The cobblestone courtyard of the Royal Academy was quiet as Serenil passed through its gates once again, his boots echoing softly with each step. A week had passed since his abrupt summons to the royal palace, and word of his engagement to Princess Hestia of the Beastkin Confederacy had already spread like wildfire.
Whispers chased him down the hallways. Curious glances. Some envious, some pitying.
But Serenil paid them no mind.
His real trial was waiting for him in the secluded garden behind the central dormitory—his sanctuary, and now, the stage for confrontation.
Seated around a stone table were his four closest friends. Their expressions varied: stern, amused, unreadable… but all of them expectant.
Serenil approached slowly.
"You're late," Ned Myrkwyn said, arms folded behind his back. His black hair shifted in the breeze, cadet gray locks glinting under sunlight. "We waited. Because we deserve answers."
Serenil met his gaze. "You heard, then."
Robert Siltharion let out a low whistle, reclining lazily on the bench, his wolf tail thudding against the stone. "Heard? Oh, just the little matter of you getting engaged to a Beastkin princess half your height with ears bigger than mine. Quite the gossip."
Serenil gave him a deadpan look.
Jon Iskareth was next to speak, his tone soft but serious. "You vanished for days. No word. And now we're told you're marrying a foreign royal? Serenil… we're not just classmates. We're your friends."
Peter leaned forward, fingers laced beneath his chin. "And yet not even a whisper before you were dragged into the politics of a shaky peace deal. Bold… or careless?"
Serenil sighed. "It was decided without me. I wasn't given a choice. It's a political bond to avoid war. I accepted it because I had to."
Ned's eyes narrowed. "Duty is important. But don't confuse compliance with righteousness. Did you believe we wouldn't understand? Or were you just too proud to ask for our opinion?"
Robert sat up, shaking his head. "You should've told me first, Serenil. I could've at least taught you how to kiss properly before you get locked into some royal baby engagement. Was she cute, at least?"
Serenil gave a subtle nod. "She's… kind. Innocent. Nothing like her warmongering relatives."
Robert grunted. "Well, she'd better not be a manipulative little bunny girl, or I swear, I'll—"
"Robert," Jon interjected calmly.
"I'm just saying."
Jon turned to Serenil. "Do you resent it? The engagement."
Serenil didn't speak for a long moment. "I don't know yet."
Peter's smile was sharp. "Then don't let the crown make that choice for you. Marriage is a game of power. Even children can become pieces. But some of us? We play the board."
"You're five," Robert muttered.
Peter shrugged. "Still smarter than most kings."
Ned stepped closer, placing a hand on Serenil's shoulder. "If this is your path, then walk it with eyes open. Not just for Hestia, but for yourself. We'll support you… but don't ever cut us out again."
Serenil, silent until now, nodded. "I won't. I promise."