Decision

That night, I lay in bed reflecting on the events of the day. After my demonstration, the kings of the five human nations had offered me the opportunity to study alongside their children at the Royal Magic Academy—an option that would have been unthinkable before, given that I belonged to the fallen House of Redcliffe. Yet now, with these new developments, I had been granted the chance to broaden my knowledge of this world’s magic in the best environment possible. Still, I was so flabbergasted by the enormity of the choice that I could not make up my mind immediately. It was decided that I would give my answer at the next day’s assembly.

What will happen if I accept? Will my parents be able to accept my decision? Will I be able to endure the stares that will surely come my way—having been admitted into the Royal Magic Academy on such unusual grounds? And, as the kings themselves warned, my ability to compound magic must remain a secret unless I am forced to use it to protect myself or my peers. What should I do? I turned the questions over in my mind, unable to decide.

Then, that night, I heard it—the voice in my head once again—for the first time in three years.

“Alex, in order to avoid chaos breaking out, you must accept the offer. If you don’t, things won’t end well at the Royal Magic Academy,” the voice said, startling me awake.

“What exactly will happen at the Royal Magic Academy if I refuse?” I wondered, trying to imagine the possibilities but coming up short. Even so, the voice calmed my soul, washing away all doubt. I now knew what I had to do.

The next day, I spoke to my father, who accepted my decision. So when the kings asked for my answer, I replied honestly:

“Sires, I would be glad to accept the opportunity. However, coming from a not-so-noble background, if I wish to stand alongside the princes and princesses, I must do better so as not to disgrace them. Therefore, I humbly ask your permission to remain in the royal capital for the foreseeable future, to learn the noble ways and prepare myself for the Royal Magic Academy next year.”

Emperor Erelith was the first to respond. “You are not only an excellent mage who discovered how to compound magic on your own, but also a respectable child, fully aware of your shortcomings. I see no reason why any of us should deny you this desire to learn.”

The other kings nodded in agreement.

“Very well. From now on, you shall stay in the castle and learn noble mannerisms and etiquette alongside my daughter, Amara,” King Candor declared. “For someone like you—who may become humanity’s greatest contributor through the development of compound spells—remaining within the castle is indeed for the best.”

The other kings voiced their approval.

-----X-----X-----X-----

Once I had given my answer, I excused myself from the meeting and went to the garden, where, to my surprise, the princes and princesses were waiting for me.

“Hope this day finds you well, Princes and Princesses,” I greeted with a small bow.

They greeted me in return.
“A very good day to you too, Alex,” said Prince Cedric, smiling politely.
“A very good morning,” added Princess Selindra in her calm, composed voice.
“Morning,” Prince Duric said casually, grinning from ear to ear.

“Say, Alex, my father told me you might be coming to the Royal Magic Academy with us. Is it true?” asked Princess Serenya, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Yes,” I replied, trying not to sound too nervous. “I was offered the chance, and I accepted. I’ll be staying in the capital for the next year, learning noble mannerisms and etiquette alongside Princess Amara before school begins.”

“Oh, that means all of us will be going to the same school!” Serenya clapped her hands together, looking genuinely delighted.

“No fair!” Duric groaned dramatically. “You get to stay with Amara, while the rest of us are sent home and left to scribble letters? That’s favoritism!”

The others chuckled, but Selindra raised an eyebrow. “Although, it may not be entirely easy for Alex,” she noted, nodding toward a boy lurking in the shadows. He bolted the moment we noticed him.

“Lucas Alderbane,” Cedric muttered with a sigh. “He’s definitely going to cause trouble—especially with his elitist family and his… unusual affection and respect for Amara.”

Amara frowned slightly but then spoke with conviction. “Don’t worry. I’ll speak to my father and keep Lucas as far away from Alex as possible. Our fathers have already acknowledged how important Alex is, and I trust them. We’ll help him out whenever he needs us. Besides, he may be from a fallen noble house, but in the two days we’ve known him, he’s been nothing but respectful of us—unlike a certain Lucas.”

“Indeed,” Cedric said firmly. “Many nobles may look down on Alex because of his background, but as royals, it’s our responsibility to set the right example.”

“Well, you’ve always admired how Alex’s grandfather gave up his lands for the people, so I knew you’d say that,” Duric teased, elbowing Cedric lightly. The princesses giggled, and even Cedric cracked a small smile.

I found myself tearing up at their kindness. Duric immediately waved his hands frantically. “Whoa, whoa! Don’t cry yet—we haven’t even teased you properly. If you cry this easily, school is going to be brutal!”

That made me laugh through the tears, and the others joined in. Soon, we were sitting around a little tea table in the garden. My table manners were certainly lacking, but instead of mocking me, they corrected me gently. Serenya demonstrated how to hold the teacup with elegance, Selindra reminded me to straighten my back, and Amara quietly adjusted my hand position when I fumbled with the spoon. Even Duric, despite all his joking, pretended to scold me like an old tutor, earning another round of laughter.

And so, over tea, laughter, and light-hearted lessons, the awkward distance between us vanished. By the end of those two days, I no longer saw them only as princes and princesses, but as friends—friends I truly looked forward to attending the Magic Academy with.

-----X-----X-----X-----

After the discussions concluded, the other kings departed with their respective princes and princesses, and so did Father—though not before making me promise to return home every chance I could. I alone remained behind, tasked with preparing myself for the coming year. Princess Amara graciously offered to show me around the castle where I would be staying.

It was nerve-wracking to imagine that this magnificent place would be my home for the foreseeable future. Every step I took only deepened my awe—the vast hallways stretched endlessly, adorned with intricate tapestries and gleaming chandeliers. Towering pillars stood like guardians of ages past, while sunlight spilled through stained glass windows, scattering colors across polished marble floors. Each chamber we entered carried an air of majesty, from the grand banquet halls to the quiet libraries steeped in wisdom.

And there I was, a boy of a fallen house, about to live and train amidst this splendor.