A Royal Obligation
Chapter 56: The Possessive Prince

Chapter 56: The Possessive Prince

The carriage rattled along the road back to Zephyros palace, its occupants shrouded in silence.

The air inside was thick with tension, the kind that buzzed just beneath the surface, threatening to break free at any moment.

Kaelix sat across from Eirik, his gaze fixed on the landscape outside, but his mind was anything but serene. He couldn’t stop replaying the events of the past few days, the ambush, the battle, Eirik’s unexpected strength, and the way his own heart had betrayed him.

He had fought the idea of marrying Eirik from the beginning, convinced that the delicate prince from Valeidio was beneath him, too soft, too weak.

But that image had been shattered. Eirik was no fragile flower; he was a force, capable of standing his ground, of fighting back. Kaelix had underestimated him, and the realization gnawed at him.

Now, as the carriage trundled back to the palace, Kaelix found himself wrestling with emotions he hadn’t anticipated.

There was no denying it anymore, he wanted to win Eirik’s heart.

The very thought should have repulsed him, but instead, it only made his determination stronger. His resolve hardened like steel, forged in the heat of the battles they had fought together. Whatever it took, he would prove himself to Eirik, show him that he was ready to do anything for him.

Eirik, sitting across from Kaelix, was a picture of calm, but his mind was anything but calm.

The attempt on his life weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over his thoughts.

Who wanted him dead?

He had his suspicions, but no proof, and that uncertainty gnawed at him. His eyes flicked briefly to Kaelix, who seemed lost in thought.

Eirik didn’t know what to make of Kaelix unexpected attention.

If only those muddled head assassins didn’t force him to participate in a fight.

The Kaelix he had come to know was distant, almost cold, but something had changed. There was a new intensity in the prince’s eyes, one that Eirik couldn’t decipher.

As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the palace, Kaelix was the first to move. He descended swiftly, turning back to offer his hand to Eirik.

The gesture was so out of character that Eirik hesitated, his eyes widening in surprise. He glanced towards Sadiki, who had dismounted from his horse and was making a move to help him, but Kaelix’s hand was already there, extended and waiting.

For a moment, Eirik’s eyes flickered between the two.

Sadiki’s jaw clenched, a flash of something like anger or frustration crossing his face.

He stepped back, his hand dropping to his side, knowing full well that he could do nothing in the presence of a prince.

Eirik swallowed, unsure of what to do, but then slowly, he placed his hand in Kaelix’s, allowing him to help him down from the carriage.

Drystan, watching from his horse, couldn’t help but smirk.

This was a development he hadn’t expected, and it amused him to see the complicated dynamics at play.

Kaelix had been so adamant about his disdain for the marriage alliance, but now, it seemed the tables had turned. Drystan could see the possessiveness in Kaelix’s eyes, the way he stood just a little too close to Eirik, as if to stake his claim. Things were about to get very interesting.

As Eirik’s feet touched the ground, Kaelix’s hand lingered just a moment longer than necessary, his eyes never leaving Eirik’s.

Eirik could feel the weight of that gaze, and it unsettled him. This wasn’t the Kaelix he had come to expect, the one who kept his distance, who looked at him with something close to disdain. This was different, and it set Eirik on edge.

Kaelix, meanwhile, was struggling with the sudden surge of protectiveness he felt. Seeing the brief exchange of looks between Eirik and Sadiki had ignited something in him, something primal and possessive. He didn’t understand it fully, but he knew he didn’t like the idea of anyone else being close to Eirik. Not like that.

The palace loomed before them, its stone walls cold and imposing, and the moment they entered, they were met with shocked faces.

Kaelix’s parents, King Reagan and Queen Elena, stood at the top of the grand staircase, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.

They had been informed of the attack by the messenger sent ahead, but seeing their son and his betrothed return safe, was another matter entirely.

"What happened?" Queen Elena demanded, her voice sharp with worry as she descended the stairs, her eyes darting between Kaelix and Eirik.

"We were ambushed," Kaelix replied, his voice steady, though there was an edge to it. "Someone knew we were at the summer palace. The attack was planned."

King Reagan’s face darkened at the news. "And you are certain this was not just a random attack?"

Kaelix shook his head, his gaze shifting to Eirik. "It was too precise, too calculated. This was an assassination attempt, and I believe it was meant for Eirik."

At this, Queen Elena’s eyes widened, and she turned to Eirik, who had remained silent. "Are you certain of this, Eirik?"

Eirik nodded slowly, his expression guarded. "This is not the first time my life has been targeted since the alliance was announced. Someone doesn’t want this marriage to happen."

A tense silence fell over the hall as the implications of Eirik’s words sank in.

Kaelix’s jaw tightened, his mind racing with possibilities. Who would want Eirik dead? Who would be willing to risk the wrath of two kingdoms to stop this alliance?

"We need to launch a formal investigation," King Reagan said, his tone brooking no argument. "There are spies among us, and we must root them out."

"I’ll see to it personally," Kaelix said, his voice firm. He looked at Eirik then, his expression softening slightly. "In the meantime, Eirik will be under my protection."

Eirik blinked in surprise at the declaration, but before he could respond, Sadiki stepped forward, his face tight with barely concealed tension. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, protecting Prince Eirik is my duty."

Kaelix’s eyes flicked to Sadiki, his expression hardening. "I’m aware of your duty, Sadiki. But this threat is more than just a matter of physical protection. Eirik needs to be watched closely, and I intend to make sure he’s safe."

Sadiki’s fists clenched at his sides, but he knew better than to argue with a prince.

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