A Royal Obligation
Chapter 95: Feastable, Paradable

Chapter 95: Feastable, Paradable

As the feast continued, Eirik and Kaelix made their way back to the head of the table, though Eirik’s thoughts remained on Sadiki.

There was a time when the sight of him with someone else might have stirred feelings of jealousy or regret, but now, Eirik felt only happiness. Sadiki was healing. Drystan, in his own quiet way, was helping him move forward. And for that, Eirik was grateful.

By the time they returned to their seats, Eirik felt more at ease than he had all evening.

The people of Zephyros had embraced him, not as an outsider, but as one of their own. He could feel their love and acceptance surrounding him, and with Kaelix by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they sat down, Eirik glanced across the table once more, catching a glimpse of Sadiki and Drystan still deep in conversation. For the first time in a long while, Eirik felt a sense of peace wash over him. Things were changing, but maybe change wasn’t so bad after all.

"I think they’ll be alright," Kaelix said, breaking the comfortable silence as he followed Eirik’s gaze.

Eirik smiled. "I think so too."

The rest of the evening was filled with more laughter, music, and dancing. Eirik and Kaelix continued to move through the crowd, greeting the people of Zephyros, listening to their stories, and accepting their heartfelt gifts. The children ran around, playing and laughing, occasionally tugging at Eirik’s sleeve to get his attention.

"Prince Eirik, come play with us!" one of the boys called out, grabbing Eirik’s hand.

Kaelix grinned. "I think you’ve been summoned."

Eirik laughed, letting the boy pull him toward a group of children who were pretending to be knights and rroyals

For a moment, Eirik was swept up in their playful world, chasing them around the tables and pretending to duel with wooden swords.

The children’s laughter rang out, filling the air with pure joy, and Eirik found himself lost in the moment, his earlier nervousness long forgotten.

After playing with the children and even danced with some for a while, Eirik returned to the head of the table, where Kaelix was waiting patiently.

As he sat back down beside Kaelix, watching the people laugh and dance in the streets, he felt a deep sense of belonging.

Kaelix leaned in close, his voice soft. "See? I told you. They love you."

Eirik smiled, his heart full. "I think I’m starting to love them too."

Soon enough, the celebration began to wind down.

The lanterns flickered in the cool breeze, and the stars overhead glimmered against the inky sky.

Eirik and Kaelix stood to make their final rounds, thanking the people for their kindness and generosity. As they made their way through the crowd one last time, Eirik caught Sadiki’s eye.

Sadiki smiled at him, a genuine, unburdened smile that spoke of acceptance and new beginnings.

Eirik returned the smile, his heart light. It was time to let go of the past and embrace the future. Together with Kaelix, he walked hand in hand through the streets of Zephyros, ready to face whatever came next.

As the city quieted and the people returned to their homes, Eirik felt a sense of belonging he hadn’t known was possible.

---

Despite the weariness in his legs and the gentle ache in his cheeks from smiling, Eirik felt lighter than he had in weeks.

The warmth and acceptance of Zephyros had wrapped him up like a comforting blanket, and for the first time since his arrival, he felt truly welcome.

As they walked side by side up the palace steps, Eirik stole a glance at Kaelix, whose usual cool composure had softened into a relaxed smile. The lanterns illuminated his fiancé’s profile, casting golden highlights on his cheekbones and the soft strands of his dark hair.

"You’re still glowing," Eirik teased, nudging him lightly with his shoulder.

Kaelix smirked but didn’t pull away. "I think that’s just the wine," he replied with a wink, though the lightness in his voice betrayed his genuine contentment.

Eirik chuckled, shaking his head. "I’m not sure wine can make you smile like that."

Before Kaelix could reply, the large wooden doors of the palace swung open, and Queen Elena appeared, her eyes alight with excitement. She practically bounced on her toes as she hurried down the steps to meet them, her long skirts swishing as she approached.

"My boys!" she exclaimed, her voice full of affection as she reached out, grabbing both of their hands in her own.

"Tell me everything! How was it? The people must have adored you, Eirik, I’m sure of it. Did they throw flowers? Were there cheers? What about the dance? Oh, I wish I could have been there to see it!"

Eirik smiled, overwhelmed but endeared by her enthusiasm. "It was wonderful, Your Majesty," he began, only to have her wave a hand dismissively.

"None of that ’Your Majesty’ business with me, dear," she said firmly, though her tone was warm. "It’s Mother. You’re practically family now."

Eirik’s heart swelled at her words, and he nodded, feeling a sense of belonging settle over him. "It was incredible, Mother," he continued. "The people were so welcoming. They showered us with flowers and gifts, and the dance... well, let’s just say I managed to keep up, but just barely."

Elena clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with joy. "Oh, I knew they wouldn’t be able to resist you!" She turned to Kaelix, her eyes gleaming. "And you, my son? Did you at least let him lead the dance for once?"

Kaelix chuckled, rolling his eyes affectionately. "I tried, Mother. I promise. But Eirik’s more of a natural at these things than he lets on."

Elena looked back at Eirik, her eyes full of pride. "Of course, he is. You’ll be a perfect addition to this family." She squeezed Eirik’s hand, and the genuine affection in her voice made his chest tighten with emotion.

Before Eirik could respond, King Reagan emerged from the shadows of the palace entrance, his presence quieter than his wife’s but no less commanding. He watched the scene with a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling as he approached them.

"Elena," he said softly, his voice a gentle reminder. "Perhaps let them breathe for a moment?"

Elena laughed, patting her husband’s arm playfully. "Oh, Reagan, let me have this moment. We’re about to have a royal wedding! How could I not be excited?"

Reagan’s smile widened as he turned to Eirik and Kaelix. "She’s been like this since you both left for the parade," he confided with a mock sigh. "I can’t get her to stop."

"Being excited is a necessity" Elena said firmly. "And besides, there’s so much to do! The wedding is only days away, and I..." She paused, her gaze softening as she looked between the two of them. "I just want everything to be perfect for you both."

Eirik’s heart warmed at her words. "It already feels perfect," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.

Elena’s eyes shimmered with emotion, and for a moment, Eirik thought she might tear up. But before she could dwell on it, she beamed again, turning her attention back to Kaelix.

"Now, you," she said, poking her son’s chest lightly. "I want to know every detail. How was the parade? And the feast! I want to hear it all."

Kaelix shot Eirik a look, half amused, half exasperated, as his mother’s barrage of questions showed no sign of stopping. "The feast was feastable, Mother," he said with a mock-serious tone, followed by a dramatic sigh. "And the parade? Completely paradable."

The room erupted in laughter, Eirik chuckling beside him.

Queen Elena playfully swatted Kaelix on the arm. "Oh, be serious for once, Kaelix!"

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.