Layne’s Point of View

“Layne, the King wishes your presence in the palace,” I spitted out the water that I was drinking.

C-come a-again?!

“It says: Greetings, His Majesty, King Axen X, wishes Lady Layne Theone’s presence in the palace tomorrow morning, 9 o’clock. Failure to comply will result in treason,” I gulped hearing the last sentence. I have no room to refuse.

“So the King’s name is Axen, the same as the name of the Kingdom?” Uncle nodded. “The King’s name catches your attention more than his wish to meet you?” He said while laughing. I felt blood rushing through my cheeks, I was embarrassed. “N-no Uncle, you got it wrong,” I said defensively.

“Just kidding! But anyways, I think this is inevitable since he wanted someone to replace the Crown Prince,” Uncle’s aura switched. After much thought, I suddenly remembered the discussion between me, Uncle, and Mother a few days ago. How both his majesty and father were looking for me because I could be the next in line to the throne. At first, I didn’t know how grave the situation was. But now that many things have been happening simultaneously, things are getting real.

“Oh, and my Lord. Aside from this letter, Sir Chester already came. He awaits you in the drawing room,” Lisboun said out of the blue. “Very well,” Uncle looked at me, “we will further discuss this later. For now, I’ll be attending to, some private matters,” he smiled, stood up, and went away.

When his shadows were out of sight, I asked Anne where my mother’s quarters were. She immediately guided me to where it was. But as I was about to go in Rafaelo came running. “My lady, your etiquette lessons await you in the study room. I was ordered to remind you,” he said. But I was surprised at how his face was lowered while talking. He wasn’t like that before.

“Yes, I will proceed there, after I have a word with Mother. And can’t you look at me while you talk? I feel disrespected,” I said in frustration. He then slowly raised his head. My eyes widened as I saw how bruised the other half of his face was.

“What happened to your face? Who did this to you-”

“It was me,” I was startled because the door of Mother’s room creaked open. Why would she do this to Rafaelo? “Come inside Layne and leave us,” she signaled Anne and Rafaelo to leave. I stormed inside, “Mother? Why did you do that?”

“If he did his job right, you wouldn’t gone missing,” she said seriously. I felt a sudden guilt inside. It was my fault. The anticipation I felt when I saw my father got ahead of me. “Mother, it was my fault, he isn’t the ne to be blamed,” Mother’s face was painted with confusion. “What do you mean it was your fault?! What’s gotten in your head? Tell me, Layne?! Don’t you know how great trouble you’ve caused!”

“I-I just wanted to meet…” I said nervously. “Meet who?” The tension in the air grew and it suffocated me somehow. “M-my father,” I took a deep breath. “I sneakily followed him while Rafaelo was distracted,” she placed her right hand on her forehead as she shook her head in disbelief. But she managed to calm down, “So… How was it? Meeting him?” she asked. I can see the emotions lingering in her eyes. My eyes moistened; tears couldn’t seem to stop falling which is why I rushed towards her for a hug. I need my mother’s comfort. Her embrace eased the pain I felt from last night.

“H-he was horrible, mother,” I howled in tears. Her warm hands stroked my hair, “Shhh, it’s okay, it’s okay.” After my emotions poured out, I told her more of what happened that night, in detail. I felt warmth when she was just there listening to me.

“Uncle told me about last night, how my powers went out of control,” I said. “Yes, that is true. Luckily, I was there in time. What happened to you was way worse than when you vomited blood. So again, when you feel something different, tell me right away because it could be your mana acting up,” she said seriously.

“I sincerely apologize for the trouble I have caused,” I sighed deeply. Mother’s face softened and she tightly gripped my hand. “Don’t worry, I will make sure that no more mana-related incidents will happen to you from now on,” I was puzzled by what she was trying to imply. “How are you so sure that it won’t happen again?” I asked. “The incidents you were in, all have something in common. It happens because you are unable to control the power within you. I gave it much thought; I am planning to send you to an Academy so that you’ll learn how to wield it.”

“Really?!” I said with a voice pitching a high tone. “De Vionne Academy would be fitting,” I can’t paint what reaction I am giving right now because of how surprised I was; did my eyes widen? are my lips apart? There is only one thing in my mind when I heard De Vionne and that is my dear friend Theo. “That’s where Theo is! I don’t know you can learn magic there,” I excitedly said. “Yes, it is the same academy Theo went into. There is a special department there specifically for magic studies. Me and Miern spent some years there to learn and perfect our abilities,” she explained further.

I guess our meeting will be that soon.

When I learn how to wield this power I possess, I will definitely show my father, that I am not weak. “Oh, and Mother. A letter was sent this morning when we were having breakfast. It states that the King wanted my presence in the palace, tomorrow,” I saw the startled look on her face. “Really?! Well, we can’t really do anything about it but to comply. It is the King after all.”

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I hope things will go smoothly.

