Chapter 37: A trial
Lord Aldrich exhaled, adjusting his monocle as he regarded Raven closely.
"Your Highness," he began, his hands clasped behind his back, "please be reasonable. Laymen do not possess magic. It is a rare gift—one that your bloodline does not carry. The last mage in your family was your grandmother, and even she was considered an anomaly."
His gaze softened slightly. "You hold a duty to your kingdom. Your parents have already arranged your betrothal to Prince Cedric. The alliance is crucial in these times of war. You cannot simply abandon your responsibilities for a fantasy."
Raven’s jaw tightened, her fingers trembling at her sides. It was clear that part of her wanted to believe his words... but a stronger part of her refused to.
Pandra, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.
"Chancellor," she said respectfully, "Are there rules in this academy that prohibit laymen from studying magic?"
Elysia looked at Pandra for a moment, then smiled. "Waurweth Academy does not discriminate. All beings—human, elf, or otherwise—are welcome to enroll." Her eyes glinted. "Demons, of course, are the sole exception."
Pandra nodded, turning back to Aldrich. "Then by all means, Princess Eris has the right to study here. She may be a layman, but she’s the strongest person I’ve ever known. Let her fulfill her quest for magic." She hesitated, then added softly, "I wouldn’t want to see her leave."
Raven’s breath hitched, her eyes glistening as she whispered her name. "Pandra..."
Aldrich’s expression darkened. "And what of her father, the king? King Harold will not take kindly to this. He would never allow his only daughter to wander around wasting time on magic."
That was when I stepped forward.