The Royal Parade (1)

Kaelix stood in front of a mirror, half-dressed in the royal garb meant for the parade. His expression was one of distant concentration, but his mind wasn't on the fine clothing or the ceremony at hand. He couldn't stop thinking about Eirik, who was currently in the room across the hall, being prepared for the very same event.

Eirik. His soon-to-be husband. Who could've imagined?

Kaelix's lips curved into a small smile without him even realizing it.

A few weeks ago, he had been vehemently against this entire marriage.

"Over my dead body," he'd said more than once. But now… now things felt different. He felt different. There was a strange fluttering in his chest, a mixture of nerves and excitement, and all he wanted was to flaunt Eirik in front of the kingdom, show the people of Zephyros the man who had unexpectedly captured his heart.

Just as that warm thought settled in his chest, an obnoxiously loud whistle cut through his reverie.