A Royal Obligation
Chapter 61: Life Before Amarok (1)

Chapter 61: Life Before Amarok (1)

Lucian and Julian, the royal twins, were inseparable from the moment they were born. Their connection went far beyond the physical; it was as if their hearts beat in unison, and their thoughts intertwined in ways that only they could understand.

From a young age, Lucian and Julian were known for their uncanny ability to share everything, emotions, thoughts, even dreams.

They had grown up in a world where they were always together, and they had come to prefer it that way.

Their rooms, though grand, were always combined into one larger chamber, and their clothes were often identical, swapped between them without a second thought.

Lucian was the elder by mere minutes, but those few minutes seemed to have gifted him with a strong sense of responsibility. He was the one who took charge, ensuring that everything in their lives ran smoothly.

Lucian’s piercing green eyes, often narrowed in thought, reflected the intensity of his mind. He was the protector, the one who made sure that his younger brothers were safe, and that the responsibilities of their royal lineage were upheld. His presence in any room commanded respect, his strong jaw and tall, muscular build only adding to his authoritative aura.

Julian, on the other hand, was the carefree spirit. His quick wit and charming smile could disarm even the sternest of courtiers. Where Lucian was calculating and deliberate, Julian was spontaneous and full of life. His laughter echoed through the palace halls, a sound as bright and infectious as the sunlight that streamed through the grand windows.

Julian’s mind was sharp, but he wielded it in a different way, through humor, strategy in games of wit, and a keen understanding of people. His charm was as much a weapon as it was a shield, allowing him to navigate the intricacies of court life with ease.

Lucian and Julian truly came alive within their private chambers. Their shared chamber was a reflection of their duality, one side meticulously organized, a testament to Lucian’s discipline, and the other side a delightful mess of books, trinkets, and half-finished sketches that Julian insisted he would complete "someday."

Despite their differences, the twins found harmony in their relationship. Their bond was unbreakable, a force that no one could hope to come between. Even their younger brother, Prince Eirik, found himself caught up in their dynamic.

Eirik, with his long white hair and deep purple eyes, was the epitome of delicate beauty, a gift from their mother’s side of the family, the Warcrest lineage. His appearance was so striking that many in the palace believed him to be blessed by the gods, and his gentle nature only added to this perception.

Lucian and Julian adored Eirik, though they each showed it in their own way. Lucian was fiercely protective of him, always watching over Eirik with a vigilant eye, ensuring that no harm came to him. He knew how fragile Eirik could be, both in body and spirit, and he took it upon himself to be the shield that guarded their youngest brother from the harshness of the world.

Julian, on the other hand, found joy in teasing Eirik, though it was always in good fun. He loved to ruffle Eirik’s immaculate hair or challenge him to games that he knew Eirik would eventually win, just to see the soft smile of victory on his brother’s face. But underneath his playful demeanor, Julian was just as protective as Lucian, always ready to step in if anyone dared to cross a line with their youngest sibling.

Their bond extended to how they preferred to be served. Over the years, many servants had come and gone, finding it too difficult to keep up with the demands of serving two masters who were so alike, yet so different.

Eventually, the twins insisted on sharing one servant, someone who could navigate the complexities of their synchronized lives. It was a challenge that few could handle, but the twins found joy in it, often testing their servant’s ability to keep up with their whims and shared habits.

One such day, the twins were lounging in their chamber, the sunlight filtering in through the windows, casting a warm glow over their space. Lucian was seated at a grand desk, pouring over some documents, while Julian was sprawled out on a chaise, tossing an apple into the air and catching it absentmindedly.

"You know," Julian began, his voice light and teasing, "I’ve been thinking. Perhaps we should trade our little Eirik to another kingdom. He’s far too pretty to be wasted here."

Lucian didn’t look up from his papers, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "And who would be worthy of him, Julian? No one in this realm, that’s for certain."

Julian grinned, pleased that he’d gotten a reaction. "True, true. I suppose we’ll have to keep him then. But it’s a shame; I’d make a fortune off of those eyes alone."

Just then, the door to their chamber creaked open, and Eirik stepped in, his presence bringing a subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere. His soft footsteps were almost inaudible as he approached his brothers. "What are you two conspiring about now?" he asked, his voice a quiet melody.

Julian sat up, his grin widening. "Oh, nothing of importance. Just deciding whether we should auction you off to the highest bidder."

Eirik rolled his eyes, accustomed to Julian’s playful banter. "As if anyone would pay more than a handful of coins for me."

Lucian finally looked up, his expression softening as he gazed at Eirik. "You know that’s not true, Eirik. You’re worth more than any kingdom’s wealth."

Eirik smiled, a faint blush coloring his pale cheeks. "You’re both ridiculous."

"That’s why you love us," Julian quipped, tossing the apple in Eirik’s direction. Eirik caught it with ease, his fingers curling around the fruit.

Lucian stood, stretching his limbs as he walked over to his brothers. "It’s true, Eirik. You kinda bring balance to our madness."

Eirik shook his head, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed how much he cherished these moments with his brothers. "If by balance, you mean constantly cleaning up after your messes, then yes, I suppose I do."

Julian laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "Ah, but you do it so well, dear brother. Besides, you’d be bored without us."

Eirik’s smile grew, and he took a bite of the apple, savoring the sweetness. "I suppose I would."

The three brothers stood together, a silent understanding passing between them. They each had their roles to play, Lucian the protector, Julian the jester, and Eirik the heart of their bond. The palace was their playground, and together, they brought life to its grand halls.

Their older brother, Theron, the crown prince of Valeidio, often marveled at the twins’ connection. While he carried the weight of the kingdom’s future on his shoulders, he found solace in knowing that Lucian and Julian would always be there to support him.

Though he was often busy with matters of state, Theron made time for his brothers, knowing that they were his greatest allies in the intricate game of politics.

As the day wore on, the twins and Eirik ventured out into the palace gardens, where they found Theron deep in conversation with an advisor. The crown prince’s serious expression lightened as he saw his younger brothers approach.

"Taking a break from your studies, I see," Theron remarked, his tone affectionate.

Lucian nodded, his gaze respectful. "We thought it best to get some fresh air, brother."

Julian smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "And to see if Eirik would let us auction him off."

Theron chuckled, shaking his head. "Always up to something, aren’t you, Julian?"

"Would you have it any other way?" Julian shot back, his grin widening.

Theron’s smile was warm as he looked at his brothers, his heart swelling with pride. "No, I suppose I wouldn’t."