Chapter 9

The Queen entered the chamber with an elegant and graceful stride, her every movement exuding the regal presence of a true monarch. The air seemed to shift around her, the nobles and attendants subtly straightening in their seats as she approached. Her deep, knowing gaze settled on me, and when she spoke, her voice was smooth yet authoritative.

“You must be Asher Vale, the one blessed by the Goddess Eterna—the bearer of divine gifts.”

I immediately dropped to one knee, bowing my head in respect.

“Yes, Your Highness,” I answered solemnly.

To my surprise, she stepped forward and gently lifted me to my feet. Her hands were warm, her touch both firm and kind.

“The gift bearer of our goddess does not kneel,” she said softly, her words carrying a deep significance. “Rise, my son. And please, convey my gratitude to the goddess for the flower.”

Before I could respond, Hopperius’s voice echoed in my mind.

“There is another crown, like the one before. This one is fit for a queen.”

I met the Queen’s gaze and spoke carefully.

“Your Highness, I have just received another gift within my dimensional space. It belongs to you.”

With a simple motion, I summoned the Crown for the Queen.

Gasps echoed throughout the chamber as the delicate masterpiece materialized in my hands. It was identical in craftsmanship to the King’s crown—ornate and radiant—but where his bore a bold, commanding presence, this one was softer, more intricate, and beautifully suited for a queen.

She reached out with a trembling hand, her eyes shining with emotion as she accepted it. A moment later, she turned to a nearby royal guard and handed it over.

“Place this beside the King’s crown. Ensure it is kept safe.”

The guard bowed deeply before carefully taking the crown and leaving to fulfill the Queen’s command.

With that matter settled, the Queen gracefully took her seat beside the King, and the evening meal commenced.

A Feast of Conversations

The dinner was lavish, a grand display of the kingdom’s finest delicacies. Servants moved about, refilling goblets with rich wine and setting down steaming platters of roasted meats, seasoned vegetables, and fragrant bread.

I ate in measured silence, taking in the lively conversation around me. Unsurprisingly, most of the discussion revolved around the divine gifts—each one sparking awe, curiosity, and excited speculation among the nobles.

The King and Queen exchanged knowing glances as their children recounted their experiences with boundless enthusiasm. Princess Selene spoke animatedly about her staff, her eyes alight with newfound magic, while Prince Draven listened intently, still adjusting to the weight of his transformed sword.

Young Princess Isla, unable to contain her excitement, kept gently stroking the tiny crystalline horn of her new companion, whispering to the rabbit as if it were a dear friend.

There was warmth in the room, a genuine sense of unity among the royal family, and though I remained an outsider, I could feel the acceptance growing with each passing moment.

A Private Discussion

Once dinner concluded, the children were excused one by one. Princess Lyra, still clutching the small pouch of seeds I had given her, bid everyone goodnight with an eager bounce in her step—no doubt already envisioning the garden she would cultivate.

Prince Damian left with a firm grip on his spatial ring, while Isla skipped out of the hall, her rabbit nestled comfortably in her arms.

I was about to rise from my seat when I noticed the King watching me intently. With a slight gesture of his hand, he signaled for me to remain seated.

I obeyed, settling back into my chair as the last of the children disappeared beyond the great doors. Servants swiftly moved to clear the table, their steps quiet and efficient.

Once the room was free of distractions, the King gave a quiet command.

“Bring some tea.”

A maid bowed and quickly departed, leaving the three of us—King, Queen, and myself—alone in the grand hall.

The King turned to me, his expression calm yet unreadable. Then, with a subtle nod, he motioned toward the chair on his left.