After a grueling discussion of
Neil's feelings for the princess of Newfield Aira Elesteen.
Both king Garron and queen Angelina came to one final decision, to gather both Niel and Aira so this matter could be resolved.
Even though they had come to a final decision that both king and queen agreed upon, a singular thought ran through the minds of the both of them. That this would be no simple task for princess Aira's heart already belonged to Aiden.
Later that day.
The dining was set with fresh flowers and filled with the favorite fruits of lady Aira that were decorated in lavish fashion only befitting one of her stature.
Princess Aira was seen walking through the empty hallway making her way towards the royal dining room exuding a calm air of confidence.
The moment she stepped foot into the dining room, her face immediately lit up by the sight of the lavishly decorated dining room."What could be the occasion?" she asked, a bright smile spreading across her face as she quickly adjusted her silk silver garment.
She was welcomed warmly by her mother and father.
"Come in, my dear daughter,"Garron said, pulling her into a warm embrace.
Aira's face contorted with confusion by the sudden behavior of her father the feeling grew even more, "welcome my beautiful daughter," utters the queen before kissing her on the forehead.
A soft smile crept onto Aira's lips.
"Uhm mother, father why the sudden rush of affection have I done anything that pleases you?,"
Confusion running through her entire manner of speech.
A soft chuckle escapes Garrons lips "oh aira he says softly, just seeing you every day pleases us more than anything, Aira you are the gem of this kingdom." His words were followed by a smile from angelina, aira we love you very much and were doing this out of respect for you so come on and have a seat.
Aira reluctantly sat down across from her parents.
"Feast, my child. This table was set for you—we even gathered all your favorite fruits," the king said.
".
With a polite nod, Aira began to indulge in the fruits prepared for her.
Then, a sudden knock echoed at the dining room door.
In an instant, her expression shifted—her earlier confusion replaced with excitement as a single thought crossed her mind: Was Aidan here?
But that excitement didn't last long.
The face that was previously filled with excitement was now replaced with disappointment.
Niel stepped into the room and was welcomed by the king and queen but the same could not be said for the princess—her eyes were steadfast as she continued staring intensely at the door.
Waiting for someone to arrive after Neil but to her disappointment no one else followed behind him.
The royal dining room fell silent as the smile that was tugging at the lips of princess Aira faded.
Nor did she utter a single word. She hardly even welcomed Niel, stopping mid-bite as she lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
This was quickly noticed by the king and queen, who fell silent, realizing it would be difficult to address the matter with such sadness on their daughter's face.
"What's the matter, my daughter? You looked so happy a few moments ago," the king asked, before adding, "You've even stopped eating the fruits you enjoy the most."
But in just a matter of seconds shock ran through their faces.
Tears began to flow from the princess's eyes as she spoke.
"I… I was hoping to see Aidan," she said. "How come you didn't invite him like you always do? Every time he comes, he brings me a gift… or is it that I'm not important to him anymore?"
The king and queen looked on in stunned silence. They had not expected their daughter's heart to be so deeply bound to Aidan.
Angelina quickly snapped out of her trans and went to calm her daughter. Aira dont be sad she says softly your father and I didn't invite Aidan for a reason.
Aira, we have a request for you," the queen said.
Aira looked up with slight awe. "Mother… you have a request for me? What kind of request could be so important that you didn't invite Aiden?"
"Aiden is a very powerful man and a skilled warrior," she added—before her father cut her off.
"Aira," he said firmly, "I agree with what you are saying. But you should know that even the strongest warriors can carry a broken heart."
Aira's face turned pale as she clutched the fabric of her dress, her mind racing with confusion over what her mother and father meant.
"Father… what do you mean?" she asked in a shaky voice. "I could never break Aidan's heart. I don't understand any of this."
Before the king could respond, Niel suddenly rose from his seat and stepped forward. He stood before the princess, then dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
Princess Aira," he said, his voice calm and unwavering.
"This was my request."
He paused.
"I am in love with you. I have come to ask for your hand in marriage."
The room fell into dead silence, the king's mouth still open, his eyes widening at Niel's words.
The queen looked on in shock. She had known Niel wasn't a shy man, but she hadn't expected such boldness even from him.
"Hand in marriage?" the princess repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her expression hardened as she stood abruptly, anger flashing across her face.
She pushed Niel back without hesitation.
"Have you gone mad, Niel?!" she cried, her voice sharp with disbelief, leaving him stunned.
"My heart, body, and soul belong to Aidan," she said, her voice cold as steel.
Her eyes locked onto Niel.
"Who do you think you are… compared to him?"
"He is a fierce warrior. Loved. Respected. Fears."
"Have you seen how he commands my father's army?"
She took a step forward, her voice unwavering.
"He is the only one fit to be king."
"And yet… you dare to love me?"
Her voice turned sharp.
"All you do is sit among scrolls and plants."
She stepped closer, eyes cold.
"You're weak, Niel."
"I would never marry someone as foolish as you."
A bitter scoff escaped her lips.
"I'd rather stand on the battlefield than beside you."
"Enough! Stop with your insults, now!" Queen Angila shouted.
"Niel is a healer—and the king's most trusted advisor. Nothing he does is useless."
She steadied her voice before continuing,
"Niel is special. He has been blessed with something you will not understand… not until the day you fall ill."
Until the day you lie in bed—helpless, weak, unable to move."
A pause,
"Then you will understand."
"Because this… is not something any man's strength can heal."
"I understand you're still young," she said gently, "but strength and power take many forms—not only those found on the battlefield."
Princess Aira fell silent, her head lowering as tears slipped freely from her eyes, her heart aching.
Garron reached out, carefully brushing the tears from her face.
"My daughter," he whispered, "I will not force this upon you. I cannot bear to see you in pain."
"Listen, Aira," Garron said softly, his voice steady. "I understand that you love Aiden. Your mother and I only hoped you might consider our request… to give Niel a chance."
"After all, you never truly got to know Niel," he said gently. "He may appear weak to you, but his strength lies in his knowledge. And once you see how remarkable his gift is, you will begin to see him in a new light."