Chapter 18 – A Queen's Proposal
Right now, I'm in front of the Queen. Everyone else has left the throne room, leaving only Seraphis Drakoria and me. Her emerald eyes glimmer in the torchlight, and her golden horns curve majestically above her head. She sits on her obsidian throne, the air around her heavy with authority—and maybe a hint of irritation.
"Fay Lorian," she says slowly, her voice like molten thunder, "become my spouse."
I nearly choke on my own tongue. "…Uh… what?"
"Marry me," she repeats. "Join me, not as a guest, not as a student, but as my consort."
I blink. "…Consort? Marriage? Uh… forms? Papers?"
She leans forward slightly. "You do not understand the gravity of this. I am offering you a place beside me as a partner, in life and in power."
I scratch my head. "…Life… and power, huh? Sounds fancy. Also… um… tea dragons count, right?"
The Queen tilts her head, clearly baffled. Tea dragons? She exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You are maddening."
"I try!" I say cheerfully. "Mostly."
She pauses, then continues. "This… is not a decision I make lightly. The realm, the Dragon Court… even I must consider the implications of your presence in my life."
I grin. "Well… if it's an adventure, I'm in! But… um… I have school, actually. Classes and stuff. I probably need to go back after this."
The Queen's eyes narrow slightly. "You… must return to your Academy?"
"Yeah!" I nod enthusiastically. "I have lessons, friends, teachers who pass out when I sneeze… y'know, normal stuff."
"Very well," she says. "Then consider this an… offer pending. Return to your mortal life. Study, grow, and learn control over your power. When the time is right… we will speak again."
I blink. "…Pending? So… you're not forcing me?"
"No," she says softly, though her gaze sharpens. "But you will not forget this offer, Fay Lorian. Remember, the world beyond this palace does not know the extent of your power… nor the weight of your potential."
I grin. "Okay! I'll keep that in mind. Also… can I bring cake dragons to school?"
The Queen sighs audibly, but there is a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Perhaps not."
---
Before leaving, I clumsily bow—and almost trip over the edge of the throne platform. The Queen's hand shoots out, barely catching me before I tumble face-first onto the obsidian floor.
"Careful!" she snaps.
"Yep! Totally careful," I say, giving a thumbs-up. Crimson sparks flicker around me unconsciously, illuminating the room.
The maids and attendants return briefly to escort me to the exit. I wave at a few dragon knights as I pass. One mutters, "He's a disaster… but somehow adorable."
I grin back, giving them a little salute before launching myself into the sky.
---
Flying back toward the Academy, I think over what just happened. A Queen proposing marriage… and me, a commoner, being offered a place beside one of the oldest, most powerful dragons in existence?
This is crazy.
But in my mind, the Queen's words feel warm and strange, like a promise of adventure and trust. Somehow… I don't feel afraid. I feel excited.
The Academy comes into view, familiar and grounding. Students wave as I descend, marveling at my midair entrance. Some whisper about the faint trail of crimson magic I leave behind. Livia waves excitedly. "Back already! Did you, uh… conquer a kingdom or something?"
"Sorta," I say casually, landing on the courtyard fountain and splashing water everywhere. "Queen stuff. Totally normal."
Ciel groans. "Please don't break anything today."
I grin sheepishly. "No promises."
---
That evening, as I return to my dorm, I can't stop thinking about the Queen's offer. I practice controlling my aura, making small crimson sparks float gently above my palms, testing how much of my godlike power I can manage without causing chaos.
Somewhere in the distance, the Dragon Queen's gaze lingers on the horizon, watching me retreat into the mundane world. She knows this is only the beginning.
Fay Lorian… commoner, chaos magnet, god in a child's body… and someday, my spouse.
I yawn, lying on my bed. "Well… school tomorrow. Wonder if anyone will faint when I sneeze this time."
Crimson sparks flicker faintly on the ceiling above, unnoticed by anyone but me.
End of chapter 18