Despite having an eventful morning, the rest of the day went by smoothly as I spent it attending Aunt G’s etiquette class. After further discussion, it was decided that I would not go alone but be accompanied by both my Uncle and mother. And just like that, dawn peeled off and it was the next day. Anne dressed me up like usual. It is a much-toned-down dress compared to what I have worn at the ball. I wore the necklace mother gave me as a lucky charm.

We will ride a carriage and according to Mother, it would take us around 30 minutes to get there because the palace is located at the center of the Royal City. I felt my heart thumping the moment I went inside the carriage.

The Royal Palace

A huge building welcomed us; I was in awe as the design was so foreign to me. It was ten times bigger than Uncle’s residence. We were led into a drawing room with four couches inside. A huge photo of the Royal Family was hung in every corner. It screamed dominance and prestige. “Will His Majesty just come in here?” I whispered to Mother. “No, he will not. We always meet his majesty either in his private quarters or the private audience hall. This is just a holding area.”

Minutes later, the door suddenly creaked open and two individuals entered. They were Count Flint and Lady Gresya. Lady Gresya waved at me and I awkwardly waved back with a smile. We greeted them both with courtesy. Two more individuals who were unknown to me entered. It was a middle-aged man and a handsome young lad. They resembled each other. “Greetings, Duke Tesaur and Lord Dionne” Uncle stood up and bid him with respect. Me and mother did the same as well, but they just nodded and went to sit on one of the couches.

So, they are from House Tesaur.

It became clearer to me that the four households are being called upon by His Majesty. With all of our presence known the tension in the air thickened. Only one household was missing. The door creaked once again; I very well knew who it was. I averted my gaze because the sight of him disgusted me. That painful night, I am remembering it once again.

I hate you, Father.

When all households were complete, an old lady went in. She looked like a female counterpart of Lisboun. “Greetings, Lords and Masters, I am Evia who is here to announce that His Majesty would like you all to proceed in his private audience hall. Please follow me as I lead the way,” she said in a monotonous tone. All of us complied.

As we followed her, we were taken deep inside the palace. Our way into the private audience hall that was mentioned seemed very secretive. It felt like we were going in circles, just like a maze. Finally, we found ourselves in front of a huge door, decorated with what seemed to be gold and precious crystals. On the other side revealed the most respected person in the Kingdom, King Axen X, seated high above in his throne, wearing all black. As we walked nearer, I finally saw his features. He looked younger than I thought. With that distinct blonde hair and frosted blue eyes. his aura glistened.

“Kneel,” his deep voice echoed. In a flash, we all lined up and knelt. With the sound of his footsteps, I knew that he was walking towards us and then it stopped, “Now, Rise.” The authority in his voice sends shivers down my spine. “All the heirs, step forward,” Mother pushed me forward as I was hesitant to do it. Glancing on both my side I saw Lady Gresya and the young lad from House Tesaur, who stepped forward as well.

What was his name again?

“As you all may have known, my son, the Crown Prince has died. As this fact will not be further hidden from all of Axen, your appearance today, just shows how eager the four greatest households are to resolve this power struggle,” he carefully scanned the three of us as he slowly walked back and forth. “A Kingdom without a successor is doomed to fall, that is why I must select a one from the three of you,” King Axen signaled one of his servants and immediately a table with a giant crystal was placed in the middle.

“Fear not because I will not select now, but rather, assess your eligibility. This magic stone right here will determine whether or not you possess magic. Consider it as, the first test. Failure to make this crystal shine means you’re out of the selection.” I gulped in fear. “Let’s start with Dionne Tesaur,” that was the name I failed to remember. He walked towards the magic stone and placed both of his hands on it. The stone shined and its blinding light pierced through the ceiling. Inside the light were floating rocks and sediments. “Earth magic” an angelic voice spoke from the magic stone. So, it can detect what type of magic one possesses. “You pass.” As the King looked pleased, he called Lady Gresya next.

Is it intentional that I am last?

She did what Lord Dionne did and the same light flashed. But unlike earlier, hers emitted water droplets. “Water magic,” the voice from the stone spoke once again. “Passed,” finally, it was my turn. As my uncle and mother said, I possess two types of magical elements. Will this stone reveal it? I walked nervously in front of the magic stone. Copying what they did, I placed both my hands on it. But it revealed nothing; no light, no anything. I heard chuckles from behind.

‘How disappointing’

‘You even inherited your mother’s cowardice. I wouldn’t have searched every inch of Axen if I knew you were this weak’

Stop it Layne, don’t think about him!

Father’s voice grew louder and louder inside my head. But I brushed it off, fueled by the something I want to prove to him that I am not weak. I relaxed, closed my eyes, and let go of all the tension I was engulfed with. Maintaining the rhythm of my breathing I felt something warm inside of me. Like a flowing river from my stomach to my arms; piercing through my fingertips.

Is something happening?

I slowly peeled my eyes open. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the same light Lady Gresya and Lord Dionne had.

“Magic non-existent.”