Rafflesia looked at King Albion as she spoke. "Now that it is done, let's go and discuss the Benefits we will be getting from eachother Kingdom from this alliance".
King Albion noded as he looked at Lord Avian. "Very well then, let's proceed"
As they started to make the way to the royal resting room, to discuss Politics.
Albion in his mind. "That is going to be my future instead it?".
Albion sighed deeply in his mind as he watched the older rulers — King Albion, Rafflesia, and Lord Avian — begin moving toward the royal resting room, trailed by their senior advisors and generals.
A heavy, official atmosphere followed them like a thick cloud.
Meanwhile, Albion, Vesiculo, and the rest of the younger entourage were left standing awkwardly in the grand hall.
In his mind, Albion muttered grimly:
"So this is my future, huh? Endless politics, endless deals, endless fake smiles. I'm going to die of boredom before I ever see a battlefield."
Vesiculo glanced sideways at him, noticing the slight slump of his shoulders.
With a small, sly smile, she leaned toward him and whispered:
"You look like a prisoner marching to execution, Your Highness."
Albion blinked and then chuckled under his breath.
"Is it that obvious?"
he whispered back.
Vesiculo giggled softly, covering her mouth with a fan.
"Only to those who know the feeling. Don't worry... I'll make sure you don't get too bored."
Albion wasn't sure if that was a comforting promise... or a threat.
Meanwhile, behind them, Myrmeleo crossed her arms and muttered:
"Tch. Bet I could've broken that crystal and saved him if I aimed fast enough."
Atypus rolled her eyes.
"Stop acting like a rebel. He's trapped now. Just accept it."
Eria, still grumbling under her breath, spoke just loud enough for the others to hear:
"First chance we get, we're dragging him to a magic tournament. Let's see these fancy spider princesses survive that chaos."
Scarlet laughed, hiding it behind her hand.
Tillroo nodded wisely.
"Yes, true loyalty is tested on the battlefield... or a mage arena."
As the political leaders disappeared behind the heavy golden doors to discuss trade routes, military treaties, and economic benefits...
Albion, Vesiculo, and their (increasingly chaotic) entourage were left standing under the shimmering light of the crystal chandeliers.
And Albion thought,
"If this is what royal life is like... maybe getting assassinated wouldn't have been so bad after all."
As the golden doors closed behind the rulers, sealing away the heavy talk of alliances and politics, Albion let out a soft sigh, feeling the weight of expectations settling heavier on his shoulders.
Vesiculo, noticing his mood, lightly tugged at his sleeve.
"Come with me, Prince Albion," she said with a mischievous smile.
"There's something I want to show you."
Before Albion could even respond, Vesiculo was already guiding him down a side corridor, away from the grand hall.
The guards glanced at them, but seeing it was the newly-engaged couple, they simply nodded respectfully and stepped aside.
They entered a small, beautiful indoor garden.
Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting multicolored patterns over vibrant flowers, many from the Wind Kingdom and Traptrix Nation — rare, beautiful, and dangerous-looking plants.
It smelled of fresh earth and a hint of sweet nectar.
Vesiculo twirled once, her green and gold dress sparkling in the light.
"This is the Traptrix Royal Garden," she explained softly.
"Only royalty and chosen guests are allowed in here. I thought... since you're going to be my future husband... you should see something beautiful before being dragged into endless meetings."
Albion blinked, honestly surprised by the gesture.
The colors were dazzling, the place serene.
Vesiculo stepped closer, looking up at him.
"You don't have to act so serious all the time. Not when it's just us."
Albion rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"Habit. Hard to break when you've been taught 'Act Properly or Die'."
Vesiculo giggled.
"Well, here, you can just be Albion. Not a prince. Not a dragon. Not a politician. Just you."
Albion stared at her for a moment, then gave a small, genuine smile.
"...Thanks, Vesiculo."
For a few moments, the two just stood there quietly, the sunlight dancing around them.
CRASH!
A loud noise echoed from behind them.
They turned to see Atypus, Myrmeleo, and a very annoyed Eria, along with Scarlet, Wynn, and Tillroo, charging into the garden.
"Found you!" Myrmeleo declared triumphantly.
