A Royal Obligation
Chapter 96: Ready For Anything

Chapter 96: Ready For Anything

Still smiling, Kaelix straightened up slightly. "Alright, alright. The people were... incredibly enthusiastic, and honestly, everything was perfect." His tone softened, and the sincerity in his words warmed the moment.

"I knew it!" Elena exclaimed. "I told you they would be. Eirik is impossible not to love."

Kaelix let out a low chuckle. "Yes, well, I suppose you were right."

Eirik felt a blush creep up his neck at their words, though he couldn’t help but smile.

Being around Kaelix’s parents was like stepping into a warm, bustling kitchen after a cold winter day, full of life, full of love, and a little overwhelming in the best way.

As Elena continued to chatter excitedly about wedding plans, Reagan gently pulled Kaelix aside, his expression more serious but still warm.

"Walk with me, son," he said quietly, leading Kaelix away from the lively conversation.

Kaelix gave his father a curious glance but followed him down the hall. Once they were far enough away from Elena’s enthusiastic commentary, Reagan turned to his son, his eyes thoughtful.

"How are you feeling about everything?" Reagan asked, his tone gentle but probing.

Kaelix sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly, Father? It’s been... overwhelming. But in a good way, I think. Eirik’s adjusting well, and the people seem to love him. That’s all I could ask for."

Reagan nodded, his eyes steady. "And you? How are you handling it?"

Kaelix hesitated, glancing down the hall toward the main chamber where Eirik and Elena were still talking animatedly. "I’m fine," he said after a pause. "It’s just... Drystan."

Reagan raised an eyebrow, waiting for his son to elaborate.

Kaelix rubbed the back of his neck, his thoughts swirling. "I’ve never seen him act like that. With Sadiki, I mean. He was... playful. That’s not like him. I thought maybe there was something wrong, but..."

"But it wasn’t wrong, was it?" Reagan finished for him, his voice calm but insightful.

Kaelix sighed again. "No. It wasn’t. I guess I just didn’t expect it. Drystan’s always been... focused. Guarded. And only fool around when we’re alone. I didn’t think he had room in his life for something like that."

Reagan smiled gently, his hand resting on Kaelix’s shoulder. "Perhaps it’s time you allow those around you more freedom to explore their own lives, Kaelix. Drystan is loyal to you, yes, but he’s also a man with his own needs and desires. Maybe this is his time to grow, just as you’ve been growing alongside Eirik."

Kaelix blinked, taken aback by his father’s words. He hadn’t considered it that way before. "You think I’ve been too... restrictive?"

"I think you’ve been protective," Reagan corrected softly. "But there’s a difference between protecting someone and holding them back. Drystan has been by your side for years. Perhaps now, it’s time for him to discover who he is outside of his role as your guard."

Kaelix mulled over his father’s words, feeling a shift in his perspective. "I hadn’t thought of it that way."

Reagan smiled, patting his son’s shoulder. "That’s why I’m here, son. To help you see things more clearly."

Meanwhile, back in the main chamber, Eirik found himself caught up in a warm conversation with Queen Elena. She had moved on from wedding plans to more personal questions, her eyes full of affection as she leaned in closer to him.

"Tell me, Eirik," she said softly, her voice conspiratorial. "How are you really feeling about all of this? About becoming part of our family?"

Eirik blinked, taken aback by her directness. But the genuine care in her eyes made him relax. "Honestly?" he said after a moment. "I’m nervous. It’s a big change, and I still feel like I’m finding my place here. But... I also feel incredibly lucky. Kaelix has been wonderful, and you’ve all made me feel so welcome. I couldn’t ask for more."

Elena smiled warmly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "We’re the lucky ones, Eirik. You’ve brought so much joy into Kaelix’s life, and that’s all a mother could ever hope for. You’re already part of this family, and we’re better for it."

Eirik’s heart swelled at her words, and he found himself blinking back unexpected tears. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "That means more than I can say."

Elena smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You don’t need to say anything, dear. Just know that you are loved here. Always."

As the evening wore on, the warmth of Queen Elena’s words lingered in Eirik’s chest. He felt the tight knot of anxiety that had been forming over the past few weeks slowly begin to unravel.

The palace, which had once seemed so intimidating and vast, was starting to feel like home. And in that moment, surrounded by Kaelix’s family, he felt truly at peace.

