A Royal Obligation
Chapter 92: The Royal Parade (2)

Chapter 92: The Royal Parade (2)

The streets of Zephyros were alive with excitement, a sea of people gathered on both sides of the cobblestone paths, holding flowers, banners, and flags.

The anticipation was clear for all to see as everyone awaited the first public appearance of Prince Eirik, the future husband of their crown prince, Kaelix.

No one outside the palace had seen Prince Eirik’s face yet, and though whispers of his beauty had spread like wildfire, many believed the rumors were exaggerated.

The story of his arrival in a veil, hidden from sight, had only heightened the mystery.

Servants and courtiers who had glimpsed him in the palace swore that his beauty was beyond compare, with features so flawless they bordered on the unreal. But the common folk, skeptical and curious, had come in droves to finally see the man who would be their future prince.

As the royal couple approached, riding together on a single, magnificent white stallion draped in royal colors, the crowd erupted into cheers. The horse’s hooves clattered rhythmically on the cobblestones, and as the couple came into view, people craned their necks, desperate to catch the first glimpse of Prince Eirik’s face.

Eirik sat in front of Kaelix, perched gracefully on the horse’s back. His long white hair flowed behind him like a river of snow, and the sun caught on its strands, making it gleam almost otherworldly. His skin was pale, smooth like polished marble, and his violet eyes, framed by silver lashes, sparkled in the daylight. The cheers grew louder as the crowd finally laid eyes on him.

"Look at his hair! It’s like moonlight," someone gasped.

"Those eyes! Are they really purple? They’re like gemstones!" another marveled.

"Long live Prince Kaelix! Long live Prince Eirik!" they chanted in unison.

Prince Eirik, unused to such public displays of attention, felt his cheeks flush under the weight of the crowd’s adoration. He wasn’t sure how to react, but the genuine love and admiration pouring from the people made his heart swell.

For the first time in a long while, he wasn’t hiding behind a veil, and the feeling of being seen, truly seen, was both exhilarating and overwhelming. He wasn’t just the future prince of Zephyros, he was Eirik, standing proudly before them.

Behind him, Kaelix’s arm was steady, wrapped protectively around Eirik’s waist, guiding the horse as they paraded through the city.

Kaelix’s heart swelled with pride as he heard the crowd cheer for Eirik. This was his future husband, his partner, the man who had once been just a political arrangement but was slowly becoming something much more.

A smug, satisfied grin stretched across Kaelix’s face as he soaked in the adulation. Yes, he thought, Eirik was his, and the whole kingdom was witnessing it now.

"Look at them! Look at our prince!" one woman cried.

"Prince Kaelix is so lucky!" another voice called out from the crowd, making Kaelix’s chest puff with pride.

Kaelix leaned in slightly, his lips brushing the shell of Eirik’s ear as he spoke softly, "They’re in awe of you, Eirik. Look at how they’re cheering for you."

Eirik’s lips twitched into a small, shy smile, his hands gripping the reins a little tighter as he whispered back, "I never thought it would feel like this. It’s... overwhelming, but in a good way."

Kaelix’s grin softened into something more tender as he watched the expression of amazement and wonder flicker across Eirik’s face.

He was proud, not just of the admiration Eirik was receiving, but of the fact that Eirik seemed to be enjoying himself, finally comfortable enough to let his true self shine. Kaelix couldn’t take his eyes off him, captivated by the way Eirik’s face lit up in response to the people.

As they rode through the streets, flowers rained down on them, roses, lilies, wildflowers of every kind. The scent of them filled the air, and the streets of Zephyros bloomed with color as the crowd celebrated their royal couple. Some of the flowers landed gently in Eirik’s lap, and he laughed softly, picking up a rose and twirling it between his fingers.

"You look like you’re having fun," Kaelix remarked with a smirk, unable to hide his amusement.

Eirik nodded, turning his head just enough to meet Kaelix’s gaze. His violet eyes were brighter than Kaelix had ever seen them. "I didn’t think I would, but I am."

Kaelix’s heart skipped a beat. That smile, that laughter, it was the first time he had seen Eirik so carefree, and it was infectious. He hadn’t realized how much he wanted to see this side of Eirik, but now that he had, he was determined to make sure Eirik had many more reasons to smile like this.

As the parade reached its climax in the grand square, the crowd erupted into another wave of cheers. Royal guards lined the street, keeping order, but even they couldn’t help but join in the celebration.

Next came the ceremonial dance, a tradition that had been part of Zephyros weddings for centuries. In front of the people, the royal couple would dance together, symbolizing their unity and the beginning of their life as partners.

Kaelix dismounted first, then helped Eirik down from the horse with a steady hand. The moment their feet touched the ground, the crowd hushed, anticipation hanging in the air. This was a moment they had been waiting for.

Kaelix took Eirik’s hand, leading him to the center of the square where a circle of flowers had been laid out for their dance. The music began, a soft, lilting melody that echoed through the square, and the two princes began to move.

At first, the dance was stiff and awkward. Eirik’s movements were tentative, and Kaelix’s touch was a little too formal.

But as they moved together, something shifted. Their steps became more fluid, their bodies moving in sync. Kaelix’s hand rested gently on Eirik’s waist, guiding him through the dance, while Eirik relaxed into his partner’s embrace.

The crowd watched in awe as the two of them danced, spinning and twirling in perfect harmony. Flowers rained down on them once more, and for a moment, it felt as though the entire world had melted away, leaving just the two of them in the center of it all.

Eirik’s laughter bubbled up, soft and carefree, as Kaelix spun him in a graceful arc. The sound was like music to Kaelix’s ears, and he couldn’t help but smile in return.

"I didn’t know you could dance like this," Eirik teased, his violet eyes sparkling.

Kaelix chuckled, his grip tightening slightly on Eirik’s waist as they spun again. "There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet, but we have plenty of time to find out."

For the first time, Eirik felt completely at ease in Kaelix’s arms. He let himself be swept up in the moment, allowing the music and the rhythm of their movements to carry him away. It was just a dance, but it felt like something more, like the first step toward something new, something real.

As the music began to wind down, the crowd started to cheer again, louder this time, more insistent. "Long live Prince Eirik! Long live Prince Kaelix!"

And then, much to Kaelix’s surprise, some of the people began to approach, shyly asking if they might have a dance with Prince Eirik. Eirik, always gracious, agreed without hesitation, much to the delight of the crowd. As he danced with the people of Zephyros, his laughter filled the square, and his smile never wavered.

Kaelix stood back, watching with a mixture of pride and admiration. Darren and Lysander appeared at his side, grinning like cats that had caught the canary.

"Cousin," Darren said with a smirk, "you’re one hell of a lucky guy."

Kaelix crossed his arms, his eyes never leaving Eirik as he spun and twirled among the people. "Of course I am," he said, his voice brimming with satisfaction.

Lysander clapped him on the back. "It’s good to see him warming up to the kingdom. Looks like he’s finally finding his place here."

Kaelix nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah... he’s something special."