Sion Ragnar.
His presence was overwhelming—not by noise or appearance, but by the silent storm that clung to him like a second skin. A calm, composed expression graced his face, yet those who stood in the presence of royalty—King Nathan, Queen Elizabeth, Crown Princess Katherine, and Prince Leonard—felt a chill crawl down their spines. It was divine, it was regal, and it was… otherworldly.
Queen Elizabeth subtly tightened her grip on her armrest, the princess straightened slightly, and even the experienced King Nathan narrowed his eyes in scrutiny.
"Welcome, Duke John. Young Lord Sion," Nathan greeted. His voice, normally commanding, held a trace of measured respect. "We've much to discuss."
After the formalities, they moved to the heart of the matter. King Nathan revealed unsettling developments—suspected traitors, manipulation within the noble factions, and a rising tension across the borders. His voice dropped low.
"I need trustworthy allies, and you two are among the few I can count on. The time for politics is over. The future of this kingdom hangs by a thread."
Sion listened calmly, his eyes sharp, absorbing every word. His composure was unnerving even for the king.
King Nathan continued, "I want to establish a covert operation—led by Sion—to investigate deeply entrenched corruption. Officially, you'll have no authority. Unofficially, you'll have mine."
Before a response could come, Prince Leonard leaned forward, a glint in his eye.
"Forgive me, Father. But before we trust someone this much... I'd like to test Lord Sion for myself."
A ripple of tension filled the room.
"A duel?" Sion asked simply.
Leonard smiled. "Friendly, of course."
The duel was set in the inner royal courtyard. Knights, nobles, and a few trusted servants gathered in silence. The duel began—and ended—quicker than anyone anticipated.
Sion moved like liquid lightning. Every swing, every step, was precise. Leonard, skilled and proud, could barely keep up. In mere moments, his sword was disarmed, and Sion's blade hovered an inch from his throat.
He stepped back without a word. Leonard sat in stunned silence, breathing heavily.
King Nathan stood, stunned. "Incredible…"
Crown Princess Katherine watched with wide eyes. Her heartbeat was louder than any clash of swords she had ever witnessed. The way he moved… it wasn't just strength. It was experience—deep, terrifying experience.
Back in the chamber, King Nathan formally offered Sion his full backing. The royal family, minus Leonard who still processed the duel, began warming up to him.
Then, like a bolt from a clear sky, Princess Katherine stood. All eyes turned to her.
"I have a proposal," she said clearly, confidently.
Everyone stared.
"I wish to be engaged to Sion Ragnar."
The silence that followed was absolute.
John's eyes widened. The queen gasped. Leonard looked up in disbelief. King Nathan choked slightly on his wine.
Sion blinked.
Katherine's eyes, steady and regal, met Sion's.
"If this kingdom must survive what's to come… then I want to stand beside the one who will save it."
And just like that, the quiet storm of politics turned into a whirlwind once again.