Part 48

Sylvia's POV:

I paced outside the room, occasionally pressing my ear against the door to try and hear.

"It's no use love, the rooms are equipped with runes to prevent eavesdropping," Ace says, leaning on the wall.

"Honestly, what's your cousin up to? There's no way he can force Monique to accept his affections."

"I don't think that's what he's after."

"Then what is he after?"

"I cannot say, a few thoughts come into mind. But you are right, he cannot force Monique to return his favour. However, I can't say that it is certain that she will be engaged to Aiden after bringing up the Deep Magic Law."

"Damn." The law preventing the union of a high noble and commoner. A law that sets the hierarchy in stone, rare of exceptions to its numerous clauses.

"This is ridiculous, Aiden has more magic than half the nobles, he is compatible to be with Monique, damn that yellow eyed-" In the middle of my cursing, the door opened. I looked towards Monique, who had fury written all over her face.

Inside with her, was her father and oldest sister, Colette. Cairo sauntered out not before bowing to Monique and the King. He gave a smug look to me as he walked off. I rushed towards Monique, asking her what came of the conversation.

"That bastard brought up the Deep Magic Law. His Majesty could not refute any of his claims about the absurdity of my engagement. In the end, it was made that I cannot be engaged to Aiden until he actually becomes a wizard assistant of the Magic Tower."

"I am truly sorry, Lady Devereux, my hands were tied," His Majesty says sympathetically.

"No, Your Majesty, I thank you for at least allowing me to remain chaste until Aiden becomes a Wizard."

"I must say, the young heir Malachy was exceptionally prepared today with his knowledge," Colette remarks. "Almost as if he planned this moment."

"But I have to say, wizard assistant is still good, it will only take Aiden another year to achieve that, and you can participate in the next Adunatio."

"That is true, although I must ask, what did you say to convince him to relax on his position, Your Majesty," Ace looks at his father, who let out a breath of hopelessness.

"I had to promise him full authority to pursue any lady he likes without having to wait for the next Royal Pledge."

"What a weird thing to want," Aiden replies.

"No, it's suspicious," I say.

"Well, there's no use in worrying about it now. The rest of nobility is waiting to resume the Pledge. Your Majesty, if you will," Ace says as he hooks his arm in mine, leading me away.

"Cairo is up to something, Ace."

"I know, and after the Pledge, that will have my full attention. But all we can do for now is go along with it."

Frustrated, I bit my lip as I re-joined the line. At the very least, Violet and Allen's Pledge went uninterrupted, and soon it was time for mine.

"I am Ace von Klioth Hefelia, first son of King Karl Abarathos Hefelia, Crown Prince of Hefelia and I pledge to continue my princely duties to one day succeed my father. I ask for Sylviana de Crystal Scilla to stand by my side as my wife and Crown Princess, and one day Queen."

"I am Sylviana de Crystal Scilla, first daughter and second child of Duke Scilla, I pledge to devote myself to my Crown Princess duties to become an asset to my country. I accept the request of Ace Hefelia, and hope he will stand by my side as my husband."

"Does anybody object?" The nod was given and I approach Ace, tying the handkerchief around his wrist. Little does he know how many times I had to redo the design. He stand up and kisses my hand, before leading me to the side. A round of applause was given to the end of the Pledges as the King stands up again.

"This is a momentous occasion for many of you children, who have now become one step closer to blossoming as the next generation of nobility. I hope you all strive to serve your country and your partners as you have pledged!" Another round of applause.

My eye wondered to Monique who stood by her sister. She was clapping too, though weakly. Next to her was Aiden who, despite what had happened, clapped heartily almost as if to make up for hers.

"He seems unfazed," Violet whispers to me.

"He certainly has the patience of a saint, I wouldn't be able to keep my composure if it were me," Allen adds.

"This stunt Cairo pulled was basically belittling him just because he wasn't born noble."

"More importantly, it gives him free reign to hatch any plot he can using his marriage as an excuse, I can only pray for the poor lady who might catch his fancy."

"No, I don't believe he can force any lady to marry him, there's still the Adunatio. And he can't possibly find another willing lady to marry him within the week before then. Especially when this incident of his unrequited love will spread."

"You're right," I answer. "But I still hate how he ruined Monique's Pledge. I'm going to do whatever I can to help Aiden get that assistant role as fast as he can."

"Oh that's already been taken care of," Ace says. We all look up at him, while he was still facing forward and clapping.

"Pardon?" Violet asked.

"Cairo isn't the only one to study Deep Magic Law. It turns out that any assistant of nobility will do. So Monique and him can still join the Adunatio, so long as Aiden becomes the personal assistant and Wizard of the Royal Family."

"Wha-wait, when did you have time to think about this?" I ask.

"While you were pacing ever so frantically. Aiden is also a dear friend of mine. I don't take well to people who belittle my friends."