A Royal Obligation
Chapter 82: Unshared Enthusiasm

Chapter 82: Unshared Enthusiasm

The grand halls of the Zephyros palace were alive with activity. Servants rushed past one another, carrying bolts of silk and delicate flowers imported from the farthest reaches of the realm.

The palace had become a frenzy of preparations, all under the watchful eye of Queen Elena. Every detail had to be perfect, not just for the union of two kingdoms but for the event that would be remembered for generations.

Queen Elena stood in the middle of the chaos, her sapphire gown shimmering under the light as she directed every move with a firm yet graceful hand.

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she oversaw the decorators and designers. She was thrilled. Her son Kaelix was finally getting married, and not just to anyone, he was marrying Eirik, the most beautiful man in the entire four kingdoms.

"Make sure the roses are placed symmetrically along the aisle," Queen Elena instructed a nearby servant with an excited wave of her hand. "And the table linens should match the sky-blue banners, nothing out of place!"

Her heart swelled with joy at the thought of what was to come. Soon, the palace would be filled with laughter and celebration, and before long, she could already picture little children with Eirik’s angelic features running around the palace gardens.

She adored her son Kaelix, but the idea of having grandchildren with Eirik’s beauty was something she secretly wished for. Not that she didn’t want her grandchildren to resemble Kaelix, she just preferred the idea of them inheriting Eirik’s ethereal grace.

As she oversaw the final touches to the grand ballroom, Kaelix entered the room, quietly observing his mother’s enthusiasm. Her joy was infectious, and for the first time since the engagement had been announced, he felt a sense of pride about the upcoming marriage.

He had been so focused on the political ramifications and the duties that came with this union that he had barely allowed himself to think about what it would mean for him personally.

Watching his mother bustle about, her face alight with happiness, Kaelix began to realize just how much this marriage meant not only to their kingdom but also to his mother.

This wasn’t just a union for political gain, it was something his mother had wished for him. The enormity of that realization hit him in waves, and with it, a growing sense of duty to make this work not just for his kingdom but for Eirik as well.

He approached his mother, offering a small smile. "You’re really going all out, aren’t you?"

Queen Elena turned to him, her face lighting up at the sight of her son. "Of course I am! This is the wedding of the century, Kaelix. It has to be perfect. It’s not just about you and Eirik; it’s about uniting the four kingdoms. It’s about family. And... oh, can you imagine how beautiful your children will be?"

Kaelix chuckled lightly, though the thought of children had never crossed his mind before. "You’re already thinking about grandchildren?"

"Of course!" she replied, beaming. "With Eirik’s beauty and your strength, they’ll be perfect. But I do hope they take after him, those delicate features, those enchanting eyes. Oh, they’ll be absolutely adorable."

Kaelix shook his head, amused by his mother’s enthusiasm. Yet, there was a small part of him that now wanted to live up to her dreams.

He had never been the sentimental type, but seeing his mother so invested stirred something within him. Maybe, just maybe, this marriage could be more than just an obligation.

As they spoke, Eirik entered the ballroom, his eyes scanning the grand decorations that were being put up in preparation for the wedding. He was struck by the sheer magnificence of it all, the luxuriousness, the splendor, the way Queen Elena had meticulously planned every detail. It was overwhelming.

Queen Elena noticed him right away and rushed over with her characteristic warmth. "Eirik, my dear! What do you think? Isn’t it all just magnificent?"

Eirik forced a smile, trying to match her enthusiasm. "It’s... beautiful, Your Majesty. Truly stunning."

But inside, his heart was breaking. Every ribbon, every flower, every piece of this grand spectacle was a reminder of the life he was leaving behind. A reminder that soon, he would have to end things with Sadiki, the man he had once promised to be with forever. The thought made his chest tighten.

Queen Elena, oblivious to the turmoil inside Eirik, continued to gush about the wedding plans. "I’ve made sure everything will be perfect for you. The ceremony will be held by the lake, surrounded by roses. And oh, the food! We’ve hired the best chefs from all the kingdoms. You’re going to love it!"

Eirik nodded along, though he barely heard her. His mind was elsewhere, clouded by the weight of the upcoming decision. How could he end things with Sadiki? How could he let go of the man who had been his rock, his confidant, his lover?

Kaelix, standing a few steps away, watched Eirik’s expression closely. He could sense the inner conflict that Eirik was struggling with. It wasn’t lost on him how difficult this must be for Eirik, and for the first time, Kaelix felt a genuine desire to make things easier for him. Perhaps if he could be more understanding, more patient, Eirik would come to see that this marriage didn’t have to be a burden. It could be something more.

"Eirik," Kaelix said softly, stepping closer to him. "I know all of this must be overwhelming. I... I just want you to know that I’m here. We’ll get through this together."

Eirik looked up at Kaelix, still surprised by the unexpected changes in the prince. Kaelix wasn’t supposed to be kind and gentle; it wasn’t the side of him Eirik had come to know.

For the briefest moment, he felt a flicker of something, something that wasn’t duty or obligation, but something more personal. Yet, just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced by the heavy weight of his love for Sadiki.

"Thank you," Eirik replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate that."

Queen Elena, noticing the quiet moment between the two, smiled warmly. "I knew you two would be perfect for each other. Just wait until the wedding, you’ll see."

Eirik’s heart sank even deeper. How could he possibly explain to anyone, let alone the queen, that while he was trying to move forward, his heart still belonged to another man, a man who wasn’t her son?

As the day wore on and the palace buzzed with excitement, Eirik felt none of it. Instead, he felt more lost than ever, torn between his duty to his kingdom and the love he was desperately trying to bury.

Across the room, Kaelix observed him closely, silently vowing to do whatever it took to win Eirik’s heart. He would prove that his words by the lake the night before were genuine, that he truly meant to be the partner Eirik deserved.

But a question gnawed at him: could Eirik ever see him in that way, or would his heart always belong to someone else?