A Royal Obligation
Chapter 94: Feast Among the People

Chapter 94: Feast Among the People

Long banquet tables stretched across the bustling streets, their surfaces adorned with vibrant dishes of spiced meats, fresh fruits, and fragrant bread.

Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting a soft light that mingled with the fading daylight. Laughter, music, and the clinking of goblets filled the air as the people of Zephyros prepared to share a meal with their future royal couple, Prince Eirik and Kaelix.

Eirik, still feeling the aftereffects of the ceremonial dance, sat beside Kaelix at the head of the table, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

The people were eager to meet him, the once-mysterious prince from Valeidio who was now poised to become their own.

Though their expressions were full of warmth and acceptance, Eirik couldn’t help but feel a small flutter of anxiety.

What if they expected more from him than he could give? What if he couldn’t live up to their hopes?

Beside him, Kaelix sensed his unease. Beneath the table, where no one could see, Kaelix slipped his hand into Eirik’s, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Relax," he murmured, his tone soft and reassuring. "They love you. You have nothing to worry about."

Eirik glanced at him, and Kaelix smiled, his eyes filled with quiet confidence.

Easier said than done," Eirik whispered back, but he smiled gratefully.

That single gesture from Kaelix was enough to calm Eirik’s nerves, grounding him in the moment. They were in this together.

"Seriously, the people adore you, Eirik," Kaelix whispered, leaning closer. "You’ve already won their hearts."

Eirik gave him another small, grateful smile. He hoped Kaelix was right.

As the feast began, plates were passed around, and goblets were filled with wine. The aromas of roasted vegetables and seasoned meats mixed with the crisp evening air, creating an intoxicating atmosphere of celebration.

Eirik and Kaelix shared in the food, but it wasn’t long before the crowd’s energy picked up again.

Citizens from all corners of Zephyros gathered to catch a glimpse of their future rulers. Children ran up to Eirik and Kaelix with wide smiles, clutching small gifts in their tiny hands.

One little girl, no older than five, shyly approached Eirik, holding up a handmade bracelet woven from colorful threads. Her big brown eyes sparkled with excitement and a bit of nervousness.

"I-I made this for you, Prince Eirik," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Eirik’s heart melted at the sight of her. He crouched down, offering a warm smile. "It’s beautiful. Thank you so much."

The girl blushed as she slipped the bracelet over Eirik’s wrist. Her face lit up with pride, and she darted back to her family, giggling as her parents beamed.

Kaelix chuckled beside Eirik, watching the scene unfold. "Looks like you’ve got quite the fan base."

Before Eirik could respond, a group of boys, slightly older, rushed over, holding out small carved wooden animals. "These are for you too, Prince Eirik!" one of them exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.

Eirik took each wooden figure with a grateful smile, admiring the detail in the craftsmanship. "Did you carve these yourself?"

The boy nodded eagerly. "My father taught me! We wanted to give you something special."

"They’re perfect. Thank you," Eirik said, his heart swelling with appreciation. It was humbling to receive such personal, heartfelt gifts from the people. They weren’t giving out of obligation but out of genuine care. It made Eirik feel more connected to them in ways he hadn’t expected.

Kaelix leaned in, nudging Eirik with his elbow. "See? You’re doing great. They love you."

Eirik chuckled softly. "Maybe. But you’ve been doing this your whole life. I’m still learning."

Kaelix grinned, placing a hand on Eirik’s shoulder. "You’re a fast learner."

The crowd seemed to pick up on Eirik’s easing nerves. More families approached, offering gifts of flowers, homemade pastries, and small tokens of goodwill. Eirik did his best to meet each person’s gaze, to shake each hand, and to listen to their stories.

And he accepted each gift graciously, touched by the effort and thought that had gone into each offering. Some of the older women offered blessings for his upcoming marriage, gently touching his arm or pressing their hands together in prayer.

"May you and Prince Kaelix have many years of happiness," one woman said, her eyes crinkling with joy as she placed a necklace of shells around Eirik’s neck. "Zephyros is proud to call you one of our own."

Eirik felt a lump form in his throat. "Thank you," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "Your kindness means more to me than you know."

The crowd continued to move around them, and Eirik noticed how naturally Kaelix interacted with the people.

His fiancé was in his element, laughing with the children who danced around them, shaking hands with the older men, and trading friendly jabs with the market vendors.

It was clear how much the people loved him, how he had grown up as part of his people, not above it. Eirik admired Kaelix’s ease, wondering if he would ever be as comfortable in such a public role.

The children gathered around, laughing and playing in the streets, their joy contagious as they darted between tables and danced to the music.

As Eirik and Kaelix continued to greet the citizens, something caught Eirik’s eye.

Toward the end of the long table, in a quieter section of the feast, sat Sadiki. His old friend was laughing, an open, carefree laugh that Eirik hadn’t seen before, yes Sadiki smiles, but laughing openly like that? That’s the first.

Eirik has to paused mid-conversation, his attention drawn to the sight of his old lover.

The sight was like a balm to Eirik’s heart. Sadiki’s face, once etched with the pain of their parting, was now lit with joy as he talked animatedly with Drystan.

Eirik’s eyes lingered on them, he watched as Drystan’s hand moved to Sadiki’s shoulder, playfully pushing him, and Sadiki, in return, gave him a mock glare before breaking into another bout of laughter.

There was a lightness between them, an unspoken connection that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

It was surprising to see Drystan, Kaelix’s normally stoic personal guard, acting so animated. Drystan had always reserved his humor for Kaelix alone. Yet here he was, poking and teasing Sadiki like they had been friends for years.

Their laughter mingling with the music of the feast.

Eirik’s heart swelled with warmth, a smile tugging at his lips. He had been worried about Sadiki since they parted ways, unsure if his friend would ever find happiness again.

But seeing him like this, laughing, smiling, and clearly enjoying himself, filled Eirik with a sense of peace.

It gave Eirik a sense of closure he hadn’t realized he needed.

Without thinking, Eirik nudged Kaelix, motioning toward the scene. "Look."

Kaelix followed his gaze, his eyebrows lifting in surprise when he saw Drystan and Sadiki. "Drystan?" Kaelix’s voice held a note of disbelief. "Is he... smiling at Sadiki?"

Eirik chuckled softly. "It seems so."

"I’ve never seen him like that with anyone but me," Kaelix mused, his tone both curious and amused. "I didn’t know he had it in him."

Eirik grinned, his own heart lightening. "Neither did I."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, well. It seems my personal guard has a soft spot for your personal guard."

Eirik grinned, his heart lighter than it had been all evening. "It looks that way. I’m glad."

For a moment, they both watched as Sadiki and Drystan continued to tease each other, their laughter blending with the music and the lively chatter of the feast. It was strange, yet heartening, to see the two of them forming such a bond.

Eirik could sense that Sadiki was healing, and for that, he was grateful.

Kaelix shook his head, still looking at Drystan in disbelief. "I’ve known him my whole life, and I’ve never seen him like this with anyone."

"Maybe Sadiki’s just what he needed," Eirik said softly. "I’m happy for them."

Kaelix smiled, his gaze softening as he watched Drystan said something to Sadiki that made the Sadiki throw a food at Drystan. Their laughter mingling with the music. "So am I."

Eirik could see that Kaelix was as intrigued by this new side of Drystan as he was. The stoic, stone-faced guard had a playful side, who would have guessed?