The royal palace shimmered under the golden hues of the late afternoon sun. Inside one of the grand halls reserved for high-ranking guests, Duke Jonathan Everan stepped into the chamber where King Nathan, Queen Elizabeth, and Duke John Ragnar awaited. The atmosphere was dignified but laced with tension.
"Your Majesty, Your Grace," Jonathan bowed deeply.
King Nathan rose with a firm but welcoming expression. "Duke Everan, I appreciate your swift arrival. We have important matters to discuss—concerning your daughter and Lord Sion Ragnar."
Jonathan straightened. "So I've heard. It appears my daughter was kept in the dark about this... royal engagement." His words were polite but laced with quiet concern.
John Ragnar stepped forward, bowing his head slightly. "I assure you, Duke Everan, this was unplanned. None of us expected Princess Katherine to make such a bold declaration. Even Sion was caught off guard."
King Nathan nodded in agreement. "Which is why we must settle this properly. I intend to formally speak with you and your daughter before the public announcement. Your family's honor will be respected, and Sion's bond with Lady Sara will not be dismissed."
Jonathan crossed his arms, his gaze serious. "My daughter is not one to be trifled with. If she is hurt... Sion will have to answer for it."
Later that evening...
The royal garden was quiet, lit by floating crystal lanterns and the hum of summer wind. Sion stood alone under a blooming moonrose tree, the faint rustle of leaves the only sound—until a sharp, furious voice broke the silence.
"So... you're engaged to the crown princess now?"
Sion turned to find Sara standing there, arms crossed, eyes narrowed with fire.
"Sara—"
"Don't 'Sara' me. You made a promise, Sion Ragnar!" she snapped, stepping closer. "Under this very sky, in our childhood—you swore you'd marry me and no one else."
Sion's expression softened. "I remember. I meant it then. I still mean it now."
"Then what is this nonsense?" she asked, her voice cracking. "Royal engagement? Public declaration? You just stood there and let it happen?"
Sion looked away, his voice low. "I couldn't deny the princess in front of the king… But I didn't accept it either."
Sara's eyes shimmered with pain and rage. "You're mine, Sion. I won't give you up—no matter what crown gets involved."
He took her hand gently. "And I won't let anyone take you from me. But I need you to trust me… just a little longer."
They stood there in silence for a moment—two souls fighting against tides neither of them had chosen.
Back in Sion's quarters, Raphaël floated lazily in the air, grinning as always.
"Ah, young love. So much fire, so much drama. Two wives, Sion? You're ambitious."
Sion groaned. "Don't start."
Raphaël smirked. "Oh, I already did. One is fierce and loyal. The other graceful and bold. You're doomed either way."
Then, her glow dimmed slightly as she touched Sion's forehead. A memory flashed: a young Sara under a starlit sky, saying—
"Promise me, Sion. No matter what, you'll always be by my side."
Sion's breath hitched. "I promised her everything… long before I knew I'd be standing here like this."
At that moment, Katherine entered the room casually. "So, Lord Sion… should I expect a duel for your hand?"
He blinked. "Pardon?"
She chuckled. "You and Lady Sara seem... quite spirited. I wouldn't mind a little rivalry."
Sion nearly fell back into his chair. Raphaël burst into laughter.
"You're not just doomed, Sion. You've started a holy war."
Dinner approached, and the air grew heavier.
King Nathan addressed the room filled with close allies and royal family. "Tomorrow, we begin planning the operation to root out the traitors. But first, one matter must be made clear."
He looked to Sion.
"From this point forward, Lord Sion Ragnar will lead the investigation independently. No interference, no aides. He alone will carry the burden."
Sion stood and bowed. "I'll uncover the truth myself. No one else will bear the cost."
Jonathan and Sara exchanged a glance—pride and concern flashing in their eyes.
And behind Sion, Raphaël whispered just loud enough,
"And so, the storm truly begins."