Chapter 285: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Noah shut the door to his dorm room behind him, the quiet click echoing faintly in the small space.

Afternoon light streamed through the window, catching on the edges of the folded envelope in his hand.

It was cream-colored, sealed with insignia of the royal house of Camelot.

He turned the letter over once, twice, before finally breaking the seal. Inside was a single sheet of parchment, the handwriting flowing and formal.

“You are cordially invited to attend the Coronation of Her Royal Highness, Princess Ines Pendragon, to be held in the Great Hall of Camelot Palace.”

He stared at the words for a long moment. His name was written clearly at the top, left hand side, and stamped near the bottom was the seal of the royal office.

For a moment, he wondered if it was a mistake. Him? Invited to a royal coronation?

Then again, Ines always seemed to have an unhealthy interest in him. Who knows if this was it?

Still, he couldn’t shake the unease curling in his chest.

He folded the letter again, slipped it back into its envelope, and left the room. He knew where he needed to go.

[][][][][]

Cecilia looked up from her desk when Noah entered.

“Noah,” she said, surprised but pleased. “What are you doing here? Did something happen?”

He handed her the envelope. “This came for me.”

She took it, scanning the wax seal before opening the envelope. Her eyes flicked across the page, and then she looked up at him, brows raised. “The coronation?”

He nodded. “Should I go?”

Cecilia set the letter down gently. “That’s for you to decide,” she said. “You don’t have to deprive yourself of witnessing a coronation just because of what I might think or feel.”

He blinked. “I didn’t say—”

“You didn’t have to,” she interrupted, smiling faintly. “You’ve been trying to tread lightly ever since… everything that happened with the king. But this isn’t about me, Noah. It’s about you.”

He fell silent, thinking about what she’d just said.

She was right. He had no real reason to refuse. Not to mention, there was another reason why going could be a good idea.

The Lady in Dark.

He’d seen her in the palace, so there was no rule saying he couldn’t see her there again.

If she truly was involved in Camelot’s affairs, then the coronation, where the kingdom’s highest would gather, might be the best place to find her.

He nodded, the decision already made. “I’ll attend.”

Cecilia smiled in response. “Good. It’s a historic event. I’ll send Master Nigel over to help select your attire. Try not to argue with him too much.”

Noah smirked faintly. “No promises.”

Cecilia shook her head with amused exasperation. “Go on then. And Noah…”

He paused by the door.

“I’m glad you’re going,” she said softly.

He nodded once before leaving, the door closing quietly behind him.

[][][][][]

The Palace of Camelot rose like a vision out of the city’s ruins.

In the weeks since the dragon’s fall, laborers and mages had rebuilt what they could. The streets leading to the palace were cleaned and lined with the kingdom’s banners.

But even with all the cleaning, it was hard to hide the destruction.

Inside the throne room sat Princess Ines Pendragon.

A thin circlet of silver rested on her head. The crown that would mark her as queen lay on a velvet pillow beside her throne.

She wasn’t crowned yet, but the authority in her bearing left no doubt that she already ruled.

Her posture was flawless and her gaze steady as she listened to the report being given before her.

High Magus Edric stood at the center of the hall, his expression grave.

“The demons at the warfront grow restless,” Edric said. “They can smell weakness.”

“If word reaches them that the capital still lies in partial ruin, they will take this chance to strike. Their scouts have already been sighted near the Western Pass. Should they rally, we risk facing a full offensive.”

Ines nodded along as she listened.

“We have recalled several battalions to reinforce the capital’s defenses,” Edric continued, “but that leaves the front undermanned. If they attack now, the outcome is uncertain.”

Ines inclined her head slightly. “What do you suggest, High Magus?”

Edric bowed. “Increase security in the border zones. Send word to the garrisons that all troop movements must remain confidential. We must also keep watch for demon sympathizers and informants within the capital. If even one message leaks…”

Ines raised her hand, silencing him. “Then see to it that none do. The capital will not fall again. Order the city watch to double their efforts. No one leaves without authorization.”

Edric bowed deeply. “As you command, Your Highness.”

He stepped back, and the First Premier, Thomas Ramsay, stepped forward.

He bowed low before Ines, his robes rustling softly.

“Your Highness,” he began, his voice smooth. “It is my great honor to report on the council’s deliberations.”

Ines gave a faint nod. “Proceed.”

Thomas smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “As you are aware, the kingdom stands at a delicate crossroads. The people, shaken by tragedy and war, look to you as the symbol of stability and continuity.”

“Yet, there is… a concern.”

“Concern?” Ines’s tone was level, though her eyes narrowed slightly.

“The kingdom stands on the edge of the precipice,” Thomas said. “Our people have endured the fall of a king, the destruction of the capital, and the wrath of a dragon in their streets.”

“Now they see you, their princess, standing strong where others have fallen. But they fear what would happen should fate deal another cruel hand.”

Edric raised both brows in confusion, but said nothing.

“You will soon be queen,” Thomas continued. “You will bear the full weight of this realm. But the people are anxious.”

“They ask, if tragedy struck again, who would lead? Who would inherit the throne? In times such as these, an heir is not merely a formality. It is a promise.”

Silence filled the hall as all three of them understood the implication of his words.

Thomas bowed again, his tone softening. “It is the wish of the council, and the plea of your people, that Your Highness considers marriage.”

“To secure the succession, to calm the hearts of the realm, and to show that Camelot’s line will endure.”

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