The air in Zephyros seemed to thrum with anticipation as Eirik rushed across the palace grounds, his heart racing.
His family was here, his family, whom he hadn't seen in so long.
The Valeidio royal caravan had just arrived, and despite the nerves that still buzzed inside him, Eirik couldn't stop the smile from breaking across his face.
Every step brought him closer to the people he loved most in the world, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded.
Behind him, Kaelix trailed at a steady pace, his gaze fixed on Eirik, taking in the way his husband-to-be seemed to almost float with excitement.
He felt a tug of warmth watching him like this, carefree, full of life.
It was a rare sight.
Eirik had come to Zephyros with a heaviness about him, but now, Kaelix could see that weight lifting, replaced by something brighter.
