A Royal Obligation
Chapter 75: The Servant Who Stayed (1)

Chapter 75: The Servant Who Stayed (1)

The warm afternoon sun streamed through the grand windows of Valeidio’s royal palace, casting a golden glow on the marble floors. The palace, usually a place of serene elegance, was buzzing with an unusual energy that day. Word had spread among the staff and nobles alike that something strange, almost unbelievable, had happened.

Lucian and Julian, the infamous royal twins, had kept a servant for more than six months.

This might not sound like much of an accomplishment for any other noble family, but for these two? It was nothing short of a miracle.

For years, the twins had gone through servants like most people went through clothes, constantly finding fault or simply overwhelming each one with their eccentric demands.

Keeping a servant was no easy task for the royal twins, who shared everything, down to their most intimate moments. Most just couldn’t handle the demands of serving both brothers, and after a few weeks or months, they would inevitably leave, exhausted and overwhelmed.

Yet somehow, against all odds, the latest servant, a young man named Amarok, had somehow lasted six months - an impressive feat.

Their older brother, Theron, was intrigued by the development. Eirik, on the other hand, already had his suspicions. He knew his brothers too well to believe Amarok’s longevity was simply due to better work ethics or resilience.

Theron, sat with his arms crossed in the grand hall, deep in thought. Next to him, Eirik, their youngest brother with his striking long white hair and deep purple eyes, was practically bouncing in his seat, full of curiosity.

"How in the world are they managing this?" Eirik wondered aloud, glancing toward Theron, who shrugged, equally intrigued. "It doesn’t make any sense. They can’t even agree on what to eat for breakfast, and they expect someone to serve them both at the same time?"

Theron let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I’ve stopped trying to figure them out. But I’ll admit, I am surprised. Maybe this Amarok is just... better at his job than the others?"

Eirik wasn’t convinced. "Better at his job? Lucian and Julian are impossible to please. It’s not just about doing the job; it’s about keeping up with their every whim. I need to know what’s going on."

At that moment, the grand doors to the twins’ chambers swung open, and out strode Lucian and Julian, their usual air of mischief surrounding them. Lucian, as always, was the picture of composed elegance, while Julian grinned like the Cheshire cat, his playful eyes sparkling as they spotted their brothers waiting.

"Well, well, look who’s come to visit," Julian teased, sauntering over with his hands tucked behind his back. "To what do we owe the pleasure, dear brothers?

"More importantly," Lucian added, his tone laced with the same playfulness, "what’s that look of suspicion on your faces?"

Theron raised an eyebrow, his arms still crossed. "We’ve come to see if the rumors are true. Six months with the same servant? I never thought I’d see the day."

Lucian smiled softly, glancing at Julian before answering. "It’s true. Amarok’s been with us for a while now."

Eirik, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned forward. "Six months," he said simply.

"Six months and you haven’t driven poor Amarok to the edge. I’m impressed, truly. What’s going on? How? How have you managed to keep him around for so long? What’s the secret?"

Julian and Lucian exchanged a knowing look, their expressions unreadable. Julian was the first to speak, his voice laced with amusement. "Oh, come now, Eirik," he teased. "You make it sound as though we’re difficult to live with."

"You are difficult to live with," Eirik deadpanned, though his tone remained light. "We all know it. Everyone in this palace knows it. That’s why no one lasts more than a few weeks with you. But Amarok... he’s different."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Different? How so?"

"He’s still here," Theron pointed out, narrowing his eyes at his brothers. "And you two aren’t exactly making it easy to figure out why."

Julian leaned back, stretching lazily. "Maybe we’ve mellowed out. Maybe we’re just easier to get along with these days."

"Or maybe Amarok is simply tougher than the rest," Lucian added, his voice tinged with amusement.

Theron gave them both a skeptical look. "Right. So, you’re telling me you’ve suddenly learned the virtues of patience and moderation?" His sarcasm was thick, and Lucian and Julian couldn’t help but snicker.

Eirik on the other hands, was quietly eyeing his brothers with a raised eyebrow. He had always been sharp, quick to pick up on the subtle dynamics between his siblings. He had his own theory about what was going on, but he wasn’t going to leave without confirmation.

Theron, sensing that he wasn’t going to get a straight answer, sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, whatever it is, I’m just glad you two aren’t changing servants like you change clothes anymore. Amarok seems like a good guy. I hope you’re not tormenting him too much."

Lucian chuckled. "Torment is such a strong word."

Julian grinned. "We prefer ’keeping him on his toes.’"

Theron shook his head, his amusement still evident, but he knew when he was being stonewalled. "Fine, fine," he said, raising his hands in mock defeat. "I won’t push any further. Just... try not to break him, alright?"

Lucian and Julian both laughed as they watched Theron leave, his curiosity satisfied, at least for the time being. But Eirik wasn’t so easily convinced. He remained, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face.

"And what about you, Eirik?" Lucian asked, raising an eyebrow. "Still trying to uncover our secrets?"

"Oh, I already have my suspicions," Eirik said nonchalantly, though the gleam in his eyes betrayed his playful intent. "But I’m not leaving until I get an answer."

Julian’s smirk widened. "You’ve always been the nosy one."

"Nosy?" Eirik repeated, feigning offense. "Curious, maybe. Inquisitive. But nosy? Never."

"Fine," Lucian said, leaning forward slightly. "What’s your theory, little brother?"

Eirik’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "I think it’s more than just a working relationship with Amarok. The two of you have never been ones to settle for a mere servant. You share everything, clothes, rooms, lovers." He paused for effect, his smirk deepening. "So, I’m guessing you’re sharing him too."

For a brief moment, Lucian and Julian exchanged a look that confirmed Eirik’s suspicions. The playful masks they wore slipped just enough to reveal the truth. And that was all the confirmation Eirik needed.

"I knew it!" Eirik exclaimed, clapping his hands together with mock triumph. "I knew there was something going on. So, Amarok’s not just your servant anymore, is he?"

Julian shrugged, an amused glint in his eyes. "Well, you always were the clever one."

Lucian, on the other hand, was watching Eirik closely. Despite the playful banter, he knew their youngest brother well enough to sense when he was being sincere. "And how do you feel about it?" Lucian asked, his voice softening slightly. "This isn’t exactly... conventional."

Eirik grinned, his earlier teasing giving way to genuine warmth. "How do I feel? I’m happy for you two. You’ve finally found someone who can keep up with your craziness, and that’s not something to take lightly." He laughed softly, leaning back in his chair. "Honestly, I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner."

Julian snorted. "Oh, so you’re not surprised we’ve got a lover, just that it took this long?"

"Exactly," Eirik said with a wink.

But just as Eirik was about to continue, the door to the chamber creaked open, and Amarok stepped inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, he froze, realizing that all three princes were looking at him, two with amusement, and one with a knowing smirk. His heart leapt into his throat as he realized he had likely walked in on a conversation about him.