"Come on, Prince!" Scarlet called brightly.
"You're not allowed to just mope with your fiancée! You need to relax properly!"
Eria crossed her arms.
"And by properly, we mean a magic duel practice session or a game. You pick."
Albion blinked.
"Wait. This doesn't sound like relaxing at all!"
Tillroo smiled sweetly.
"Oh, don't worry, Prince Albion. It'll be relaxing... for us."
The Traptrix girls, especially Vesiculo now smirking at him, practically dragged him toward a soft, grassy clearing in the garden, already setting up little magical glyphs for training or games.
Vesiculo whispered to him as they walked:
"Better get used to it, dear prince. This... is your real future."
Albion, dragged into the chaos of playful magic duels and teasing, could only sigh again in his mind:
"Yeah... I'm doomed."
The next day
Rafflesia looked at King Albion as next to her were Atypus and Myrmeleo as she spoke. "This was great meeting King Albion, I hope to see you again soon"
King Albion nodded as he spoke. "Very well, I hope your travel Back to the Traptrix Nation is smooth as well".
Vesiculo looked at Albion as Sbe spoke. "Will see you next time Princ".
Rafflesia looked at her as she spoke. "What are you doing".
Vesiculo looked back at her sister in confusion. "Getting on that carriage back to my nation".
Rafflesia looked at her as she spoke. "It seems like you haven't been informed, you are not coming back with us".
Vesiculo faced Dropper as she spoke. "Wait what? Why?".
Rafflesia looked as she spoke. "Maybe I should clarify, I mean, you are not coming back with us now, since you are the Fiance of Prince Albion, Me and his father have decided that you shall be spending 6 months in the Dragon Nation and then 6 Months back in the Traptrix Nation, every year from now on, until you officially Marry Albion and Permanently move to the Dragon Nation".
Vesiculo's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. "WAIT, WHAT?!"
Albion, standing there awkwardly next to her, could only think one thing.
"You want me to WHAT?"
He looked at Rafflesia and then at his father, King Albion, whose face was stoic — a classic "this is happening whether you like it or not" royal expression.
Vesiculo pointed a trembling finger at Rafflesia. "You can't just decide that!"
Rafflesia just smiled behind her elegant fan. "We already did."
Atypus and Myrmeleo were trying so hard not to laugh. Myrmeleo even whispered to Atypus, "I give it two days before Vesiculo tries to break out."
Atypus whispered back, "One day if Albion tries anything weird."
Meanwhile, Eria, standing with Chame, Tillroo, Scarlet, and Wynn, couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Poor girl."
Scarlet added, "Poor Albion."
Albion snapped out of his shock and spoke carefully, "Uhh... does Vesiculo at least... get to choose her living arrangements?"
Rafflesia smiled even wider, her fan lowering to reveal a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Of course. She can choose any of the royal guest rooms. Or…"
She paused for dramatic effect.
"She can share your room."
Albion choked on air.
Vesiculo, equally stunned, turned beet red and threw her arms in the air. "I'M STAYING IN A GUEST ROOM!"
King Albion simply nodded in approval. "A wise choice."
Rafflesia, still perfectly composed, gave a nod to her guards, signaling for Vesiculo's luggage (which had mysteriously already been prepared) to be brought into the palace.
Vesiculo shot a betrayed look at Atypus and Myrmeleo, who just waved goodbye like they were sending her off to war.
Meanwhile, Albion sighed in his mind, "This is only the beginning, isn't it?
Meanwhile in a different place.
Three people were gathered; one was a young woman with long, flowing, red hair and a gentle, almost shy expression. Her attire is a white dress, sometimes with a clear material effect to show how thin and wet it might be from the freezing well water. Her skin tone is described as porcelain white, and her nails are painted pink.
[Insert image of Hiita the fire charmer]
Next to her was another girl; she had white hair, white eyes, and attire was similar to that of Hiita; as her staff seemed more Magical, her Magical Companion was next to her.
[Insert image of Lyna the Light Charmer]
Next to them is a mysterious figure with a unique appearance. He is often shown with his right arm obscured, suggesting he may have lost it. He has a gothic look and a dark aesthetic and is frequently portrayed with chains and manacles.
