A Royal Obligation
In a realm of four kingdoms, two were on the verge of war. Prince Eirik, the fourth prince of Valeidio, a Ferre whose beauty could rival the gods, was thrust into a marriage alliance with Prince Kaelix, the strong and proud heir of Zephyros. Both princes were determined to fight against the fate that had been forced on them. Eirik resented being used as a pawn, while Kaelix saw the alliance as a threat to his freedom. As they clashed in a battle of wills, their encounters became a constant push and pull of resistance and pride. But as the pressures of duty mounted, the lines between obligation and desire began to blur. In their struggle against their forced union, they found themselves drawn toward each other in ways they never expected. Would their bond become a weapon against the war or would their kingdoms' rivalries destroy any chance of love before it could take root? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4
Emotional Withdrawal
"We understand what you're going through, please talk to me." Kaelix added.
Eirik didn't move. His eyes remained fixed on the corner, unblinking, his face devoid of emotion. Kaelix's words seemed to hover in the air before falling into the void. Kaelix tightened his grip on Eirik's hand, his throat tightening with desperation.
He could see Eirik's throat working to suppress the tears that threatened to spill.
"Please, talk to me," Kaelix urged again, his voice breaking. "Even if it's to yell or cry, anything is better than this silence."
Eirik's gaze flickered for the briefest moment, his lips parting as if he might say something. But the moment passed, and he sank deeper into his silence, leaving Kaelix feeling helpless.
"It wasn't your fault," Kaelix tried again, his voice trembling slightly. "You couldn't have known. You couldn't have stopped it."