William hesitated, his gaze fixed on Princess Franziska's smiling face.
"I'm a terrible dancer, Your Highness. I fear that may not be wise."
"Then it's fortunate that I lead well."
"Your husband…"
"Sven doesn't mind if I dance with my brother's precious Court Mage." Her smile didn't falter. "Well? It's rude to refuse a lady's invitation."
William pressed his lips together and gave a reluctant nod. He would have preferred to remain at the edge of the room and observe, but the princess clearly didn't share his opinion.
She led him to the center of the hall, and William felt everyone's eyes on his back. He risked a glance toward the prince and found him watching with a hint of concern.
"Eyes on your partner, please."
The princess's voice drew his attention back to her. She placed one of his hands on her waist, took the other gently, and guided him into a slow, graceful dance.
"You're stiff," she remarked.
"I wouldn't want to step on your foot."
"You're still a better dance than Myrina."
"Is that a compliment, Your Highness?"
Franziska laughed. "It is, believe me."
They danced in silence a while longer, but William couldn't relax—not with all those eyes on him.
"Your husband…"
"My husband thinks highly of you," she interrupted. "He says you're a good man—competent, capable, and with a strong sense of justice. I was curious to meet you, especially since my brother values your counsel."
"His Highness is a kind man."
"He is. Sometimes too kind." The princess's gaze sharpened, reminiscent of the king's. "What do you think of him, William?"
Had she invited him to dance only to question him? Was this a test?
"He's a kind man with a strong sense of justice and a great spirit of sacrifice. At times, perhaps too much."
"And?"
"He puts himself in unnecessary danger and forgets that a prince should command, not serve."
"A future king who is easy to… manipulate."
William frowned, irritation coloring his voice. "He's not that foolish. He's impulsive and idealistic, but he doesn't let people walk all over him so easily."
"How can you be so sure? My brother refused the crown for a long time, and you've only been here a short while."
"I know. He's not a fool. He decided to make up for his mistakes, and is doing everything he can to prove who he truly is. And I'm proud to serve him."
Princess Franziska studied him for a moment, then a sincere smile curved her lips.
"It's good to hear you say that. My brother doesn't have many allies, but knowing he can rely on you reassures me."
"Were you testing me?"
"I was rude, but I have little trust in the court."
"That's understandable, Your Highness." William cast another glance toward the prince, his heart tightening. "I wish I could do more."
"I can help you."
William looked at her, surprised. "You?"
"I was meant to inherit the throne before we discovered that Alex possesses far greater magical power than anyone else. We all received the highest level of education, but I have… experience in matters of rule."
"Much like His Majesty."
"We are alike, even in temperament." The princess smirked. "You and I are not so different, William. Together, we can ensure my brother succeeds."
"Do you already have something in mind?"
"Finding allies. That's what he needs right now. And keeping him in his own bedchamber at night."
William's heart skipped a beat. "He no longer goes down to the city."
"But he is… entertaining someone."
"He's a man, Your Highness. He has… his desires."
"He told me he has fallen in love." The princess twirled and returned to his arms. "And that he cannot have this person."
"That must… complicate our efforts to strengthen his position."
"Not necessarily."
A faint hope blossomed within William. "What do you mean?"
"I'm on his side, William, because he stood by me when I asked to marry Sven. But if he wants this person, he must become stronger. I can help him, but not alone."
The music faded, and the dancers slowed to a stop. The princess made a perfect curtsy, and William bowed as best he could.
When they straightened, Franziska gave him a small smile. "May I count on you, Court Mage?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
Perhaps the situation wasn't as hopeless as it seemed.
The musicians fell silent, and a silver bell rang through the quiet.
The princess frowned. "It's time for the speech."
The king called for everyone's attention and motioned for the prince to join him.
His Highness obeyed with a bright smile, but William noticed the tension in his shoulders. He wanted to tell him he would be fine, that he had nothing to worry about, but he couldn't draw more attention.
The prince turned toward the audience, a smile as warm as the sun on his lips. Then his eyes drifted to William, and his expression softened.
"Thank you for being here tonight. I know I've made several mistakes in the past, but the recent events I was involved in have made me realize how foolish I was to run from my responsibilities."
