Just as Sion and John were preparing to settle into their royal guest quarters, the chamber doors opened. King Nathan, Queen Elizabeth, and Crown Princess Katherine entered with an air of restrained urgency.
Without delay, the king declared, "In six days, the royal court will publicly announce the engagement between Crown Princess Katherine and Sion Ragnar of the Presia Dukedom."
Before the weight of the words could fully sink in, Raphaël materialized beside Sion with a mischievous grin. "Another fiancée? You really are collecting trouble, aren't you, my king?" She teased him, circling playfully. "I wonder how Sara will feel about this…"
Sion exhaled sharply and stepped forward. "I am already engaged—to Sara Everan of Zion Dukedom, daughter of Duke Jonathan Everan."
The room went still.
King Nathan's brow lifted, but he remained calm. "I will speak with Duke Jonathan directly regarding this matter. This changes nothing for now—the public announcement will proceed. Politics demand it."
Katherine smirked. "You'll have your hands full, Lord Sion. Two wives, two tempers."
Raphaël chuckled, "Or one funeral, depending on how Sara takes it."
Before leaving, Nathan added, "Prepare yourself. We'll meet at the royal dining hall tonight. Planning the purge of traitors begins immediately."
The royals departed.
Later — Inside the Guest Room
John immediately sat down and activated a magical parchment scroll, the glowing runes forming lines on the paper as he focused.
He began writing to his wife Mary, daughter Janet, and future daughter-in-law Sara Everan:
"This message must remain between us only. Today was… intense.
Prince Leonard insulted not only Sion but his late maternal grandfather and mother. Sion nearly killed him. His aura alone forced the king, queen, and even the crown princess to their knees. One knight who intervened lost his life instantly.
I've never seen such overwhelming power from him. He warned Leonard openly—and the king said nothing to stop him.
After that, His Majesty dropped another shock: an engagement announcement for Sion and Crown Princess Katherine in six days.
Sion immediately told them he was already engaged to Sara. The king insisted he would speak directly with Duke Jonathan Everan.
I fear what's coming. Prepare yourselves."
He sealed the letter with a private magical seal and sent it through the enchanted parchment relay.
Back in Presia Dukedom
A flash of light pulsed as the letter arrived. A servant rushed it to Lady Mary, who gathered Sara and Janet to read it together.
Mary read aloud, her voice slowly rising in shock and disbelief.
Janet gasped. "Sion did… what?!"
Sara stood frozen, eyes twitching slightly as the letter detailed the confrontation—and ended with the news of Katherine's engagement.
"He's marrying the princess? And almost killed a prince?"
Her aura flared like wildfire.
"That idiot… I'm going to tear off his—"
Raphaël's voice echoed faintly through the bond. "Be gentle. He's fragile. Ish."
Sara gritted her teeth. "I hope he's enjoying the palace. It may be his last stay there."
Mary was speechless, and Janet leaned over whispering, "He's either incredibly brave… or incredibly doomed."