[Insert image of Dharc the dark charmer]
Dharc was the first to speak as he got the latter, and he blinked. "So, can someone explain to me why, in the name of Exodia, are we being invited to the Royal Mansion of the Royal Albion Family? Which one of us messed up?".
Hiita twiddled her fingers nervously, her cheeks slightly flushed. "U-Um... I don't think I did anything... I haven't even accidentally set anything on fire this week!"
She looked desperately at Lyna, hoping for support.
Lyna, calm as ever, tilted her head thoughtfully, her glowing light companion floating lazily around her. "I have maintained perfect neutrality... unless healing a wounded DragonMaid counts as meddling in politics."
She paused, considering.
"No, that shouldn't count."
Dharc narrowed his visible eye suspiciously. "So it's not fire. It's not light. That leaves..."
He pointed dramatically at himself. "Darkness?!"
He crossed his arms with a scowl. "I didn't do anything! I didn't even curse anyone this month!"
The three Charmers looked at each other in awkward silence.
Hiita finally broke it. "Maybe... maybe it's not because we did something wrong?"
Lyna nodded slowly. "Perhaps they... want something from us."
Dharc groaned. "That's worse! If the Albion Royal Family wants something, it means either war is coming, or they want to marry us off for politics."
Hiita's face turned red at the word "marry."
Lyna blinked innocently. "Marriage is a sacred bond... but I don't think Dharc is the type to be offered for marriage."
She gave him a small, serene smile.
Dharc's face darkened. "Tch. Very funny, Lyna."
Hiita, trying to lighten the mood, clapped her hands. "W-Well! Maybe they just want us to perform at a festival or something? Like... magic shows!?"
Lyna nodded thoughtfully. "That would be ideal... but unlikely if a formal letter was sent."
Dharc unfolded the letter again and read it aloud:
"By decree of King Albion and the Royal Court, Hiita the Fire Charmer, Lyna the Light Charmer, and Dharc the Dark Charmer are hereby invited to a private audience at the Royal Albion Palace. Attendance is mandatory."
Dharc finished and deadpanned, "See? Mandatory. That word is never good."
Hiita and Lyna exchanged nervous looks.
Hiita bit her lip. "S-So... what do we do?"
Dharc smirked, slipping the letter into his cloak. "Simple. We go. We smile. We act polite. We survive. And we pray they don't rope us into whatever political mess is brewing."
Hiita nodded rapidly.
Lyna smiled calmly.
Inside, though, all three were thinking the same thing:
"...We are so doomed."
Dharc sighed deeply, resting his head against the cold stone wall behind him. His chains clinked softly with the movement.
"And if all this wasn't enough," she muttered bitterly, "Eria, Wynn, and Aussa are only Exodia knows where."
Hiita's expression fell as she hugged her staff closer. "I-I miss them... Eria always kept us grounded. She would have known what to do."
Lyna nodded softly, her magical companion glowing a gentle yellow. "Wynn's calming presence would have helped too. And Aussa... well, she always had some insane plan that somehow worked."
Dharc closed his visible eye for a moment. "Instead, it's just the three of us... the most unstable trio, facing a royal summons with no backup."
Hiita forced a tiny smile. "At least... we have each other?"
Dharc smirked faintly. "That's exactly what worries me."
Lyna, ever serene, placed a hand on Hiita's shoulder and spoke gently. "Don't worry. No matter what happens... we'll adapt."
Her words were calm, but even she couldn't shake the sinking feeling that whatever awaited them in the Royal Palace would be far, far more complicated than they expected.
At that moment, a knock echoed at their door.
A DragonMaid soldier in ceremonial armor entered, bowing politely. "Esteemed Charmers, your carriage awaits. The King does not like to be kept waiting."
Hiita flinched. Dharc groaned. Lyna simply smiled and bowed gracefully.
The three gathered their things and prepared themselves for what was certain to be a long, difficult day.
As they stepped into the grand, luxurious carriage, rolling toward the gleaming Royal Palace of Albion...
None of them noticed the faint magical ripples in the air behind them — the telltale signature of someone watching.
To be continued.
Hope people like this ch and give me power stones and enjoy the bonus