章 24: A Royal Reflection
The night after the grand welcoming ball was supposed to be a time of rest for Queen Elena and King Reagan, but as they settled into their chambers, the queen could hardly contain her thoughts.
The ball had been a spectacle of grandeur, filled with music, laughter, and the finest noblemen and women of the their kingdom.
Yet, it wasn't the lavish decorations or the elegant dance performances that lingered in Elena's mind,it was Prince Eirik of Valeidio.
Queen Elena sat on the edge of the massive four-poster bed, her fingers idly toying with the hem of her silk nightgown.
King Reagan was already lying back against the pillows, his eyes closed, seemingly ready for sleep. But Elena's restless energy filled the room, preventing any chance of slumber.
"Reagan," she began, her voice soft yet insistent.
"Hmm?" he replied, opening one eye lazily, already sensing where this conversation was headed.
"Can you believe it?" she continued, not waiting for a proper response. "That prince… Eirik… I've never seen anything like him."
King Reagan opened both eyes now, turning his head to look at his wife. Her expression was one of awe, almost disbelief, as she stared at nothing in particular, clearly lost in her thoughts.
Elena's voice was almost reverent as she spoke again, "No wonder he goes around with that veil obscuring his face. It must be exhausting, always drawing such attention wherever he goes. I don't think I've ever seen anyone so… so…"
"Beautiful?" Reagan offered, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Yes, that's exactly it. Beautiful," Elena agreed, a bit of exasperation in her tone, as if she were surprised by her own admission. "And to think I… I used to despise him."
King Reagan chuckled, a deep, affectionate sound that resonated through the room. "Despised him? You were nearly apoplectic when I told you about the marriage arrangement. You wanted me to call it off, remember?"
Elena's cheeks flushed slightly as she recalled the many heated discussions they'd had about the union.
"I hated the idea of him being forced on our Kaelix," she confessed. "It felt like an insult, like we were being asked to force our son, to marry someone unworthy. I thought he was just a pawn in Valeidio's political games."
Reagan sat up, leaning on one arm as he looked at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And now?"
"And now… now I can't help but feel differently," she admitted, her voice quieter, more contemplative. "Seeing the way he carried himself at the ball tonight, the way he wasn't afraid to face our Kaelix despite everything… it was admirable. And then there's his appearance…"
She trailed off, shaking her head slightly as if still trying to wrap her mind around the vision that was Prince Eirik.
The prince's long, silken white hair had shimmered under the grand chandelier's light, and his deep purple eyes had held a depth and intensity that had captivated everyone in the room.
His veil, though meant to obscure, had only added to the allure, hinting at the ethereal beauty beneath.
"I've never seen a man like him, Reagan," Elena said, her tone almost wistful. "He's more beautiful than most women in the realm… if not all of them."
King Reagan's laughter filled the chamber, warm and full of affection. "You sound smitten, my love. Should I be worried?"
Elena shot him a playful glare, though the corners of her lips quirked up in a smile.
"Don't tease me. I'm not smitten, you ridiculous man. I'm simply… acknowledging the truth. If anything, I'm relieved. I was so worried about this marriage, about forcing Kaelix into something he didn't want. But now… now I think they might actually make a perfect match."
Reagan's laughter softened into a chuckle as he reached out, taking her hand in his.
"Just a few nights ago, you stormed out of here, furious with me for even considering this alliance. You said I was ruining our son's life. But I've have to agree. He is, without a doubt, the most striking man I've ever seen."
Elena sighed, her free hand running through her hair in a gesture of frustration mingled with regret.
"I did say that, didn't I? And I meant it at the time. But tonight… tonight I saw something different. I saw a man who could stand beside our son, who could challenge him, and maybe even bring out the best in him."
Reagan's expression softened as he listened to his wife. He loved her fierce protectiveness of their family, even when it meant butting heads with him. But now, hearing her speak of Eirik in this way, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't expected.
