days sharing a space with the prince. The very idea of it filled him with unease.

As they reached their room, the caretaker opened the door and stepped aside to let them enter. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large bed in the center, its headboard carved with intricate designs. The windows overlooked the gardens, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. But the sight did little to soothe Kaelix, who stood in the doorway, refusing to take another step inside.

"One bed?" Kaelix’s voice was flat, his eyes narrowing at the caretaker.

"The King and Queen were very clear in their instructions," the caretaker replied, trying to remain calm under Kaelix’s piercing gaze. "This room was prepared specifically for you and Prince Eirik."

Kaelix turned his gaze to Eirik, who stood quietly at the entrance. "You must be thrilled," he said sarcastically.

Eirik sighed inwardly, knowing that nothing he said would improve the situation.

---

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Mbuzuoria, King Thaddeus sat in his dimly lit chamber, his expression one of cold calculation. His advisor, Caledon, stood before him, holding a scroll in his hands, his face carefully neutral.

"Your Majesty," Caledon began, his voice low and respectful. "I have received word from our spies in Valeidio. Prince Kaelix and Prince Eirik are on their way to Valeidio’s Summer Palace. With only their personal guards and servants."

King Thaddeus’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Finally, an opportunity. We don’t have to wait for the wedding to get rid of one of them. This is the perfect chance."

Caledon nodded, understanding the unspoken order. "Shall I send the assassins, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, " Thaddeus replied without hesitation. But make no mistake, I want no failures this time. One of them must die."

Caledon bowed deeply, his expression grim. "It will be done, Your Majesty."