Caspian went to the throne room where the Royal Council was waiting for him.
He sat upon his throne, which was adorned with carvings of phoenixes and gemstones.
The council chamber was filled with advisors. Each one was adorned in elaborate robes and carried scrolls of reports.
Caspian's gaze fell upon the council, his voice carrying the weight of his command. "Summon all the kingdom's blacksmiths to me," he ordered, his tone firm and unwavering.
As the council members exchanged glances, Caspian's mind raced. He could not afford to let such power go unchecked.
The very thought of someone wielding its potential without his consent ignited a fire of determination within him.
Caspian leaned forward, resting his hands on the arms of his throne. His eyes scanned the council, his gaze unwavering, his posture exuding dominance.
"They are to report to me immediately if a Soulstone Absorber has been forged in their shops," he declared, his words leaving no room for question.
As the council members bowed in agreement. One of them hurriedly departed to carry out his order.
"Is there anything more to tell?" Caspian inquired, his voice holding a commanding air. He was determined to delve into this matter personally.
The elderly advisor began reciting the report. His voice, trembling with age, reported in a droning, monotonous tone.
"Your Majesty, the Treasury has seen a significant increase in revenue this quarter. Our tax reforms have proven successful. And the merchant guilds have reported flourishing trade."
Caspian nodded, his voice tinged with a sense of duty.
"Very well. Ensure that the funds are allocated appropriately. Make sure that they will be for the welfare of the kingdom and its people." His voice was impatient but controlled.
"And your Majesty - The Union of Hearts will take place this month," another advisor reminded him.
Caspian nodded his head. He knew what it meant. The ceremony is an event of great importance for the unity of Veridia.
It is not only about the fusion of the couples but the merging of noble families.
And it strengthened bonds among different races and mythical beings within the realm.
"The ladies that will participate were Lady Genevieve Ashborne , Lady Amelia Goldengrove - " the advisor continued to read from the scroll, his voice steady and respectful.
Caspian's fingers tapped at the armrest of the throne. He doesn't need to hear these names right now.
But just as their names were being mentioned, he recalled another issue that he wanted to address.
The real name of Lady Sparkle.
"Can you say their names again?" he asked, his tone revealing his genuine curiosity.
The advisors exchanged surprised glances. Their eyes widened at the unexpected shift in Caspian's demeanor.
It was a rare sight for them to witness their king showing genuine interest in matters of the heart. Particularly, when it concerned women.
They exchanged subtle nods, silently acknowledging their shared astonishment.
"Do you wish to learn more about these ladies, Your Majesty?" one of the advisors inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
"Perhaps you will find one among them who captures your interest before they get betrothed to another. She could potentially become your queen."
At the mention of the word "queen," Caspian swiftly swept his hands through the air.
He dismissed the notion with a sudden gesture. His eyes widened slightly, his expression betraying a mixture of surprise and reluctance.
The weight of royal responsibilities settled on his shoulders. And they reminded him of the gravity of his position.
Sensing the need to clarify his intentions, he cleared his throat, his voice taking on a serious tone.
"Forgive me for any misunderstanding," he began, his words carrying a touch of formality.
"I am merely inquiring about the significance of these ladies. And I am probing within the context of our meeting."
The advisors were slightly taken aback by the sudden change in Caspian's tone.
They quickly composed themselves. And they realized their earlier assumption had been misplaced.
They exchanged apologetic glances. And they understood the importance of maintaining a professional atmosphere.
They were in the throne room, after all.
One of the advisors stepped forward, his voice steady and respectful.
"Certainly, Your Majesty," he replied, acknowledging Caspian's clarification.
The advisor's voice carried through the air.
He proceeded to read out the names of the ladies from Veridia who were to take part in the upcoming ceremony.
But his words became a mere backdrop to Caspian's internal monologue.
Caspian's attention remained steadfast. "Lady Sophia, - Does it mean a glimmer in the shadows?"
Deep in thought, he pondered the possibility of Lady Sparkle being part of the event. It was a notion that unsettled him.
"But Lady Sparkle must not be part of this ceremony," Caspian mused to himself, his voice a low whisper.
"She could not be married..."
His mind raced with the idea that Lady Sparkle could be bound to another.
"She was too free-spirited to be part of a marriage."
And then, amidst the recitation, a name reverberated through the throne room. It broke through Caspian's musings.
The words hung in the air like a lingering melody. And it immediately seizes Caspian's attention.
"Lady Elara Blackthorn - " the advisor announced. The syllables hit Caspian's ears like a resounding chord.
A surge of anticipation coursed through Caspian's veins, his eyes widening with curiosity.
The mention of Lady Elara's name ignited a spark within him. And it captivated his imagination.
His heart quickened its beat, synchronized with the sudden shift in the atmosphere.
"Lady Elara Blackthorn," Caspian repeated in a whisper. His heart was filled with conflicting emotions.
"Lady Elara... a glimmering light in the shadows?" The memory of Lady Sparkle's vibrant red hair lingered in Caspian's mind.
Her emerald eyes, shining with the setting sun, dabbled in Caspian's thoughts. And it evoked a longing within him.
The connection they shared in that brief encounter had left an impression on him.
"Is there a possibility that Lady Sparkle is Lady Elara Blackthorn? Is she the courageous and captivating woman I encountered in the Whispering Groves?"
He felt a sense of excitement and fascination at the thought of knowing her true identity.
But his heart sank with disappointment. She was already betrothed to another man.
He shook his head. And he attempted to dismiss the idea that had momentarily captured his imagination.
"Maybe she was not Lady Sparkle," he murmured to himself. "Maybe it was another woman."