He raised the goblet he held between his fingers.
"But today, before all of you, I accept the crown and the burden that comes with it. I accept my duty to you and to the kingdom. And I promise that I will work hard to become the Crown Prince and the future ruler you deserve."
He recited perfectly the rest of the speech William had corrected for him, pacing the pauses and filling the chosen words with warmth. He was a natural speaker, and William felt drawn in by his enthusiasm.
He felt nothing but pride for the man who had captured his heart.
When the prince finished, warm applause spread among the gathered nobles. A single speech was not enough to win them over, but it was a good starting point.
William slipped through the crowd and quietly made his way toward the doors. He glanced back one last time, then left, heading for the Hall of Blades.
Sven was waiting by the doors, arms crossed. His decorated jacket and neatly combed dark hair made him look far less like a soldier than William had expected.
The captain of the prince's guard lifted his gaze to him. "How did the speech go?"
"His Highness spoke brilliantly."
"Excellent." He pushed himself off the wall. "The room is empty, but don't remain too long. I'll stay out here and keep watch."
"Thank you."
William entered the hall, and the darkness wrapped around him. The only light came from the moon filtering through the windows, gliding over the armors and weapons on display.
The mage let out a small sigh and sat on a bench, waiting for his prince.
----------------------
Alex followed William with his eyes until the mage disappeared from view, then turned back to the nobles gathered around him.
Smiles and polite applause greeted him; at first glance it seemed they had appreciated his speech. But Alex was good at reading people, and there were few nobles genuinely pleased in that hall.
A shame he had to keep pretending.
His sister Franziska took his arm and lowered her voice. "Great speech, brother. Did you compose it yourself?"
"For the most part. Will made only a few corrections."
"I thought you slept through your preceptor's lessons."
"Most of the time, yes. But I said I'd start taking my duties seriously, and I mean it."
Franziska looked him in the eyes. "I know. And you can count on me."
"Thank you, sister."
"That mage of yours, William, is a very trustworthy man."
Alex frowned. "Did you put him to the test?"
"I had to, to be sure."
"You don't trust my judgment?"
"I do, but… I needed to verify a few things."
"He's a good man, and his origins shouldn't matter."
Franziska blinked in obvious confusion, then a smile curved her lips. "By the spirits, Alex, I never even thought his origins would be an issue."
The prince flushed. "Really?"
"I was just curious about him, nothing more." She squeezed his arm. "He's both interesting and very intelligent. I offered him my help, and he accepted."
"Help with what?"
"With strengthening your political power. Together we'll come up with good ideas."
Alex hesitated, then pulled his sister into a corner of the hall where they could speak privately.
"Can I ask you a favor?"
Franziska nodded, puzzled.
"Don't involve him."
"William? Why?"
"The nobles hate him simply because he's here. If he starts actively working against them, they might harm him."
"Alex, you're exaggerating. The court is a nest of vipers, but—"
"They already did," Alex interrupted. "Ballard threw an inkwell at his face. Please—William doesn't value his own life, but at least don't let him take risks."
Franziska frowned and stayed silent for a moment.
"Did William report him?"
"He doesn't want trouble. His position isn't that solid. They might have him expelled soon."
"What do you mean?"
"Ballard wants to call for a vote on William's presence at court, and he'll probably have the majority."
"All of this just because you're finally taking your duties seriously?"
Alex shrugged. "I suppose so, but does it matter? I don't want him to leave."
Franziska smirked. "To think at first you didn't even want to see him."
"Risking their lives together brings people closer."
"And how close have you gotten, exactly?"
Alex flushed again, but forced himself to hold her gaze. Whether she had understood or not didn't matter. He couldn't admit anything out loud.
"William's my friend and my mage. If he leaves, my position weakens."
"True. Then I'll try not to use him; it would be a pity to see such a handsome man harmed."
Franziska gave a small bow and moved toward a group of nobles.
Alex took a breath and touched the pendant hidden in the inner pocket of his jacket. It was still there, and at last, it was time to sneak out of the hall and do what he had promised himself days earlier, when he had returned from Narea.
As if reading his thoughts, Sven stepped into the hall.