The Next Day
**Sai (stretching, half-jokingly):
"I think I'm completely healed... Thanks to the princess, I was able to rest. Otherwise, the king and queen would've killed me with all their questions... blah blah."
**Narrator:**
Sai's voice trailed off as the infirmary door suddenly creaked open. A young maid stepped inside, her posture respectful and her expression neutral as she carried a neatly folded set of clothes.
**Maid (politely):**
"Good morning, sire. I've brought some clothes for you, and His Majesty wishes for you to appear before him shortly."
**Narrator:**
Sai straightened, the lighthearted moment vanishing as the weight of her words settled in. King Henry wanted to see him again. He knew this wasn't a request—it was a command, and ignoring it was not an option.
**Sai (taking the clothes, with a small nod of thanks):**
"Thank you. I'll get ready."
**Narrator:**
The maid bowed slightly before turning to leave the room, the door closing quietly behind her. Sai glanced at the clothes in his hands—an outfit far more formal than he was used to. They were simple, but elegant, befitting a guest of the royal family.
**Sai (muttering to himself as he changed):**
"Well, this is it. Let's see what else the king has in store for me today..."
**Narrator:**
He dressed quickly, the fabric of the royal garments feeling unfamiliar against his skin. Once ready, Sai took a deep breath, his mind already racing through possibilities. What would King Henry demand of him this time?
As Sai stepped out of the infirmary, two knights in gleaming armor were already waiting for him. Their expressions were stern but respectful, their presence a reminder of the formality that awaited him.
**Knight (firm but polite):**
"His Majesty awaits. We'll escort you to the throne room."
**Narrator:**
Sai gave a small nod, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with quiet focus. The weight of the royal palace settled around him as he followed the knights down the long, winding corridors. Each step echoed softly against the stone floors, the grandeur of the palace becoming more apparent with every turn.
**Narrator:**
As they walked, Sai couldn't help but glance at the elaborate tapestries and towering pillars lining the halls. The kingdom's history seemed to whisper from the very walls, a constant reminder of the power that King Henry wielded.
**Knight (glancing at Sai, trying to gauge him):**
"Not many make it through the Forest of Darkness alive, let alone get an audience with the king. You must have impressed him."
**Sai (with a faint smirk):**
"Impressed? More like survived by pure luck."
**Narrator:**
The knight chuckled lightly but said nothing more as they continued their journey. The closer they got to the throne room, the heavier the atmosphere became, as though the air itself was thick with anticipation.
Finally, the grand double doors of the throne room loomed before them, intricately carved and adorned with gold accents. One of the knights stepped forward, pushing them open with ease. The room beyond was vast, the ceiling high above, casting an imposing presence over all who entered.
At the far end of the room, seated upon a grand, ornate throne, was King Henry. His eyes were sharp, his posture regal as he awaited Sai's approach. Queen Eleanor sat beside him, her gaze equally watchful, while Princess Yumehime stood off to the side, her expression unreadable.
**Knight (bowing slightly, announcing):**
"Sairen Aelith, as requested, Your Majesty."
**Narrator:**
Sai stepped forward, his footsteps slow but steady as he approached the throne. His eyes quickly scanned the room. King Henry sat tall and commanding on his throne, Queen Eleanor beside him, her piercing gaze focused on Sai. But there was one other figure standing next to the throne—someone Sai hadn't seen before.
The man was clad in dark armor, a flowing black cape draped over his broad shoulders. His expression was unreadable, but the aura he exuded was unmistakable this was no ordinary knight.
His presence was almost as intimidating as the king himself.
This was King Henry's personal knight, a shadow that moved at the king's command, silent and deadly.
The knight's hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword, but Sai could tell it was more than just a gesture. It was a warning—one that didn't need words to be understood.
**King Henry (calm but commanding):**
"Sairen Aelith. You've rested, I see. Now it's time we discuss your place in this kingdom."
"Before we proceed, I must ask you something of great importance. What species do you belong to? I can sense you are not entirely human."
**Narrator:**
Sai felt a jolt of surprise at the directness of the king's inquiry. The weight of his words hung in the air, and Sai realized he had to tread carefully.
Sai (pausing, gathering his thoughts):
"I... I am one of the strongest species—The Dragons. My powers are a part of me, inherited from my lineage."
He knew it was a lie; he was not a dragon but had merely gained his powers from one.
**Narrator:**
King Henry leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. The room was silent as everyone listened intently, the tension palpable.
**King Henry (with a calculating tone):**
"A dragon, you say? That explains the power you wield. However, what I truly seek to understand is your intentions here."
**Narrator:**
The king's gaze was piercing, searching for any hint of deception. Sai felt a shiver run down his spine, the scrutiny making him acutely aware of the power dynamics in play.
**King Henry (his voice lowering, more personal):**
"I see potential in you, Sai. I wish for you to serve my family—not as a mere servant but as a member of my household."
**Narrator:**
Sai blinked, confusion flooding his mind. The offer was unexpected, and he struggled to comprehend its implications.
**Sai**(With confused Face):
"Serve your family? But I'm a stranger in your land. Why would you want someone like me?"
**Narrator:**
The queen's gaze softened slightly, while Princess Yumehime looked on with curiosity. It was clear that the king's intentions were genuine, yet Sai couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in this royal family.
**King Henry (with a firm yet warm tone):**
"You may be a stranger now, but I believe you possess the qualities we need. You've faced danger, shown resilience, and even demonstrated kindness toward my daughter. In our kingdom, family extends beyond blood."
**Narrator:**
Sai's mind raced, caught between disbelief and a growing sense of belonging. The idea of serving the royal family felt both thrilling and daunting.
**Sai (gathering his resolve):**
"I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty. But I need time to understand what that means."
**King Henry (nodding, understanding):**
"Of course. Take the time you need, but know that my door is always open. This kingdom could use someone like you."
**Narrator:**
As the conversation shifted, Sai felt a mixture of hope and apprehension. The path ahead was uncertain, but perhaps, just perhaps, he could find a place in this new world.