Chapter 297: Popping The Question

“Yes, the Queen,” the attendant confirmed, bowing slightly.

Noah studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Lead the way.”

He turned, and together they left the main corridor, taking a side passage away from the stream of nobles heading towards the feast.

The air grew quieter the farther they went, the distant music fading into muffled echoes.

After several minutes of walking through winding corridors, they stopped before an ornate door carved with the royal crest. The attendant rapped softly twice.

“Your Majesty,” he called through the door. “I’ve brought Noah Webb, as requested.”

There was a brief pause before Ines’s voice came from within. “Send him in.”

The attendant turned the handle, pushing the door open slightly and gesturing towards it.

“Only you, sir.”

Noah nodded before stepping into the room quietly, the door clicking shut behind him.

It wasn’t the grand throne room he’d expected but a warmly lit sitting room, its golden chandelier casting soft light over the velvet furnishings.

Queen Ines sat by a low table near the window, no longer in her heavy coronation robes.

She now wore a feast gown of deep burgundy threaded with gold, the fabric catching light with every small movement.

A delicate circlet rested upon her head, less imposing than the crown, yet still regal.

When she saw him, she smiled. “Noah. I’m glad you came.”

He bowed slightly, cautious. “Your Majesty.”

“Please,” she said, gesturing to the chair across from her. “Sit. I wanted to speak with you privately.”

Noah sat, the chair creaking softly under him. “Why?” he asked, meeting her gaze.

For a moment, Ines didn’t answer. She folded her hands in her lap, glancing towards the flickering fire.

“I suppose I wanted to see a familiar face. I’ve been surrounded by lords and advisers all day. It’s exhausting. I miss the academy.”

Noah tilted his head. “Then why not visit? You’re still welcome there.”

Her smile faded, replaced by something more wistful. “It’s different now,” she said quietly. “I can’t simply go wherever I wish. Every step I take must be announced, recorded, guarded. I’m the ruler of Camelot now.”

He didn’t reply. The silence stretched comfortably, the only sound the soft crackle of the fireplace.

Then Ines spoke again, her tone softer and more thoughtful.

“You know, I was always frustrated whenever I wasn’t able to pull information on you in the royal archives. I never understood why my father kept you a secret.”

“I thought it strange that someone… like you would be hidden away.”

Noah’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes narrowed slightly. “And now?”

“Now,” she said, meeting his gaze, “I understand.”

She leaned back, sighing. “As the new Queen, I’ve been told everything about the records, the prophecies, and the sealed files my father kept hidden.”

“The High Magus told me before the coronation. You’re the hero who’s destined to save Camelot, aren’t you?”

The air in the room seemed to thicken. Noah said nothing. He just stared at her, his face blank.

When the silence grew too long, he finally asked, “What do you want from me, Your Majesty?”

Ines’s eyes softened. “You have potential beyond any mage or knight in the realm,” she said. “Even my father believed it.”

“You’re strong, disciplined, and from what I can see, loyal. Camelot needs heroes like you again, someone who can inspire hope. Someone the people can believe in.”

Noah frowned slightly. “And you think I’m that person?”

Ines nodded. “Yes.”

She hesitated, then drew a slow breath. “The council has been pressuring me. They say the kingdom needs stability in the form of an heir. They’ve been… suggesting marriage.”

Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke the next words. “And I’ve made my decision.”

Noah looked at her, uncertain what he was hearing.

“I want you to marry me, Noah.”

A long and heavy silence stretched between them.

Noah sat still, keeping his expression blank. He studied Ines for a moment, seeing the crownless queen before him, her face calm but her eyes searching his.

He thought about her words, about what it would mean. Marriage. Ties to the throne. A life of politics, of oaths and duties he had no interest in.

He had no need to chain himself to a kingdom already marching towards its own destruction.

Finally, he said quietly, “No. I can’t.”

Ines didn’t flinch. She only nodded slowly, as though she had expected it all along.

“I thought as much,” she said softly. Then, after a pause, she added, “Still, I won’t press you for an alternate answer now. Take your time to think about it, Noah. Don’t be in such a hurry to close this door behind you.”

“Soon,” she continued, “I’ll return for your answer. And whatever you decide… I’ll accept it.”

Noah stood, bowing slightly. “Your Majesty.”

Ines gave a small nod, her expression unreadable once more. “You may go.”

Noah nodded and stood, turning towards the door.

Noah left the room, and outside, the attendant was waiting.

Without a word, she guided him through the winding palace corridors towards the great banquet hall.

As they walked, a slow grin spread across his face and he couldn’t help but chuckled to himself.

Him? Marry Ines? Why would he become ruler of a kingdom he fully intended to destroy?

The days of Camelot were numbered. There was no need for him to step forward with his power. Not until he was ready.

When they finally arrived at the feast, the sound hit him first.

All he could hear was laughter and the beautiful notes from the musicians playing from the gallery above.

The feast was already in full swing, with the long tables groaning under the weight of roasted meats, fruits, and wine.

Nobles talked animatedly, their earlier formality replaced by indulgent chatter.

Noah moved quietly among them, taking a seat near the edge of the hall.

He poured himself a drink, the rich aroma of spiced wine filling the air, and began to eat, keeping mostly to himself.

Then, suddenly, his hand paused, his fork halfway to his mouth.

A familiar chill brushed against his senses. It was faint, yet there was no way he’d ever forget it.

Lady in Dark.

She was here.

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