Seven days had passed since Kaelix and Eirik's brothers and cousins had departed for war, and Valeidio had fallen into a solemn rhythm. Eirik stood by his window, the cool evening breeze brushing against his face as he gazed at the distant horizon. His hands clutched the windowsill, a quiet longing etched into his delicate features.
He missed Kaelix. Desperately. The absence of his husband, his anchor, left a hollow ache in his chest. Each passing day stretched endlessly, the castle quieter without Kaelix's steady presence and reassuring words.
Eirik sighed, his thoughts pulling him back to the conversation they had before Kaelix left. He could still see the determination in Kaelix's eyes, the way his jaw clenched as he promised to make Mbuzuoria pay for their crimes. Eirik had tried to argue, tried to dissuade him from spilling more blood, but Kaelix had been resolute.
