Novel Bin
Chapter 23: Royal Inspection — The Queen’s Fiancé?!
Location: Student Council Tower — Early Morning
Sunlight filtered through grand stained-glass windows, casting rainbow patterns across the polished marble floor. Zephyr Arclight sat behind a massive oak desk—sealed off corners now filled with scrolls, charts, and a surprisingly comfortable mop-shaped chair.
He blinked at the array of teacups strategically placed on floating trays. Each bore the crest of the royal family of Arventia.
“Why are there so many teacups?” Zephyr muttered, propping his feet on the desk.
From the doorway, Selena Frostveil emerged, clipboard in hand, her expression colder than an ice prism. “Protocol dictates we prepare for Her Majesty’s arrival. Today is—let me check—Queen Caterina’s surprise inspection.”
Zephyr groaned. “I’m still getting used to the idea that I work for the Student Council. Now she’s coming here?”
Selena’s glasses reflected a faint glint. “You didn’t think they would let you roam unmonitored after baptizing lava sharks, did you?” She tapped her clipboard. “The Queen will arrive in precisely… thirty-seven minutes.”
Zephyr sat up. “Can’t we just send a delegation? Like, I can send my broom to greet her?”
Selena stiffened. “You are the delegation. Now stand up. And try not to slurp your tea this time.”
Location: Grand Courtyard of Blackroot Academy — Mid-Morning
Word of the Queen of Arventia’s visit raced through the halls faster than a bolt of lightning. Students in their finest robes lined the pathways, singing “Long Live the Queen” in half-hearted unison.
A royal carriage, pulled by four white-horned unicorns, glided across the courtyard. The ivory wheels hummed with enchantment. As the carriage doors swung open, Queen Caterina von Glorieux stepped out—tall, regal, draped in a cerulean gown embroidered with phoenix motifs.
Her silver hair billowed like starlight. At her side, Duchess Rosalia de Glorieux—no longer in her student uniform, but in full royal regalia—curtsied deeply.
“Mother,” Rosalia whispered, voice trembling with excitement.
Queen Caterina’s sharp blue eyes scanned the lawn until they settled on Zephyr.
“I hoped to see my daughter’s hero,” she announced, voice both warm and commanding.
Zephyr, pushed forward by Thorne and Mirelle (both looking equally terrified), stumbled onto the podium. One minute, he was sipping tea; the next, he was the center of royal attention.
“Your Majesty,” he mumbled, bowing. “I—uh—good morning?”
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Rosalia beamed proudly. Arwen glared, fists clenched. Drakynia rolled her eyes. Selena’s eyes narrowed, already plotting.
Queen Caterina took a measured step forward. “Duchess Rosalia speaks endlessly of you, Mr. Arclight. She claims you are fated—”
“Fated?” Zephyr echoed.
“Well…” Rosalia stepped beside him, nearly glowing. “Mama believes he is the prophesied ‘Maidening King’—and also my future husband.”
The courtyard erupted. Nobles fainted. Students rushed for cover. One professor dropped his notepad and raced into an apothecary. Even the unicorns snorted in surprise.
Zephyr’s cheeks turned red. “Um… I think there’s a mistake? I’m not… engaged? Not to your daughter?”
Queen Caterina raised an eyebrow. “Is this not the occasion for an engagement announcement?”
Rosalia squeezed Zephyr’s hand. “We practiced a vow last night, sire. I—” She trailed off, eyes shining with tears of joy.
Arwen stepped forward, voice icy. “Your Majesty, if I may interject—there has clearly been some misunderstanding. Zephyr Arclight is my sworn protector.”
Drakynia slammed her armored fist against the stone. “He cleared my entire dorm’s curse with a single swipe of his broom. I—” She blinked at Queen Caterina. “I demand his affection!”
Selena smoothed her robes, stepping up with her clipboard. “Your Majesty, if I may—my analysis suggests Zephyr’s ability to stabilize mana is intrinsic. He is not merely a hero for a single individual. He belongs to the realm. A public celebration—”
Queen Caterina raised her hand, and silence fell. “Enough. My daughter will choose her own path. But I require that Mr. Arclight accompany us to the Royal Castalia Ball tonight. As her betrothed.”
Zephyr’s jaw dropped. “Betrothed? I—This is insane!”
Queen Caterina offered a small, diplomatic smile. “Insanity is often the first step of destiny.”
Location: Student Council Tower Lobby — Moments Later
The shock lingered. Students gawked at Zephyr, now wearing a crown of white lilies bestowed by the Queen.
Mirelle whispered to Selena. “Now we really have to supervise him. Every second.”
Thorne crossed his arms. “I call dibs if any noble dares to challenge him at the ball.”
Selena sighed. “Our calibration of Zephyr’s unpredictability reaches new heights.”
Rosalia threw her arms around Zephyr. “I’m so happy!”
He froze, trying to wriggle free. “Rosalia, please, let’s—let’s just calm down.”
Arwen shot Zephyr a sideways glance. “Congratulations. Now everyone you care about will fight in your name.”
Drakynia smirked. “Better watch your back; they’ll propose next.”
Selena snapped shut her clipboard. “All right. Instructions for tonight’s ball will be delivered via summon scroll. Be punctual. Wear the attire I’ve prescribed—tuxedo with enchanted lapel.”
Zephyr paled. “Enchanted lapel?”
Selena tapped her chin. “I’ll handle that.”
Location: Zephyr’s Dorm Room — Late Afternoon
Zephyr sat on his simple bed, clad in borrowed finery. His black hair was neatly combed—Seraphina’s idea.
Rosalia fussed with his tie. “You look… radiant!”
Arwen hovered by the wardrobe, a pile of clothes in hand. “I brought you a cloak for the ball. Something dramatic, but not overly archaic.”
Drakynia tossed him a small box. “Men’s grooming kit. Also, try not to burn the kitchen.”
Selena adjusted an enchanted pocket watch that monitored his vitals. “Wear this. It’ll alert me if your pulse spikes above 120.”
Zephyr pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m going to need a nap before all this.”
Rosalia placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “No naps. We must prepare.”
Arwen’s eyes softened. “If you need a moment, just tell us. We’ll... stand by.”
He offered a tired smile. “Thanks. I’ll do my best not to embarrass—anyone.”
Location: Royal Castalia Ball — Grand Evening
Crystal chandeliers sparkled like constellations overhead. Nobles and royals from every kingdom gathered in the opulent ballroom. An orchestra’s music swelled as Queen Caterina entered, flanked by Duchess Rosalia on one side and the hesitant Zephyr Arclight on the other—both wearing matching white lilies.
Zephyr’s heart pounded. The entire court’s eyes were upon him.
A hush fell.
Queen Caterina raised her scepter, and the music dimmed to a single harpsichord note.
“Esteemed guests,” she announced. “Tonight, we celebrate alliances of heart and honor. Let us welcome the future Ducal Pair of Arventia: Zephyr Arclight and Duchess Rosalia de Glorieux!”
A fanfare blew. Confetti of enchanted rose petals rained down.
Zephyr held Rosalia’s hand, blinking. “I can’t believe this is real.”
Rosalia beamed. “It is. Celebrate with me, my king.”
Arwen appeared at his side, handing him a glass of mana-infused wine. “Drink. Loosen your shoulders.”
Drakynia elbowed him. “And try not to crush any bones while dancing.”
Selena watched from the dais, arms folded. “Remember protocol. One misstep and I’ll note it in your file.”
Zephyr raised his glass. “To... accidental destiny.”
End of Chapter 23
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