I was still trying to take it all in when a footman opened a door and announced us.
“Zakary of Callinos and Aria of Corrin.”
Zakary swept inside, taking me with him, and Faylee trailed in behind us. “And Faylee, also of Corrin,” she said with a cheeky grin that stopped just short of disrespect.
“Faylee,” a young woman said, clearly stifling a laugh. “It’s always lovely to see you.”
“And you, Princess Elena.” Faylee grinned back, giving a small curtsy.
I dropped into a curtsy of my own, swallowing as I realized I faced not only King Stellan, but also Queen Verena, Crown Princess Lucienne, Prince Lucas, and the Spoken Mage, a small baby girl in her arms. The entire royal family was there—with the exception of the toddler prince.
When I rose, I was relieved to see that everyone present was smiling at us, with the exception of Lucas. But his attention was on his wife and baby, so I didn’t think it indicated his disapproval.
“We understand extraordinary thanks are in order.” The queen spoke in a deep, musical voice.
“You succeeded where the entire law enforcement discipline could not,” King Stellan added. “Duke Soren is shown up.” He sounded amused rather than annoyed by our outshining the Head of Law Enforcement.
Zak gave another bow, and I quickly dropped into a second curtsy.
“We are pleased to serve Corrin in any way we can,” he said with a smile. “Even if that’s by being attacked.”
“You were more than just a victim,” the Spoken Mage said, “and I understand you worked together to overcome him.” She turned her gaze on me, her brow creasing slightly. “But I know you!” she exclaimed, and I squeaked. “We met at the sealing ceremony at the start of summer. You’re the one with all the brothers. Four!”
She laughed, throwing a speaking glance at Prince Lucas that I didn’t even try to understand.
“Three is quite enough,” he said to her in a low aside, and she laughed again before turning back to me.
“But I had no idea you were so heroic.”
“They were Zak’s compositions,” I managed to say, amazed my voice still worked. “But he was incapacitated, so I had to work them.”
“Once again we see what can be accomplished when mages and commonborns work together in partnership.” Her words were light, but I could sense they weren’t idle. There were undercurrents in the room that I was far from understanding.
“And you have both only just graduated from your respective schools,” Prince Lucas said, giving us his attention for the first time. “It was a truly remarkable feat. You must tell us how we can reward you.”
His father shifted slightly, and I wondered if the talk of a reward was unexpected to the king. I had no idea what sort of reward the prince had in mind, and I certainly wasn’t going to risk opening my mouth and making a suggestion.
Zak, however, showed no such compunction.
“The only reward we seek is your blessing on our betrothal.” He met the king’s eyes boldly.
The various reactions on the faces of the royals were subtle, but they must have been greatly shocked to show any reaction at all. Only the Spoken Mage and Prince Lucas didn’t reveal the slightest hint of surprise.
The king cast a swift look at them both, but when he spoke, it was to Zak. “I didn’t realize you were a couple.”
“Aria has only just agreed to marry me,” Zak said. “So it isn’t widely known. But we are aware that many will oppose the match—my own parents among them. Your blessing would go a long way toward ensuring our happy future.”
The king cleared his throat, glancing at his wife.
“You have made an unusual choice, Zakary of Callinos.” The queen sounded neither approving nor disapproving.
“Perhaps,” Zak said. “But not a surprising one, I think. Aria is beautiful, intelligent, and fierce. If she could control power,every mageborn at the Academy would have wanted to either befriend her or marry her.”
The crown princess let out a sudden chuckle. “That I can believe.”
“You give no thought to your children?” the queen asked, making me flush and duck my head.
“I believe the common assumptions on that matter to be wrong, Your Majesty,” Zak said respectfully, but with confidence. “I fully expect my children to equal my strength, although of course the status of their mother will prevent their surpassing it. I believe, however, that they will gain other attributes from her that will be worth any small sacrifice on that front.”
