A Royal Obligation
Chapter 49: Interesting

Chapter 49: Interesting

The evening air was cool, the moon casting a gentle glow over the palace grounds as Prince Eirik strolled leisurely, his thoughts drifting back to the day’s events.

His steps were unhurried, almost lazy, as he moved through the garden. Behind him, Sadiki followed at a respectful distance, his eyes never leaving Eirik.

Eirik’s mind replayed the moments at dinner, particularly Kaelix’s reactions to his little provocations.

The memory of the Crown Prince’s frustration brought a smirk to Eirik’s lips.

It was almost too easy to get under Kaelix’s skin, and the way Kaelix bristled with annoyance was... oddly satisfying.

Eirik had never been one to find pleasure in riling someone up, but with Kaelix, it was different. There was something about the way the prince’s controlled exterior cracked that Eirik found amusing, almost endearing in a strange way.

It was during dinner that Eirik had decided to push Kaelix’s buttons a little further. He’d focused on eating only the meats on the table, deliberately ignoring the other dishes. The act was petty, almost childish, but the reaction it elicited was worth it.

Kaelix’s voice had been laced with irritation as he finally snapped, "Is there no meat in Valeidio, or do you simply not know how to enjoy anything else?"

Eirik hadn’t even looked up, continuing to chew methodically. When Kaelix had reached for the last piece of meat, Eirik had been quicker, snatching it and popping it into his mouth with a perfectly innocent expression, as if he hadn’t noticed Kaelix’s growing frustration.

"You only know how to eat meat but can’t hunt one," Kaelix had sneered, his words sharp.

Eirik had looked up then, feigning confusion. "What do you mean? We hunted this meat together. I have as much right to eat it as you do."

Kaelix’s glare could have melted stone. After a tense pause, he’d muttered, "Shameless," before storming off, leaving the rest of the food untouched.

The sight of Kaelix’s retreating back had made Eirik burst into laughter the moment the other prince was out of earshot.

Now, walking through the garden, Eirik chuckled softly to himself as he recalled the scene. He had to admit, something about seeing Kaelix so riled up brought a strange satisfaction.

When had this game between them started? When had he begun to take such pleasure in provoking the Crown Prince of Zephyros? Eirik wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed the roles they played had become a dance, one that Eirik found himself increasingly enjoying.

Behind him, Sadiki’s brow furrowed as he observed his prince. He knew Eirik well, better than anyone else in this foreign kingdom, and he couldn’t help but notice the unusual lightness in Eirik’s demeanor.

The soft smile playing on Eirik’s lips, the way he seemed lost in his thoughts, and the occasional chuckle, it was all too reminiscent of how Eirik had been with his twin brothers back in Valeidio, when he was planning one of his harmless pranks. What could possibly have his prince so amused now?

Sadiki’s concern grew as they walked on. The last time Eirik had smiled like this, it had been a long time ago, and it was always in the company of those he truly trusted. Here, in Zephyros, Eirik had been guarded, cautious, except now, it seemed. What was causing this shift? Was it Kaelix?

Eirik, unaware of Sadiki’s scrutinizing gaze, let his thoughts drift further back to the incident in the woods.

Kaelix had been so intent on the hunt, his focus sharp as he lined up his shot at that beautiful deer. Eirik had noticed the concentration, the sheer determination in Kaelix’s eyes, and for some inexplicable reason, he’d felt the urge to disrupt it.

So, he had stomped on a dry branch just as Kaelix was about to release his arrow. The sharp crack of the branch had startled the deer, sending it bolting into the trees, and the look on Kaelix’s face had been priceless.

Eirik couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the memory. The sudden sound in the quiet garden made Sadiki jump slightly, his concern deepening. "Are you alright, my prince?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

Eirik, caught off guard by his own laughter, coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment. "I will be," he replied with a small smile.

Sadiki’s frown deepened, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. As Eirik continued to stroll, Sadiki silently debated with himself. Should he confront his prince? Should he ask what was really going on? But the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he walked in silence, his eyes never straying from Eirik.

Finally, Eirik spoke again, his voice quieter this time. "We should head back, Sadiki. It’s late, and I’m feeling tired."

Sadiki nodded, but his feet remained planted on the ground. His chest tightened with a mix of frustration and pain. "Are you really going to sleep in the same bed with him, my prince?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, but the weight of the question hung in the air between them.

Eirik stopped in his tracks, turning to face Sadiki. The sight of the hurt in Sadiki’s eyes sent a pang through Eirik’s chest. He hated seeing Sadiki in pain, hated that he was the cause of it. Slowly, he approached his guard, reaching out to gently stroke his cheek. The gesture was tender, filled with an unspoken promise.

"I have no other choice, Sadiki," Eirik said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "It hurts me as well to share a bed with another man other than you."

Sadiki’s breath hitched at the words, his emotions a swirling mess of frustration, anger, and a deep, unspoken longing. But what could he do? He was just a guard, an ordinary servant bound by duty. He took a deep breath, willing himself to calm down. "I understand, my prince," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Eirik leaned in and pressed a brief, soft kiss to Sadiki’s lips, a simple gesture, but one filled with all the things he couldn’t say aloud. Then, without another word, he turned and began walking back toward the palace. Sadiki followed, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions.

Unbeknownst to them, Drystan had been watching the entire exchange from the shadows.

He remained hidden, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. As the two walked away, Drystan couldn’t help but mutter to himself, "Interesting..." There was a knowing glint in his eyes as he watched them go.

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