The room had fallen into absolute silence.
The soft echo of the Crown Princess's voice still lingered in the air, her words like an arrow that had pierced through every wall of formal politics and royal decorum.
"I wish to marry Sion Ragnar. I request an urgent engagement to be arranged."
For a moment, no one spoke.
King Nathan leaned forward, his expression unreadable—neither shocked nor amused. Queen Elizabeth folded her hands slowly, her eyes sharp as blades, watching not her daughter, but Sion, as if trying to unravel the truth of the young man who had just bested her son in a duel. Prince Leonard clenched his fists beside her, still nursing both his bruised pride and a sore shoulder.
John Ragnar instinctively turned toward Sion, his expression frozen somewhere between awe and concern.
As for Sion… he didn't even blink.
But inside, his thoughts reeled. What the hell just happened?
Raphaël's voice echoed in his mind, full of amusement. "Quite the ladies' man, aren't you? Reborn once and already collecting princesses."
Sion didn't respond. He simply stepped forward, his expression calm and respectful.
"May I ask," Sion said in a firm but composed tone, "why would Your Highness make such a request… so suddenly?"
Katherine stood tall, her regal presence unfaltering. "Because strength isn't the only thing I saw in you."
Her eyes softened slightly, just enough for those attuned to read the emotion in them.
"You possess not only power but composure. Resolve. Honor. You faced my brother with deadly precision, but you never humiliated him. You bowed before your elders, yet never appeared weak. That's the kind of man I respect." Then, after a beat, she added quietly, "And the kind of man I… find myself drawn to."
That confession, gentle as a whisper, hung even heavier than her declaration of marriage.
John Ragnar's eyebrows rose slightly.
Queen Elizabeth finally spoke. "Your Highness, the matter of the throne—"
"Can be addressed later, Mother," Katherine interrupted, respectfully but firmly. "This is my will."
King Nathan finally stood, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "Enough."
All eyes turned toward him.
"This meeting was meant to be one of secrecy and strategy, not… matchmaking." His gaze turned to Sion. "But perhaps fate has its own rhythm."
Sion bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, I mean no disrespect, but I do not believe I am ready to make such a decision at this moment."
Katherine gave a small nod, her expression unchanging.
"I understand. I'm not asking for your hand right now. I'm asking for your consideration. Time will tell if our paths are meant to align."
King Nathan smirked slightly. "That is more acceptable."
He turned to John. "This matter shall remain confidential. No word of it leaves this room—not until I deem it so."
John nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty."
"Now…" the king continued, "Sion's next task will determine everything. I will be assigning him a covert mission. If he succeeds, not only will this kingdom benefit—but I may consider endorsing his union with the crown."
Sion narrowed his eyes slightly. So this was more than just politics—it was a trial wrapped in royal words.
Before the meeting could conclude, Katherine stepped forward one last time and whispered so only Sion could hear:
"I'm not just trying to win your sword, Sion Ragnar. I want to understand the heart behind it."
Meanwhile, back at the Dukedom...
Sara, seated beside Janet and Mary in the drawing room, looked up from the parchment she had just read. Her hands trembled ever so slightly, though she hid it behind a graceful sip of tea.
"So the Crown Princess… proposed to him?" Janet asked, wide-eyed.
"I knew she was bold," Mary muttered, "but this is unexpected."
Sara let out a soft breath. "I trust Sion. But royalty doesn't propose without reason. There's more at play than just admiration."
She looked out the window, her voice resolute. "Still… if she wants to take my place, she'll have to face me directly."