Chapter 17: Training with the King
The castle's training hall was quiet in the early morning light. Sunlight filtered through tall windows, casting golden streaks across the stone floor. Elara stood in the center, the cursed crown glowing softly on her head. Its pulse was steady, warm, and alive, almost as if it could feel her excitement and determination. Today was different. Today, she would train under Arion, the immortal king, to learn how to truly control the crown's power.
Arion entered the hall, his armor glinting faintly. His presence was commanding, yet calm, a mix of authority and reassurance. Elara's pulse quickened. Training with him meant facing challenges far beyond anything she had tried before. It would test her mind, her control, and her courage.
"You are ready," Arion said quietly, his voice steady but intense. "Today, I will teach you to control the crown in ways you have not yet imagined. You have mastered basic shields, constructs, and light forms. But the crown's true potential… is far greater. Are you prepared?"
Elara nodded firmly, her hands resting lightly on the crown. "I am ready," she said confidently. "I want to learn. I want to control it completely."
Arion gave a small nod. "Good. Control is not just about strength. It is about focus, intention, and understanding. The crown responds to your heart as much as your mind. If you falter, it will test you. If you hesitate, it will resist. But if your thoughts are clear and your intentions strong… it obeys completely."
Elara took a deep breath, feeling the crown's warmth against her head. We can do this, it seemed to whisper. We will grow stronger together.
The first lesson was simple in theory but challenging in practice: controlling multiple streams of magic simultaneously. Elara raised her hands, guiding golden orbs around the hall. They spun, moved, and formed defensive barriers. At first, the orbs collided and fizzled, failing to respond to her intentions. She clenched her fists, took a deep breath, and tried again.
"Focus on one action at a time," Arion advised quietly, watching her carefully. "Then expand to two, then three. The crown responds to clarity."
Elara followed his instructions, concentrating on a single orb. She guided it smoothly, watching as it obeyed her every thought. Slowly, she added more, each following her mental commands precisely. By the end of the morning, several orbs spun, floated, and moved in intricate patterns around her without colliding.
Arion stepped closer, his eyes observing her every movement. "Very good," he said quietly. "Your focus is improving. But controlling the crown is more than guiding objects. You must learn to extend its power, to create, defend, and react instinctively. You must be part of it, and it must be part of you."
Elara nodded, feeling the crown pulse warmly. She could sense its awareness, its subtle encouragement. We are ready, it seemed to whisper. We will grow stronger.
The next exercise involved defense under pressure. Arion conjured simulated attacks—fire, dark shadows, and sharp energy bolts—that moved unpredictably toward her. Elara's pulse quickened, but she remained calm. She guided the crown's magic with precision, blocking and deflecting each attack. The golden shields expanded, floating orbs moved to intercept, and flowing streams of energy adjusted to each new threat.
"Good," Arion said quietly, though his eyes held a hint of pride. "You are learning to react instinctively, but your mind must remain calm. Do not let fear guide your actions. The crown responds to clarity and courage, not panic."
Elara nodded, steadying her breathing. We are strong, she whispered to herself. We can do this.
By mid-morning, Arion increased the challenge. He summoned multiple moving targets, some attacking directly, others attempting to surround her. Elara guided the crown's energy, weaving shields, orbs, and streams of light to intercept each threat. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her arms ached, but she felt exhilarated. The crown responded perfectly, obeying her thoughts without hesitation.
Arion watched silently, noting her focus and control. She is growing faster than I anticipated, he thought. Her connection with the crown is exceptional. But she must also learn strategy, judgment, and endurance. Power alone is not enough.
After a brief rest, Arion introduced a new lesson: combining magic with physical movement. Elara had to move across the hall, dodge simulated attacks, and control the crown simultaneously. It was challenging—balancing motion and magic required extreme focus. Orbs collided at first, shields flickered, and streams of energy wavered.
"Again," Arion said calmly. "Concentrate. Let the crown move with you, not against you. Your mind, your heart, and the crown must act as one."
Elara nodded, closing her eyes briefly to focus. She imagined herself and the crown as a single entity, her body and the golden energy moving together. When she opened her eyes, she moved across the hall with confidence. The orbs followed her perfectly, shields expanded fluidly, and streams of light adjusted seamlessly to her motion.
Arion's eyes softened slightly. "Impressive," he said quietly. "You are learning to merge with the crown, to anticipate and react instinctively. This is a crucial step. Few queens ever reach this level of control."
Elara felt a surge of pride, but also a quiet tension in her chest. Arion's praise was more personal than usual. She noticed the subtle way he adjusted his stance to stay close, how he watched her every movement with intensity, and how he never stepped back, even when she moved swiftly across the hall.
He cares… she realized quietly. The thought made her heart flutter, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the crown and the training. We must focus. The crown comes first.
As the afternoon wore on, Arion introduced more advanced techniques—combining shields, constructs, and bursts of energy to create defensive and offensive forms simultaneously. Elara guided the crown, her hands moving gracefully, her mind focused, and her pulse steady. The crown responded flawlessly, glowing brighter with each successful maneuver.
"Excellent," Arion said quietly. "You have mastered combinations and simultaneous control. But the crown is not just a tool for defense or offense. It is also a test of your resolve, your courage, and your judgment. You must always remember that power without wisdom is dangerous."
Elara nodded, feeling the weight of his words. She had already learned that lesson in smaller ways—protecting villagers, defending against nobles—but now, with Arion guiding her directly, she understood the full depth of responsibility. The crown was powerful, yes—but it required a steady heart, a clear mind, and unwavering courage.
By evening, they paused for rest. Elara's arms were sore, and her mind buzzed with concentration, but she felt exhilarated. The crown's glow dimmed slightly, but its pulse remained warm and steady. She had learned more in one day with Arion than she had in weeks of solo practice.
Arion stepped closer, his expression calm yet intense. "You have done well today," he said softly. "Your control, focus, and bravery have grown. But remember—training is never complete. The crown will continue to test you, to push you beyond your limits. And the world beyond this castle… it will test you even more."
Elara nodded, feeling both pride and determination. "I understand," she said quietly. "I will continue to train, to grow stronger, and to master the crown. I will be ready for whatever comes next."
Arion's eyes softened, and for a moment, he allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible smile. "I believe you will," he said. "You have the courage, skill, and heart to face any challenge. And I will be here to guide you every step of the way."
Elara felt a warmth in her chest at his words, a quiet tension that was thrilling and comforting. She had always known Arion was serious, disciplined, and dedicated. But today, she realized, he had been more than a teacher—he had been a partner in her growth, a guide, and someone who cared deeply about her success and safety.
As the sun set, casting a warm golden glow across the training hall, Elara touched the crown lightly, feeling its pulse, warmth, and life. We are ready, it seemed to whisper. We are growing stronger. Together, we will rise.
Elara smiled faintly, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. She had trained under the immortal king, pushed the crown to new limits, and learned to merge her mind, heart, and magic as one. She knew the road ahead would be filled with trials, dangers, and challenges—but with the crown and Arion by her side, she was ready for anything.
And as they left the training hall, side by side, she felt a quiet thrill. The connection between them was stronger now, their trust and bond deepening with each challenge. The crown's golden light shimmered softly in the fading evening, and Elara knew that tomorrow… the journey, the training, and the growth would continue.
We are ready, it whispered again. We will face what comes next. Together.
Elara's heart swelled with determination. She was growing stronger, braver, and wiser with each passing day. And with Arion's guidance and the crown's magic, she knew she could face any challenge—and rise to her destiny as the Chosen Queen.