The palace was unusually quiet in the days following the visit to the northern village. While Zia took on more responsibilities as the future queen, Leon stood by her side, offering guidance and support. Her powers, though still a mystery, seemed to grow stronger with each passing day, and her confidence in using them began to solidify.
Yet, beneath the surface, a storm was brewing. Morgana and Seraphine were not idle; their plans had already begun to unfold.
Zia's Growing Resolve
The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the royal library as Zia sat with Lila, sorting through reports from various regions of the kingdom. The young maid was as cheerful as ever, her constant chatter breaking the monotony of paperwork.
"Honestly, Your Grace," Lila said, scanning one of the parchments, "some of these requests are downright ridiculous. One man is asking for a royal decree to stop his neighbor's chickens from wandering into his garden."
Zia laughed, a genuine sound that made Leon glance up from his book. "That's the kind of problem I can solve without magic," she said, setting aside another document.
"You're doing wonderfully, Your Grace," Lila said earnestly. "The villagers adore you. Even the staff in the palace can't stop talking about how approachable you are."
Zia raised an eyebrow. "Approachable? Is that code for 'not acting like a queen'?"
"Not at all," Lila said quickly, then added with a grin, "But maybe a little less mud on your boots next time you visit the villages."
Leon chuckled, closing his book. "She has a point. You did look like you'd been wrestling pigs."
"Hey," Zia said, pointing a finger at him. "Those pigs needed rescuing, thank you very much."
A Royal Evening
That evening, the palace held a small banquet to celebrate a recent trade agreement with a neighboring kingdom. The grand hall was filled with laughter and music, the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine wafting through the air.
Zia sat beside Leon at the head table, her golden gown catching the light of the chandeliers. She noticed how the subjects seemed more at ease in her presence now, their smiles genuine as they approached to share their concerns or simply to express gratitude.
"You're a natural," Leon said quietly, leaning closer to her.
"Don't jinx it," Zia replied, taking a sip of her wine.
Their moment was interrupted by Lila, who appeared at Zia's side with a cheeky grin. "Your Grace, did you know the kitchen staff has started a betting pool on how many goats will escape during your next village visit?"
Zia nearly choked on her wine. "You're kidding."
Lila shook her head. "Not at all. They've got bets ranging from two to seven."
Leon laughed, the sound warm and infectious. "I might have to join this pool."
"You wouldn't dare," Zia said, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Oh, I would," he replied, smirking.
A Dark Encounter
As the banquet wound down, a cold breeze swept through the palace. Zia shivered, her instincts on high alert. She glanced around the hall, her eyes narrowing.
Leon noticed her sudden change in demeanor. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low.
"I don't know," Zia said, standing. "Something feels... off."
Before he could respond, the grand doors of the banquet hall slammed shut, the room plunged into darkness. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as the guests scrambled to make sense of what was happening.
A voice echoed through the hall, chilling and unmistakable. "Did you think we would stay silent, little thief?"
Zia's heart raced as she recognized Seraphine's voice. The dark sorceress stepped out of the shadows, her eyes glowing with malice. Beside her was Morgana, her aura even more menacing than before.
"You've meddled in things beyond your comprehension," Morgana said, her voice smooth and deadly. "And now, you will pay the price."
Zia stepped forward, her powers crackling in her fingertips. "I'm not the same girl you tried to manipulate," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "If you think you can scare me, you're in for a surprise."
Morgana smirked. "Oh, we don't need to scare you, dear. We just need to take back what's ours."
Leon moved to stand beside Zia, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "You'll have to go through both of us."
Seraphine laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "Gladly."
The Battle Begins
The hall erupted into chaos as Morgana and Seraphine unleashed a torrent of dark magic. Guests screamed and scattered, the air crackling with energy. Zia countered with her own powers, her movements precise and controlled.
Leon fought alongside her, his blade slicing through the tendrils of shadow that snaked toward them. Lila, surprisingly nimble, darted through the fray, pulling frightened guests to safety.
"You've got this, Your Grace!" Lila called out, her voice full of confidence despite the danger.
Zia gritted her teeth, focusing her energy on creating a barrier to protect the remaining guests. "Leon, cover me!" she shouted.
He nodded, stepping in front of her to deflect a blast of magic from Seraphine. "Just don't burn the place down," he quipped, his tone light despite the tension.
"Not making any promises," Zia shot back.
A Narrow Escape
As the battle raged on, Morgana and Seraphine began to retreat, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination.
"This isn't over," Morgana warned, her voice echoing through the hall. "Enjoy your little victory while it lasts, Zia. The next time we meet, you won't be so lucky."
With a final surge of magic, the two witches vanished, leaving the banquet hall in shambles.
Zia collapsed onto a nearby chair, her breathing heavy. Leon knelt beside her, concern etched into his features. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, wiping sweat from her brow. "Yeah. Just another day in the life of a future queen."
Lila approached, her dress slightly singed but her spirits high. "That was incredible, Your Grace. Though I think the kitchen staff will be upset about the damage to the dessert table."
Zia managed a weak laugh. "I'll apologize to them later. For now, I need a very long nap."
Leon smiled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You did great, Zia. We'll face whatever comes next together."
She looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Together," she echoed.
But even as she rested, a lingering unease settled over her. The witches' parting words echoed in her mind, a dark promise of the challenges still to come.