The silence after the king's declaration felt heavier than any battlefield Kael had ever stood on.
"You may call me Father."
Those words echoed in Kael's ears far longer than the room itself deserved.
Kael sat stiffly on the edge of the chair, hands neatly on his knees, posture perfect—too perfect. If anyone looked closely, they would notice that the twelve-year-old baron looked more terrified now than he had when facing a dragon.
Across from him, King Althemir Astralis watched with an amused glint in his eyes. Prince August leaned back, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. Meanwhile, Princess Seraphina and Princess Elowen sat far too close to Kael for his peace of mind.
Far, far too close.
Seraphina was the first to break the silence.
"So…" she said sweetly, folding her hands behind her back as she leaned forward, her silver hair swaying. "You're going to marry us."
Kael froze.
Elowen tilted her head. "Why do you look like you're about to faint?"
"I—I'm not," Kael replied quickly. "I'm just… processing."
Hat, hidden beneath Kael's cloak, chose that moment to whisper far too loudly.
"Processing means panicking."
Kael flinched.
Prince August chuckled. "Relax, Kael. You look like you're about to fight another dragon."
"I would prefer the dragon," Kael muttered.
Seraphina gasped dramatically. "Did you hear that, Elowen? He'd rather fight a dragon than marry us."
Elowen placed a hand on her chest, pretending to be wounded. "How cruel. After we hugged you so warmly, too."
Kael's face burned bright red.
King Althemir cleared his throat. "Enough teasing. Kael, you have done more for this kingdom than most nobles do in a lifetime. This engagement is not a punishment."
Kael stood and bowed deeply. "I understand, Father—Your Majesty. I am grateful. Truly."
The king raised an eyebrow. "You corrected yourself."
Kael froze again. "…Habit."
Seraphina smiled softly this time, no teasing in her eyes. "Kael… thank you. For everything."
Elowen nodded, her usual playful tone gentler. "We know this is sudden. We won't force you."
Hat whispered again.
"They absolutely will."
Kael ignored him with great effort.
🌙 Later That Night
The Valcrest family quarters were quiet when Kael finally returned.
Too quiet.
Kael sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling as Hat floated out and stretched dramatically.
"Well," Hat said, "you survived dragons, monsters, gods, and politics."
Kael sighed. "I've been engaged to two princesses."
Hat nodded solemnly. "A fate worse than death."
Kael grabbed a pillow and threw it.
Hat dodged easily. "Missed."
Kael buried his face in his hands. "Hat… what am I supposed to do?"
Hat floated down and sat beside him, flame dimming slightly. "You do what you always do, Master."
"…Which is?"
"Protect what matters. And try not to embarrass yourself too much."
Kael groaned.
🌸 The Next Morning
The castle garden was unusually lively.
Kael had been summoned—invited, technically—by Princess Seraphina for a walk. When he arrived, he found both princesses waiting.
Seraphina wore a light blue dress, elegant as ever.
Elowen wore white, her ribbon tied slightly crooked, as if she'd rushed.
"You came," Seraphina said warmly.
Kael bowed. "Of course."
Elowen circled him slowly. "You're very stiff. Are you always like this?"
"No," Kael replied. "Only when royalty is involved."
Seraphina laughed softly. "Then let's not be royalty right now."
Kael blinked. "What?"
Elowen grabbed his arm. "Today, you're just Kael."
Kael's brain stopped functioning.
They walked through the garden paths, sunlight filtering through the trees. For once, there were no guards nearby—just them.
Seraphina broke the silence. "Kael… do you regret it?"
He looked at her. "Regret?"
"The engagement."
Kael stopped walking.
"I don't regret protecting you," he said firmly. "Not for a second."
Elowen smiled. "Good answer."
Seraphina continued softly, "We don't expect you to act like a fiancé. Not yet."
Kael nodded slowly. "Thank you."
Elowen suddenly leaned close. "But you are engaged now."
Kael gulped.
"So," she continued mischievously, "you should get used to this."
She hugged his arm.
Kael froze completely.
Seraphina followed, holding his other arm gently.
Hat appeared above them.
"Congratulations, Master. You are officially trapped."
Kael whispered, "Hat… help."
Hat laughed.
🍰 An Unexpected Visitor
Just as Kael thought his heart might burst, a familiar voice rang out.
"Well, well. Look at this."
Prince August stood at the garden entrance, arms crossed.
Kael felt relief. "Prince August—!"
August smirked. "Relax. I'm not here to tease."
He paused. "Much."
Seraphina frowned. "Brother."
Elowen pouted. "You're ruining the mood."
August laughed. "Father wants Kael for dinner tonight. Officially."
Kael stiffened. "Officially?"
"Yes," August said. "As family."
Kael swallowed.
🌟 That Night
As Kael stood alone on the balcony, watching the stars, Hat floated beside him.
"Scared?" Hat asked.
Kael nodded. "A little."
Hat smiled. "Good. That means you care."
Kael looked toward the castle lights—toward the kingdom he had sworn to protect.
"I don't want power," Kael said quietly. "I just want to protect the people I care about."
Hat's flame burned brighter.
"Then you're already more kingly than most."
From behind, two familiar voices spoke at once.
"Kael."
He turned.
Seraphina smiled gently. Elowen waved enthusiastically.
"We'll walk with you," Seraphina said.
"Always," Elowen added.
Kael smiled—small, nervous, but real.
For the first time since the chaos began, Kael felt it.
Not fear.
Not pressure.
But warmth.
And somewhere far away, unseen by all of them, fate smiled—because Kael Valcrest's quiet life was officially over.