"Truth be told," Reagan said thoughtfully, "I was shocked too. I've never seen anyone like him. His appearance… it's almost otherworldly. I couldn't believe my eyes when he finally unveiled his face."
Elena nodded vigorously. "Exactly! He's like something out of a dream. And yet, he's real, and he's here… and he's going to be a part of our family."
Reagan pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as she leaned into him. "If things go well," he said softly, "we might even have grandchildren who look as beautiful as him."
Elena's heart swelled at the thought, a smile spreading across her face. "Can you imagine? Little ones running around with Kaelix's strength and Eirik's beauty? They would be the envy of the entire realm."
Reagan smiled at the image his wife was painting. He could see it so clearly in his mind's eye, children who would carry on their legacy, who would unite the realms in ways their generation could only dream of.
Reagan's smile widened, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Who are you? And what have you done with my queen that was so against this union? "
Elena blushed, a delicate flush spreading across her cheeks. "Oh, hush. I'm allowed to change my mind, aren't I?"
Reagan laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the room. "Of course, my love. It's just that I find it amusing how quickly you've gone from despising the idea to praising the Valeidio prince at every opportunity."
Elena swatted his arm playfully, though her expression softened as she thought back to the welcoming ball. "You saw him, Reagan. The way he walked into that room, knowing full well that every eye was on him, that every whisper was about him. And yet, he held his head high, unafraid, and met Kaelix's gaze without flinching. It was… remarkable."
King Reagan nodded, his own thoughts mirroring his wife's. "He did handle himself with dignity. I was impressed by his composure, especially given the circumstances. Most would have crumbled under such scrutiny, but not Prince Eirik."
Elena's eyes sparkled with a mix of admiration and something deeper, hope, perhaps. "If only Kaelix would give him a chance."
Reagan's heart grew a little heavier.
"I also hope that Kaelix can see what we see," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "He's been so against this marriage… so angry about it. I worry that he won't give Eirik that chance."
Elena nodded, understanding his worry. "Kaelix is stubborn, that's for sure. But he's also fair. I think… no, I hope… that once he spends more time with Eirik, he'll come to see the qualities we've seen tonight. Eirik's not just a pretty face. There's strength in him, a quiet resilience. I think Kaelix might find himself surprised."
Reagan leaned his head against hers, their closeness a comfort as they shared their thoughts. "I hope you're right, Elena. For all our sakes."
The room grew quiet for a moment as they both reflected on the night's events, the weight of the future pressing down on them. They had made this decision with the best intentions, but now all they could do was wait and hope that their son and Eirik could find common ground.
But Elena, ever the optimist, refused to let the silence linger. "You know, I've been thinking…" she began, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Reagan groaned playfully. "Uh-oh. What now?"
Elena swatted his arm lightly, laughing. "I'm serious! I think we should arrange for them to spend more time together. Maybe a hunt or a trip to the summer palace… something that gets them away from all the formalities and lets them see each other as they really are."
Reagan considered this, nodding slowly. "That's not a bad idea. If they can see each other outside of these formal settings, maybe they'll start to understand each other better."
Elena's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Exactly! And who knows… maybe they'll even start to like each other."
Reagan chuckled again, shaking his head at his wife's boundless energy. "You're relentless, you know that? But I suppose that's why I married you."
Elena smiled, leaning in to kiss him softly. "And that's why you love me," she teased.
Reagan pulled her closer, his love for her evident in every gesture. "That, and a thousand other reasons."
As they settled back into bed, the weight of their earlier concerns began to lift, replaced by a sense of hope.
The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time since the marriage was arranged, they both felt a glimmer of optimism. If anyone could break through Kaelix's walls, it might just be Prince Eirik. And if that happened… well, the possibilities were endless.
Elena snuggled closer to her husband, her thoughts still on the beautiful prince from Valeidio. "Do you think he'll be happy here?" she asked quietly, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Reagan stroked her hair, his voice gentle as he replied. "I think it's up to us to make sure he is. And to make sure Kaelix sees what we see. If we can do that… then yes, I think he could be very happy here."
