Chapter 25 – Royal Trouble
The king's summons had arrived in the most inconvenient way possible — a direct message from the capital's royal court, demanding Andrew presence immediately.
No escort. No guards.
Just Andrew and another person.
When Caroline, Emma, Sofia, and the rest tried to follow, the academy's instructors blocked them at every turn.
"This is a state matter," the Headmaster said sternly. "You are not permitted to leave."
"Not permitted?" Caroline snapped. "He faked his own death and now he's getting dragged off to a royal audience!"
"It's a reward ceremony," the instructor added, as if that helped.
Capital Palace – Royal Hall
The throne room was massive — gilded columns, velvet banners, and hundreds of watchful eyes. King Aldarion sat on the high seat with his royal advisors. Two young women stood beside him, one dressed in ornate gold and white robes, the other with a sharper look and a sword strapped to her waist.
Andrew stood straight, blood cleaned but his uniform still battle-worn. Mario stood beside him, clearly sweating.
The king's voice boomed: "So… you live."
Andrew bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"You faked your death. Lied to your own school. And walked into battle as a ghost."
Andrew blinked. "Technically… yes."
"And you destroyed the fortress?"
"Yes"
"How?"
Andrew hesitated, then improvised: "I… killed a giant. It had some sort of strange core… a relic. It gave me a 'time-reverse' ability. It triggered automatically when I died."
Silence.
Even Mario looked stunned.
The king leaned forward. "And you did not use this power?"
"I didn't know how. It simply… gave me a second chance," Andrew answered quickly.
The king's face softened with a smile. "Impressive. Very well. I shall grant you a reward. You may choose one of my daughters."
Andrew's eyes widened. "S-Sorry?"
The king gestured. "Princess Ilara, age 21. Sharp, strong, proud. And Princess Nelya, age 18. Sweet, gentle, still unwed. Both are worthy of your hand."
Andrew panicked. "Your Majesty… I'm 17."
"So?"
Mario nudged Andrew with his elbow, whispering, "Say yes or you're dead. Caroline's going to kill you anyway."
Andrew raised both hands in a fluster. "I-I didn't mean to offend! I'm honored, really, I just—"
The king's expression darkened. "You think my daughters are not enough?"
"No! I mean—uh—I'll pick Princess Nelya then!"
The younger princess stepped forward with a small smile. Mario whispered again, "You're so dead."
Back at the Academy – That Evening
The girls waited at the dorm, pacing.
The door flew open.
Mario stumbled in, laughing nervously. "Sooo… Andrew's kinda… a royal now."
Everyone stared.
Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Explain. Now."
"He, uh… was forced into a political engagement. With the youngest princess of the capital."
Silence.
"Treats him like royalty, don't worry! He's not a prisoner—more like a royal hostage," Mario added.
Caroline stood. "We leave tomorrow. I'm going to talk to the king."
"Caroline"
"I don't care if he's a general or a duke or a prince now," she said, fire in her eyes. "He's coming back. And I'm going to make him regret everything."
Mario looked at the others. "We should probably pack."