A Royal Obligation
Chapter 88: Awkward Morning, Excited Queen

Chapter 88: Awkward Morning, Excited Queen

Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room. The morning was quiet, peaceful, but Eirik stirred restlessly beneath the weight of something unfamiliar , warmth.

Something felt off. Blinking sleep from his eyes , Eirik’s heart jolted when he realized the position he was in.

His body was entangled with someone else’s, an arm draped securely around his waist, legs intertwined. Panic surged through him, his breath catching as he realized it was Kaelix holding him close.

"What in the realm?" Eirik muttered, his heart skipping a beat.

How did this happen? His mind raced as he carefully lifted his head to look at Kaelix, who was still sound asleep, his face relaxed, his breath steady.

His first instinct was to jolt away, but his body froze as memories of the previous night came rushing back in.

The nightmare that had shaken him to his core. His cries that had woken Kaelix.

The way Kaelix had pulled him into his arms, whispering reassurances until he calmed.

Eirik had been so overwhelmed, so shaken by the flood of emotions, that he had simply surrendered to the comfort of Kaelix’s warmth.

But now, in the clear light of day, the vulnerability he had shown gnawed at him.

Had I really needed someone so badly? Eirik thought bitterly, his heart aching with the weight of his own weakness. Have I missed Sadiki’s affection so much that I’ve now let myself fall into Kaelix’s arms?

He scolded himself internally, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment. He had no idea how to untangle himself from Kaelix’s embrace without waking him.

Moving seemed risky, and the last thing he wanted was to confront the awkwardness of this situation head-on.

He dared to glance at Kaelix, his heart racing. Kaelix’s face was peaceful, his breath steady, lips slightly parted. He looked relaxed, serene, the complete opposite of Eirik’s internal chaos.

Maybe if I stay still, he’ll wake up on his own and let me go, Eirik decided, cautiously closing his eyes again, feigning sleep. He hoped Kaelix would release him without making a fuss.

What Eirik didn’t realize was that Kaelix had been awake for some time, his eyes half-closed as he felt the prince stirring in his arms. Kaelix had no intention of letting go just yet. After the night they shared, a part of him wanted to keep Eirik close for a little longer.

But neither of them had the chance to contemplate their position much longer.

Suddenly, the doors to their shared chambers flew open, and Queen Elena swept in, brimming with excitement. "Good morning, darlings!" she sang, her voice far too cheerful for the early hour.

Eirik’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Both he and Kaelix bolted upright in bed, scrambling to separate themselves from one another. Eirik stumbled out of the bed, his face burning with embarrassment, while Kaelix stayed seated, his glare immediately directed at his mother.

"Mother!" Kaelix groaned, his voice laced with irritation. "What are you doing here?"

Eirik, meanwhile, was standing by the bed, his hands trembling as he adjusted his disheveled clothes.

He felt like his heart was about to explode from the sheer awkwardness of the situation. His mind raced, trying to find an explanation for why they were in such a compromising position, but no words came to him.

Queen Elena raised her eyebrows in amusement, her eyes dancing between Kaelix and Eirik. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips. "Oh, don’t mind me," she said, her tone teasing. "I didn’t mean to interrupt your lovely morning."

Kaelix’s eyes narrowed, his frustration growing by the second. "This is not what it looks like," he snapped, but there was no hiding the embarrassment in his voice.

Eirik wished he could disappear. The shame was unbearable, and he could feel his skin burning under the Queen’s gaze. He had no idea how to explain what had just happened, and frankly, he didn’t want to. The last thing he needed was the Queen assuming something intimate had transpired between them.

Queen Elena, however, seemed far too pleased by the situation to care about their discomfort. She smirked, giving a little cough into her hand as though trying to suppress a laugh. "Of course, dear. I’m sure it’s all perfectly innocent."

Eirik felt like the ground might as well open up and swallow him whole.

Kaelix, clearly still annoyed, clenched his jaw and crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you want, Mother?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation away from whatever humiliating assumptions she might be making.

Queen Elena’s expression brightened immediately.

"Ah, yes! The reason I’m here," she said, clasping her hands together excitedly. "I’ve commissioned the finest tailors from across the realm to create your wedding attire!"

She beamed at both of them, her excitement radiating from her like sunshine. "It’s going to be absolutely magnificent. I thought today would be the perfect time for you both to try on your ceremonial robes."

Kaelix’s irritation faltered slightly, his interest piqued. "The wedding robes?"

"Yes, darling!" Queen Elena replied, her eyes sparkling. "Your union will be the talk of the kingdoms. We must make sure everything is absolutely perfect. The tailors have already arrived, and I can assure you, you’ll both look splendid."

Kaelix exchanged a glance with Eirik, his usual aloofness melting just a bit. "Well, I suppose it can’t hurt to try them on," he said with a shrug. He was actually eager to see what the ceremonial robes looked like. If nothing else, it would give him a chance to see Eirik in something other than his usual attire.

Eirik, on the other hand, was far less enthusiastic. He had no interest in trying on wedding robes. The thought of the upcoming marriage still sat heavy in his chest, and the mere mention of it made him feel uneasy.

Still, he knew there was no point in resisting. Reluctantly, he nodded. "I suppose... we should try them on."

Queen Elena clapped her hands in delight. "Wonderful! Come along, the tailors are waiting in the dressing chamber."

---

Eirik stood in front of the tall mirror, the ornate ceremonial robes hanging heavily on his frame. The deep purple fabric was embroidered with delicate gold threads, the colors meant to symbolize the unity of both kingdoms. His white hair, usually kept tied back, had been styled, framing his face with an almost ethereal glow.

His purple eyes shimmered under the soft light of the room.

He looked beautiful, no doubt about that. But as he stared at his reflection, all he felt was a crushing sense of dread. This marriage, this union, it wasn’t something he wanted. His heart still ached for Sadiki, and standing here, adorned in these wedding robes, only reminded him of everything he had lost.

Kaelix, standing nearby in his own ceremonial attire, couldn’t tear his eyes away from Eirik. The deep purple of the robes brought out the striking violet in Eirik’s eyes, and his pale hair shimmered like silver under the light.

Kaelix’s heart gave an odd, unfamiliar flutter in his chest. He had never seen Eirik look so... breathtaking.

It was hard to believe this was the same person he had once viewed with contempt. Now, all he could see was someone who was carrying far more than he should have to. Someone Kaelix wasn’t sure he could push away any longer.

Queen Elena, ever the keen observer, noticed the way Kaelix was looking at Eirik. She smiled to herself, satisfied with the progress she was seeing. It was only a few days ago that her son seemed to detest Eirik, but now... now, Kaelix’s gaze was full of something much softer, something far more affectionate.

Perhaps her decision to send them to the Summer Palace had been the right one after all, even though their stay had been cut short. The connection she hoped to foster between them was finally starting to blossom, and she couldn’t have been more pleased.

"Well, don’t you both look magnificent!" Queen Elena exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride. She clapped her hands together, beaming. "I can’t wait to tell your father how splendid the two of you looked. This wedding is going to be perfect."

Kaelix glanced at Eirik, his usual confidence faltering for just a moment. "What do you think?" he asked quietly, his voice low.

Eirik hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It’s beautiful," he admitted, though his tone was far from eenthusiastic

Queen Elena, seemingly oblivious to the tension hanging in the air, waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I’m more than happy. This marriage will be the start of something beautiful for both our kingdoms."

Eirik nodded stiffly, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. Beautiful? Perhaps. But the ache in his chest, the longing for someone else, refused to fade.