A Royal Obligation
Chapter 57: Mother’s Helping Hand

Chapter 57: Mother’s Helping Hand

Queen Elena’s gaze was sharp, yet soft with maternal pride as she watched her son, Kaelix, confront Sadiki with a possessiveness that hadn’t been there just days ago.

Standing by her side, King Reagan’s stern demeanor contrasted with his wife’s subtle satisfaction. The scene unfolding before them was something they had both anticipated, albeit not with the intensity they were now witnessing.

She had been waiting for this moment, hoping that the time spent together at the summer palace would begin to soften Kaelix’s resolve, to make him see Eirik in a new light. And now, watching the possessiveness in her son’s eyes as he stood between Eirik and Sadiki, Elena knew her plan was finally bearing fruit.

As Kaelix’s voice rose, laced with anger, Elena could see the shock in Eirik’s eyes. The young prince was still guarded, his expression one of wary confusion.

Eirik eyes flicked to Sadiki, who remained tense and silent, his feelings carefully hidden behind a mask of indifference. Queen Elena could see the turmoil in Eirik’s gaze, the doubt that lingered there.

"He’s still unsure of Kaelix’s intentions," Elena realized. "He doesn’t trust this sudden change in my son."

Kaelix, however, was oblivious to Eirik’s doubts and his mother’s observations.

His focus was solely on keeping Eirik close, too close, Elena noted with amusement. She caught the look Kaelix was giving Sadiki, a look that promised retribution if the guard dared to step out of line.

It was time to intervene.

"Kaelix is right," Queen Elena said, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Eirik needs to be under strict protection. And I think the perfect way to ensure his safety is to move his belongings to Kaelix’s chambers."

Her words hung in the air for a moment, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Eirik’s eyes widened slightly, his shock barely concealed, while Kaelix turned to his mother with a look of surprised gratitude.

"After all," Elena added with a smile, "they are getting married soon."

King Reagan, catching the look on his wife’s face, quickly caught on to her plan. He knew that look, she was orchestrating something far more intricate than simple protection.

This was about solidifying the bond between the two princes, ensuring that nothing could come between them. And as much as Reagan preferred to stay out of these courtly maneuvers, he knew better than to go against Elena when she set her mind to something.

"Indeed," Reagan said, nodding in agreement as he stepped forward. "From now on, Eirik will reside in Kaelix’s chambers. For protection purposes, of course."

Kaelix’s heart swelled with pride and a strange sense of relief. His parents were supporting him, helping him in a way he hadn’t even realized he needed.

This was more than just protection, it was a way to keep Eirik close, to ensure that no one, not even Sadiki, could come between them.

He didn’t show his gratitude openly, but the fierce glare he directed at Sadiki spoke volumes. His eyes said what he didn’t dare to speak aloud: Eirik is mine.

Queen Elena watched the emotions play out across the room, her satisfaction growing with each passing second.

This was exactly the outcome she had hoped for. If only she had known that it would take just two days and one night to start breaking down the walls between Kaelix and Eirik, she might have delayed sending them to the summer palace.

But what mattered now was that Kaelix had begun to fall for Eirik, and Elena intended to ensure that fall was complete.

"Eirik," Elena said, turning her attention to the young prince, who had remained silent through the entire exchange. "You’ll find Kaelix’s chambers more secure, and it’s important that you’re kept safe. We cannot risk another attack."

Eirik opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat.

He knew his place in this arrangement, he was here to marry Kaelix, to forge an alliance between their kingdoms.

It wasn’t as if his feelings on the matter were of any consequence. He was a prince, born into duty, and if that duty now required him to move into Kaelix’s chambers, then so be it. Still, the suddenness of the decision left him feeling uneasy.

Kaelix could see the uncertainty in Eirik’s eyes, and it troubled him more than he cared to admit.

He wanted Eirik to feel safe, to feel wanted, but he didn’t know how to express that without coming off as overbearing.

He had been so against this marriage in the beginning, so sure that he didn’t need anyone, least of all a delicate prince from Valeidio.

But now, seeing Eirik’s guarded expression, he wanted nothing more than to tear down those walls between them.

As Kaelix struggled to find the right words, King Reagan spoke again, his tone firm. "We should also consider moving up the wedding date. Whoever is plotting against this alliance won’t expect us to act so swiftly. We need to beat them at their own game."

Queen Elena’s face lit up with delight, and she clapped her hands together in excitement. "Yes! We have a wedding to prepare. The sooner, the better!"

Kaelix’s heart leapt at the thought, but he forced himself to remain calm.

Eirik, however, showed little reaction. He had known from the moment he agreed to this marriage that it was inevitable.

Whether the wedding was in a month or tomorrow, it didn’t change the fact that his life was no longer his own. He belonged to the alliance now, and by extension, to Kaelix.

But what surprised Eirik was the warmth in Kaelix’s gaze when their eyes met.

There was something different about the way Kaelix looked at him now, something softer, almost tender. It made Eirik’s heart flutter in a way he hadn’t expected, and he quickly averted his gaze, focusing instead on anything that is not Kaelix.

Kaelix, noticing Eirik’s discomfort, clenched his fists at his sides. He wanted to reach out, to reassure Eirik that this wasn’t just about duty anymore, that he cared, that he wanted this marriage to mean ssomething

But the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he settled for a vow to himself: he would protect Eirik, no matter what. And if anyone, including Sadiki, tried to come between them, they would regret it.

Sadiki, standing off to the side, watched the scene unfold with a heavy heart. He had never expected that prince Kaelix would become so possessive of his prince so quickly.

It was a development that unsettled him deeply.

The tension in the room was thick, but Queen Elena, ever the master of courtly maneuvering, broke the silence with a bright smile. "Well, there’s much to do! We must inform the palace staff, prepare the chambers, and start planning the wedding. I’ll see to it that everything is in order."

King Reagan nodded in agreement. "I’ll have the guards doubled around the palace and in the city. We won’t give these conspirators another chance."

With that, the royal couple turned to leave, leaving Kaelix and Eirik standing together in the center of the room. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of the day’s events pressing down on them. Then, Kaelix took a step closer to Eirik, his voice low and sincere.

"I know this is all happening fast," Kaelix said, his eyes searching Eirik’s for any sign of understanding. "But I promise, I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe."

Eirik looked up at him, his expression unreadable. There was something in Kaelix’s eyes, a flicker of genuine concern, that gave Eirik pause. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to this man than the cold, distant prince he had first met.

"I appreciate that," Eirik replied softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I’m not sure what to make of all this. I never expected..."

He trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.