Kaelix and King Reagan returned, their conversation leaving Kaelix with a new, thoughtful expression.

Eirik noticed the subtle shift in his fiancé’s demeanor, the way Kaelix’s brow was furrowed slightly as if he was turning over some deep thought in his mind. He made a mental note to ask Kaelix about it later, but for now, the warmth of the moment carried them all.

"Well, my dears," Elena said, clapping her hands together and turning to address both of them. "You’ve had a long day, and I won’t keep you much longer. But I do want to say one more thing before you go."

Eirik and Kaelix exchanged a curious glance as Elena took both of their hands, pulling them together so that they were standing side by side in front of her. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked between them.

"I have watched my son grow into a fine man," she began, her voice thick with emotion. "But I have never seen him as happy as he is now, with you, Eirik. You’ve brought light into his life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And for that, I am eternally grateful."

Eirik blinked, feeling the weight of her words settle into his chest. He glanced at Kaelix, who was looking at his mother with equal parts love and exasperation. Elena squeezed their hands once more before releasing them, her expression soft and affectionate.

"You two have a big journey ahead of you, but I have no doubt that you’ll face it together," she continued. "And we’ll be here to support you, every step of the way."

Eirik could feel the lump rising in his throat again, but before he could respond, Kaelix stepped forward, wrapping his mother in a tight hug. Elena laughed, clearly surprised by her son’s sudden display of affection, but she melted into his embrace nonetheless.

"You’re being sappy again, Mother," Kaelix said, his voice muffled by her shoulder.

Elena laughed, brushing away a stray tear as she hugged her son back. "Oh, hush. I’m your mother. I’m allowed to be sappy."

Kaelix chuckled, pulling away but keeping his hands on her shoulders. "We’ll make you proud," he promised, his voice soft but firm.

Elena smiled, her eyes shimmering. "You already have, Kaelix. You already have."

King Reagan, who had been watching the exchange with a fond smile, finally stepped forward, placing a hand on Kaelix’s shoulder. "Go on, now," he said gently. "Get some rest. You’ve earned it."

Eirik nodded, feeling the weight of the day settle over him. He was exhausted, but it was a good kind of exhaustion, the kind that came after a long, fulfilling day. He exchanged one last smile with Queen Elena before turning to leave with Kaelix.

As they walked through the palace halls, the quiet of the evening settling around them, Kaelix reached out, lacing his fingers through Eirik’s. The simple gesture sent warmth spreading through Eirik’s chest, and he squeezed Kaelix’s hand in return.

"You handled that well," Kaelix said after a moment, his voice teasing but affectionate. "My mother can be... a lot."

Eirik laughed softly, shaking his head. "She’s wonderful. I love how much she cares."

Kaelix smiled, his thumb brushing over the back of Eirik’s hand. "Yeah, she does. And she’s right, you know."

"About what?" Eirik asked, glancing at him curiously.

Kaelix paused, his expression growing softer, more thoughtful. "About you making me happy."

Eirik’s heart skipped a beat, and he found himself momentarily speechless. The sincerity in Kaelix’s voice, the way he looked at him as if he were the only thing that mattered in the woway, it was overwhelming in the best way.

"Kaelix..." Eirik started, but Kaelix shook his head, stopping him.

"You don’t have to say anything," Kaelix said quietly. "Just... know that I feel it. Every day."

For a moment, Eirik couldn’t find the words. His chest felt full, his emotions swirling in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying. But Kaelix’s hand in his, the warmth of his touch, grounded him.

"I feel it too," Eirik finally whispered, his voice soft but sure.

Kaelix smiled, the kind of smile that was reserved only for him, and together, they continued down the hall, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet palace.

As they reached their chambers, the doors closing behind them, the noise of the outside world faded, leaving only the two of them. Eirik felt the tension of the day begin to melt away, and he let out a soft sigh of relief.

Kaelix turned to face him, his eyes warm and full of affection. "Tomorrow is going to be another long day," he said with a chuckle. "Are you ready?"

Eirik smiled, stepping closer to him. "As long as we are in it together," he said softly. "I’m ready for anything."

Kaelix’s smile widened, and he wrapped his arms around Eirik, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Good," he murmured, his voice low and full of affection. "Because I’m not going anywhere."