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
Realization Hits
Eirik found Kaelix by the small fountain at the edge of the garden, sitting on the stone ledge with his back to the path. His shoulders were slumped, his head bowed, and Eirik could tell from the tension in his posture that Kaelix was struggling to hold himself together.
His heart ached at the sight.
Kaelix was always the one who stood tall, always the one who seemed to carry his burdens with grace. To see him like this, vulnerable, defeated, was more than Eirik could bear. He took a deep breath, gathering the courage to approach, and quietly walked over to sit beside him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound between them was the gentle trickle of water from the fountain, a quiet melody filling the heavy silence.
"I'm sorry," Eirik said finally, his voice soft and unsure.