A Royal Obligation
Chapter 66: Amarok’s Dilemma (1)

Chapter 66: Amarok’s Dilemma (1)

Amarok woke before dawn, the air in the palace cool and crisp as he slid out of the narrow bed in the servants’ quarters. His body ached from the demands of the previous day, but there was no room for complaints.

He was determined to prove himself worthy of the position, even if every muscle in his body protested. He had never served royalty before, and he couldn’t afford any mistakes, not when the twins were watching his every move.

As he dressed in his plain uniform, Amarok’s mind raced with the tasks that awaited him. The royal twins, Lucian and Julian, had specific needs and expectations, ones that were almost impossible to meet. They moved in sync, spoke in unison, and seemed to share a single mind.

Their habits were so synchronized that serving them felt like walking a tightrope, and any misstep could send him plummeting.

He hurried through the quiet, dimly lit halls of the palace, his footsteps echoing in the stillness. When he reached the twins’ quarters, he hesitated for just a moment before pushing open the grand doors. The room was bathed in the soft glow of early morning light, casting long shadows on the ornate walls.

The twins were still asleep, their forms barely visible under the luxurious covers of their shared bed. Amarok couldn’t help but pause, his breath catching at the sight of them. Even in sleep, they were beautiful, their faces relaxed, their bodies entwined as if even in dreams they couldn’t bear to be apart.

He set about his duties quietly, moving with the practiced care of someone who had learned to anticipate every need. He laid out their clothes for the day, arranged a tray of breakfast foods, and began drawing a bath in the adjoining chamber. Every movement was deliberate, precise, he couldn’t afford to make a sound that might wake them before they were ready.

But as he moved through the room, he felt their presence, even in sleep. It was as if the twins commanded the space around them, their power and influence extending even into their slumber. Amarok was keenly aware of this, and it made his pulse quicken with a mix of nerves and something else, something he didn’t want to name.

Just as he finished his preparations, he heard a soft rustle from the bed. He turned to see Lucian sitting up, his eyes heavy with sleep but already sharp and aware. Julian followed a moment later, stretching lazily as he blinked the sleep from his eyes.

"Good morning, Your Highnesses," Amarok greeted them with a bow, his heart racing as their gazes settled on him. Even in their just-woken state, there was something commanding about them, something that made Amarok feel both small and honored to be in their presence.

"Morning," Julian mumbled, a sleepy smile playing on his lips as he ran a hand through his tousled hair. He looked at Amarok with that same mischievous gleam in his eyes that had unnerved him from the start. "You’re up early."

"It is my duty, Your Highness," Amarok replied, keeping his tone respectful.

Lucian slid out of bed first, his movements graceful despite the early hour. He walked over to where Amarok had laid out their clothes, inspecting them with a critical eye before nodding his approval. "You’re learning quickly," Lucian remarked, his tone almost approving. "But don’t think that means you can relax."

"I wouldn’t dare, Your Highness," Amarok said, though he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. Lucian’s approval, however mild, felt like a small victory.

Julian was slower to rise, still half-draped in the sheets as he watched Amarok with a lazy grin. "You’re far too serious, brother," Julian teased, his voice low and playful. "Our new servant is doing an excellent job. Why not give him a bit of praise?"

Lucian shot Julian a look that Amarok couldn’t quite interpret, somewhere between annoyance and amusement. "Praise comes when it’s earned," Lucian replied, his tone firm but not unkind.

Amarok stood there, trying to ignore the way Julian’s gaze made his skin tingle, how Lucian’s every word seemed to weigh heavily on his mind.

A lazy smile was still curling Julian’s lips as he remained half-covered by the sheets. He turned his head to watch Amarok, his eyes filled with a playful gleam that made Amarok’s stomach flip. "You work too hard," Julian said, his voice still thick with sleep. "Come closer. Let me see you."

Amarok hesitated for a moment before stepping closer to the bed. Julian’s gaze raked over him, and Amarok felt heat rising to his cheeks. There was something about Julian’s attention that was both thrilling and terrifying, as if the prince could see every hidden desire Amarok was trying to suppress.

Julian’s smile widened as he reached out, his fingers brushing against Amarok’s arm. The touch was light, almost innocent, but it sent a jolt through Amarok’s body. "You’re too tense," Julian observed, his tone playful. "Relax a little, Amarok. You’re among friends."

Lucian shot Julian a of amusement and warning. "Julian," Lucian said, his voice firm but not harsh, "don’t overwhelm him."

Julian laughed softly, his fingers still tracing patterns on Amarok’s arm. "I’m not overwhelming him," he said, his eyes never leaving Amarok’s face. "I’m just trying to get to know our new servant better."

Amarok swallowed hard, his thoughts a tangled mess as he stood there, caught between the two princes. "I, I should finish preparing your bath," he stammered, desperate to escape the intensity of their attention.

Julian’s fingers lingered for just a moment longer before he let Amarok go. "Don’t take too long," he said with a wink, his tone suggesting that he wasn’t quite finished with him yet.

Amarok retreated to the bathing chamber, his heart racing as he tried to focus on his task. The twins were unlike anyone he had ever served before, and their attention, especially Julian’s, was making it him increasingly difficult to keep his composure. He knew he had to stay focused, had to keep his feelings in check, but every touch, every glance from Julian seemed to unravel his resolve.

As he prepared the bath, Amarok couldn’t help but replay the morning’s interactions in his mind. Julian’s touch had lingered longer than necessary, his words filled with double meanings that Amarok wasn’t sure how to interpret. And Lucian, though more reserved, had watched him with an intensity that made Amarok feel as though he were under constant scrutiny.

When the bath was ready, he returned to the bedroom, where the twins were now fully awake and waiting. Lucian stood first, his movements efficient and controlled as he approached the bathing chamber. Julian, ever the charmer, took his time, his eyes never leaving Amarok as he followed his brother.

In the bathing chamber, Amarok helped them undress, his hands trembling slightly as he undid the fastenings of their robes. He tried to keep his mind on the task at hand, but it was impossible not to notice the way Julian’s eyes darkened with interest or the way Lucian’s gaze seemed to strip him bare.

The bath was quiet, as it often was in the mornings. The twins preferred to start their day in silence, and Amarok knew better than to disturb them. He moved efficiently, washing their hair and massaging their shoulders, doing everything he could to ensure their comfort. But the entire time, he felt the weight of their attention on him, as if they were testing him, waiting for him to slip up.

Julian was the first to break the silence, his voice low and teasing. "Amarok, you’re awfully quiet today. Don’t tell me we’ve scared you off already."

Amarok forced a smile, though his heart was pounding. "Not at all, Your Highness," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I’m just focused on my duties."

Julian chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Amarok’s spine. "Focused, hmm? Well, I suppose we should be grateful for your dedication." He leaned back in the bath, his eyes half-lidded as he watched Amarok with a smirk. "But don’t be afraid to relax a little. We’re not going to bite."

"Not yet, anyway," Lucian added dryly, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.