Elena nodded, a small smile on her lips as she closed her eyes, finally ready for sleep. "Goodnight, Reagan."
"Goodnight, my love," he replied, kissing her forehead.
クリエイターの想い 
Linda_Wilyuhm
Linda_Wilyuhm Your votes are the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
章 25: Conflicted Emotions
Prince Kaelix tossed and turned in his bed, his frustration mounting with each passing minute.
The room was dark, illuminated only by the faint light of the moon seeping through the tall windows.
The grand four-poster bed, draped in luxurious silks and velvets, felt like a prison rather than a sanctuary.
His bedding was tangled around him, kicked and twisted in his fitful state, as he lay on his back staring up at the ornate ceiling, his mind spinning in a relentless loop.
Sleep eluded him, as it had for hours, his mind refusing to let go of the events of the evening.
He felt an overwhelming urge to scream, to tear at his hair, to break every piece of furniture in the room just to release the boiling anger within him.
But he resisted, clenching his fists tightly instead, feeling his nails dig into his palms. He couldn't afford to lose control, not now, not ever.
"Damn it!" Kaelix muttered under his breath, throwing off the remaining covers and sitting up in bed. He ran his hands through his dark hair, tugging at the roots in a futile attempt to calm himself. But the frustration only grew, a knot of tension twisting in his chest.
He couldn't stop replaying the moment in his head, over and over again, like a curse he couldn't escape.
The scene from the welcoming ball haunted him, taunting him with his failure. How could he have allowed things to go so wrong? He was supposed to humiliate Prince Eirik, to make him regret ever stepping foot in Zephyros. Instead, he had nearly made a fool of himself.
Kaelix groaned and flopped back down onto the bed, burying his face in the pillow. But even in the darkness, with his eyes squeezed shut, he could still see Eirik's face as clearly as if he were standing before him.
It had all started when prince Eirik entered the dining hall.
The hall had been abuzz with anticipation, the guests curious to see the prince of Valeidio, the Nexarian prince who was to wed Kaelix in a mere matter of days. Kaelix had prepared himself to see a weak and delicate figure, someone he could easily despise, someone unworthy of his time or respect.
But when Eirik had stepped into the hall, everything had changed.
Then he go and made it worst by challenging him to reveal his face.
Kaelix remembered how Eirik had slowly unveiled his face, the veil slipping away to reveal features that had stunned everyone into silence.
The memory of those deep purple eyes, framed by impossibly long white lashes, sent a jolt of anger through Kaelix. How could a man have eyes like that? They were too intense, too captivating, too... beautiful.
Kaelix squeezed his eyes shut, but it did nothing to block out the memory.
Eirik's lips, full and perfectly shaped, had been a soft pink that stood out against his fair complexion.
His long, white hair, flowing around his shoulders like a silken waterfall, had been a striking contrast to his youthful face. How could someone who was supposed to be hideous look so... so enchanting?
"Enchanting?" Kaelix hissed to himself, disgusted by the word even as it formed in his mind. No, this was all wrong. The prince of Valeidio should have been hideous, not almost... irresistible.
Kaelix threw his pillow across the room, the frustration mounting as the memories continued to torment him.
He remembered the reaction of the crowd, how the musicians and dancers had abruptly stopped their activities, their gazes drawn to Eirik as if under some spell.
The clatter of dropped goblets had echoed through the hall as the nobles stared in shock, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief.
And then there were the lecherous gazes.
Kaelix's blood boiled at the memory of it, the way some of the nobles had looked at Eirik, as if they were ready to devour hhim
The thought made his stomach churn with an unfamiliar and unwelcome emotion, something dark and possessive that he didn't want to acknowledge.
He wanted to turn back the clock of time, so that he could march back to the ball and pluck out those disgusting eyes himself, to make them pay for daring to look at Eirik that way.
