Chapter 7: The Royal Convocation

The miraculous awakening of Celestial Starlight Magic at the Healers’ Guild sent shockwaves through the capital city of Aethelgard. Rumors spread like wildfire through the taverns, noble salons, and guildhalls: a low-rank healer had unleashed divine royal magic to cure an incurable Void Curse in front of the High Duke!

Before House Vance could process the implications, the thunder of iron hooves echoed through the avenues of the noble district.

A squadron of fifty Imperial Sun Guards, clad in gleaming golden plate mail and mounted on armored warhorses, galloped into the central plaza. At their head rode the Imperial Royal Herald, holding a silver trumpet wrapped in royal purple silk.

TA-RA-RA! TA-RA-RA!

The trumpet call blasted across the capital, commanding absolute silence.

“By Royal Order of His Imperial Majesty, King Arthur of Eldoria, and Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Eleanor!” the Herald’s voice boomed across the crowded streets. “Hear ye, all dukes, lords, guildmasters, and citizens of the realm! Fifteen years ago, during the Great Rebellion, our beloved daughter, Princess Aurelia, was lost. Today, by divine providence, the true Crown Princess has been found and verified!”

The crowd gasped in collective astonishment.

“To celebrate her return,” the Herald continued, unrolling a glittering gold-leaf scroll, “Their Majesties convene a Grand Royal Banquet tonight at the Imperial Sun Palace! All noble houses and guild leaders are ordered to attend and pay homage to Princess Aurelia!”

Inside Vance Manor, Lady Victoria slammed her teacup onto her saucer, her eyes sparkling with intense greed.

“Julian! Did you hear that?!” Victoria cried out, fanning her flushed face. “The lost Princess Aurelia has been found! She will be presented tonight at the Sun Palace!”

Julian, who had been brooding over his ruined reputation since yesterday’s wedding disaster, sat up straight. “A Princess… the sole heir to the entire High Kingdom of Eldoria!”

“Precisely!” Victoria urged, grabbing Julian’s shoulders. “Forget about that foolish, ungrateful commoner Aria! What is a low-rank healer compared to the Crown Princess of the empire? If you can charm Princess Aurelia tonight and secure her hand in marriage, House Vance will rise to become the supreme noble family in the kingdom!”

Baroness Chloe, wearing a breathtaking emerald velvet ballgown, walked into the salon with a cunning smile. “Lady Victoria is right, Julian. Tonight, all the high nobles will be vying for the Princess’s attention. With my connections and your military rank, we will position you right in front of Her Royal Highness.”

Julian smiled smugly, adjusting his gold-embroidered cuffs. “You are right. Aria was just a stepping stone. Tonight, I shall win the heart of Princess Aurelia.”

Meanwhile, inside the secluded inner garden of the Imperial Sun Palace, a very different scene was taking place.

Aria stood beside a crystal fountain, wearing a simple white silk robe provided by the palace attendants. She looked down at her hands, which still held a lingering, warm golden glow.

Soft footsteps sounded on the marble path behind her.

King Arthur and Queen Eleanor walked into the garden. They were no longer dressed in the muddy wool cloaks of peasants. Arthur wore his imperial tunic of royal blue lined with gold thread, his majestic crown resting upon his brow; Eleanor wore a magnificent gown of starlight silk, her eyes brimming with maternal warmth.

“Mother… Father…” Aria whispered, stepping forward. Even though she now knew their true identity as the rulers of Eldoria, the love in her heart remained unchanged.

Eleanor opened her arms and pulled Aria into a tight, emotional embrace, weeping softly against her neck. “My sweet Aurelia… fifteen long years we searched for you. And yesterday, when you stood up to protect us at that altar… you proved that no matter where you grew up, you possess the noble soul of a true queen.”

King Arthur placed his large, warm hand on Aria’s shoulder, his proud eyes shining. “Tonight, my daughter, the entire kingdom will bow before you. And those who sought to crush you will learn what it means to face the wrath of Eldoria.”

Aria looked up at her parents, a serene, confident smile gracing her lips. “I am ready, Father.”