The slightly dim room was filled with gentle chatters, but Princess Emeney sat still, silent, at the head of the table. The calm atmosphere made it easier for her to get lost in her thoughts. Her eyes were fixed on the round table in front of her, but they were distant, haunted by the past. Her breathing slowed. Her lashes lowered. And the world around her faded, until memory took hold.
[Flashback-Years Ago]
Laughter rang out across the palace's western courtyard, the sound of carefree youth echoing against the ancient marble walls. Leo sprinted across the green, messy-haired, lean, dodging a playful blast of wind magic that came hurtling toward him.
"Is that all you've got, Snowflake?" He shouted back, breathless and grinning.
Emeney, younger, looser, her long hair bouncing as she ran, laughed with genuine delight. "You wish, Ryder!" She said, flicking her fingers and sending another burst of magic his way.
Leo ducked and rolled behind a column just in time. Xander, nearby, tried to join the fun, throwing in his own show of magic to impress, but Emeney hardly noticed. Her gaze always drifted back to Leo. The teasing was constant, light jabs, playful shoves, eyes that lingered just a little too long.Anya sat against the wall, meters from them, breathing heavily. She had joined the playful magic sport, but was now tired and needed to recuperate.
There was one moment, brief but unforgettable, where the two of them, Leo and Emeney stood side by side, both panting from laughter. Leo bumped her shoulder softly."You know, I always let you win" He said, smirking.
"No, you don't" She replied.
"Maybe"
Their eyes met, held. She felt her heart thump harder. She looked away first, clearing her throat awkwardly. "When we finally get to know our mage class, I'm sure I'll rank higher than you" She teased.
"You wish" Leo laughed and Emeney joined in laughing effortlessly.
Xander, fuming from a distance, tried again to insert himself, calling out,
"Hey, Em, want to see what I've been working on?"
"Sure" She replied, walking over to him with Leo by her side, stealing glances at her.
The memory faded slowly. But it didn't leave pain, not yet. Just warmth. Then came another memory, a gentler one. Quieter. Sacred.
The royal library, golden-lit and quiet, with old books stacked high. Emeney sat cross-legged on the thick carpet, her head resting lightly against her father's knee as he reclined on a plush chair. King Snow was not yet sick. His voice was still strong, his eyes bright, and his presence immense but comforting. He wore a simple robe, for once not dressed in royal attire.
He stroked her hair absently as he spoke, the words slow and measured. "To rule, my dear, is to listen more than speak. To wait more than rush. And above all…to love your people as fiercely as you'd love your own child"
Emeney looked up at him, eyes full of curiosity and admiration."But what if people…doubt me?" She asked, softer now.
He smiled gently. "Then let them. And prove them wrong not with words, but with how you lead. You're a lioness, my Princess. You just haven't roared yet"
She giggled at that.
"Roaring lioness. Got it"
He raised a brow, tilting her chin with his fingers. "Now. Tell me, this boy you always talk about in your sleep…"
Her face flushed instantly. "I do not!"
"You do" He chuckled.
She fidgeted, the smile sneaking back.
"His name's Leo. He's…annoying. Sarcastic. He never stops teasing me"
"Leo huh? Your friend, Leo? Kathrine's son?" The King asked
"Yes"
"And?"
She bit her lip, then whispered it, barely audible. "And…I think I like him"
The king didn't laugh. He nodded slowly, his voice suddenly deeper, more serious. "Love, when real, is a dangerous thing. It humbles even the strongest of rulers. If he makes you laugh when you want to cry, if he protects your silence…then maybe he's worth your heart"
She leaned into him again, the safety of his arms her world."You're the best, Dad"
"No…" He said, kissing her head. "You are"
[Present Time]
Emeney blinked slowly, tears clinging but not falling. The morning breeze which found its way into the room, brushed her cheek as if her father's spirit lingered with it. She had lost the two most important men in her life. A boy her innocent heart had opened to for the first time, and her world, her strength and shield, her father.
The room became fully quiet unknowingly to her, save for the rustle of parchment and the faint tapping of Advisor Gray's ring against the wood.
"Your Highness"
No response.
"Princess Emeney"
Still, nothing.
"Emeney!"
The third call from Advisor Gray finally cut through the fog of her thoughts. Emeney blinked, drawn harshly back to the present, her eyes finding the older man seated beside her."Yes! Sorry" She said softly, adjusting her posture as she took in the room.
Seated around the table were the key figures of Arcania's leadership. Advisor Gray, ever watchful, the advisor to the king and ruler of the kingdom. Xander, The Queen's fiancé and soon to be king by marriage, second only to the Queen, was rigid and brooding beside her, his clenched jaw speaking volumes. Commander Dion, quiet, observant as always. And General Iron, recently returned from a long mission, broad-shouldered and imposing, his bald head smooth and shining beneath the chandelier's glow, his expression emotionless and staunch. He was the leader and general to all mage soldiers in the Kingdom. The man who had full control and leadership of the army of mages in Arcania, except the King's Guard.
Advisor Gray cleared his throat and repeated himself with calm formality. "We called this meeting to discuss the way forward. The kingdom mourns, but it also looks to its future. The people need a symbol of stability. They need their Queen" He turned to her directly. "You, Your Highness"
Xander nodded in agreement. "Your coronation should happen as soon as possible. It would rally the kingdom"
General Iron's voice joined in, firm and authoritative. "A crowned Queen gives orders with the force of the throne. It strengthens your authority in war, and with the Council of Nations. Delay could breed doubt…or division"
Commander Dion remained silent, eyes on Emeney, waiting.His obligation and servitude was to the Princess. Her decision was his command.
Advisor Gray leaned forward. "What are your thoughts, Princess? When shall we begin preparations?"
Emeney opened her mouth. What she said next turned the air cold. "There won't be a coronation"
The room fell silent, stunned. Even Commander Dion straightened, but his face betrayed no emotion.
The Advisor blinked. "I…beg your pardon?"
"Not yet…" She clarified, her voice clearer now. "I won't take the throne until the brewing war is over. Until our enemies are defeated. My father's legacy is one I shall continue, and I'll defend it without tainting it"
Xander was the first to rise, palms flat on the table."Emeney, this is not a decision you can afford to make emotionally. The longer the throne remains empty, the more vulnerable we become!"
General Iron followed, tone sharp. "With respect, Your Highness, this is foolish. You speak of defending your father's legacy, but denying the crown is to weaken it"
Advisor Gray added quickly "It isn't just tradition, it's protection. Political. Strategic. Symbolic. You must ascend"
But Emeney stood now, hands at her sides, gaze steady as steel. "My father didn't build this kingdom just to hand it over to vultures during a time of grief and chaos" Her voice didn't tremble. "I won't become Queen while we're under siege. I won't sit on that throne while we bleed, and while there's danger lurking in the shadows. Let the people see that I will fight beside them before I rule above them"
The men spoke over one another again, pleading, debating, but Emeney didn't flinch. "My decision is final" Her tone cut through the noise. She stepped back from the table. "The throne will remain empty for now, until all our enemies are defeated and wiped out. This meeting is over"
With that, she turned on her heel and walked out. Silence remained in her wake. Advisor Gray sat back, stunned.General Iron frowned deeply. Xander couldn't believe his ears. Only Commander Dion stood and followed after her. Her decision was his decision and she had made her decision clear. Throne or not, She was his queen now.