But the thought only confused him more. Why did he care? Why did it matter to him who looked at Eirik? It wasn't as if he had any interest in the Valeidio prince.
If anything, he should be glad that others found Eirik attractive, it would make it easier to rid himself of the nuisance.
Kaelix sat up again, rubbing his face with both hands, trying to clear his mind. "Am I... jealous?" he muttered to himself, the word feeling foreign and wrong on his tongue. "No, that's impossible."
Jealousy was a weakness, and Kaelix prided himself on being strong, unyielding, immune to such petty emotions. And he wouldn't be wasting such an emotion on the Valeidio prince.
But the more he tried to deny it, the more the thought nagged at him. Was he really jealous of the attention the Valeidio prince had received? Was he actually bothered by the fact that others were drawn to the Valeidio prince?
"No, that can't be it," Kaelix told himself firmly. He wasn't supposed to find the Valeidio prince attractive. He was the enemy, a weakling who was trying to worm his way into Zephyros.
Whatever charm he had used to beguile the people in the dining hall, it wouldn't work on Kaelix. Never.
But even as he tried to convince himself of this, his mind kept drifting back to the way his mother had reacted to the Valeidio prince.
Queen Elena, who had always been so composed, had been captivated by Eirik's ccharm
Kaelix had seen it in her eyes, the way she looked at Eirik with an expression that could only be described as... affectionate. She had even spoken of grandchildren, her excitement barely contained.
"Grandchildren," Kaelix scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. He had thought that he and his mother had a plan, a way to make Eirik leave Zephyros of his own accord
But everything had gone wrong. Instead of driving Eirik away, they had only drawn him closer.
Kaelix clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms once more. He couldn't understand it. How had everything spiraled so out of control? How had he allowed the Valeidio prince to gain the upper hand so easily?
And then there were his cousins, those traitorous, spineless fools who had been praising the Valeidio prince as if they had never seen a beautiful human before.
Kaelix's anger flared at the memory of their fawning words, their sycophantic smiles. If they liked the weakling so much, why didn't they marry him themselves?
But even as the thought crossed his mind, Kaelix felt a surge of something dark and possessive rise within hhim
The idea of his cousins, or anyone, for that matter, marrying the Valeidio prince was... unbearable. It wasn't jealousy, he told himself firmly.
It couldn't be. It was just that the Valeidio prince didn't deserve it. That had to be it. That weakling didn't deserve the attention, the admiration, the affection. He didn't deserve any of it.
"That's it," Kaelix muttered to himself, trying to convince himself of the lie. "He doesn't deserve it."
But the more he tried to convince himself, the more conflicted he felt. The emotions swirling within him were confusing, conflicting, and impossible to untangle. Why did it matter so much to him? Why did he care at all?
Kaelix felt like he was losing his mind, the frustration building to a breaking point. He couldn't stand this, couldn't stand the way his thoughts kept circling back to Eirik, to those deep purple eyes, to that silken white hair. He hated it, hated the way Eirik had gotten under his skin, hated the way he couldn't stop thinking about him.
"Stop it!" Kaelix yelled into the empty room, his voice echoing off the walls. He grabbed his remaining pillow and screamed into it, the sound muffled but full of raw emotion. He needed to get this out of his system, needed to find a way to make it stop.
But even as he yelled into the pillow, the frustration only grew, the confusion deepening. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he just let it go?
Kaelix pulled the pillow away from his face, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He felt like he was on the edge of something, something he didn't want to confront, something he wasn't ready to acknowledge.
But no matter how hard he tried to push it away, it kept creeping back into his mind, refusing to be ignored.
And the worst part was, he didn't know how to make it stop.
With a final, frustrated yell, Kaelix buried his face in the pillow once more.
クリエイターの想い
Linda_Wilyuhm
Linda_Wilyuhm
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
ギフト
-- 贈り物
が届きました 週次パワーステータス
200+ 推薦
ランキング 
4 推薦
チケット 
段落コメント