**Chapter 8: The Princess's Claim and the Wheel of Time**
Holding his hand firmly in mine, I walked out of the drawing-room to settle things with the Duke once and for all. As we reached the grand hall, the air felt thick with the presence of everyone who mattered.
The Duke stood there, tall and imposing, flanked by a sea of familiar faces: Miss Lilliane, looking worried; that weirdly sharp girl, Neria; the ever-composed Prince Lucien; and the sun-kissed Prince Darian.
In the heat of the moment, I had completely forgotten my royal standing. I had forgotten that a princess shouldn't be seen dragging a Duke's son around by the hand like a lost puppy. But the realization hadn't hit me yet.
As we came to a stop in front of Duke Alaric, he looked at me, then at Cassian.
(Auri – inner thought)
Why is he looking at us like we've grown second heads? Is there something on my face?
Then, his gaze dropped to our joined hands. The silence in the hall became deafening.
(Inner thought – screaming)
WAIT—IS HE STARING BECAUSE I'M HOLDING HIS HAND?!
I risked a sideways glance at Cassian. He was beet-red, his eyes fixed resolutely on the floor. I felt the heat rise to my own cheeks, but I knew that letting go now would only make the awkwardness ten times worse. So, I took a deep breath, ignored the buzzing in my ears, and spoke with every ounce of royal authority I possessed.
"Duke, I have something to say to you."
The Duke slightly bowed his head, though his eyes remained on our hands. "Yes, Princess. Please, go ahead."
I looked him straight in the eye and declared, "I want your son."
"…WHAT?!"
The word echoed through the hall like a physical blow. Everyone froze. The musicians stopped playing. The servants stopped moving. Even my own heart skipped a beat as the words left my mouth.
(Auri – inner thought)
…That sounded SO wrong. My past-life brain just sabotaged me. What did I just say?!
(Neria – inner thought)
Wait… is this some kind of infant proposal? Is she claiming him for marriage? This is so weird, even for a royal.
(Lucien – inner thought)
Is this supposed to be a joke…? She's five. He's ten. Is she serious?
The Duke looked completely stunned, his composed mask finally cracking. "…Could you please explain what you mean, Princess? Or am I misunderstanding something grave?"
I quickly crossed my arms, trying to look business-like despite my burning face. "No, no—that's not what I meant! You're misunderstanding. I meant… I want him as my personal attendant."
The Duke blinked, the confusion only deepening. "…Attendant? My son? Cassian?"
"Yes," I said firmly.
He regained his composure, shaking his head slowly. "I apologize, Princess, but he is not yet capable of serving a princess of your standing. He has much to learn."
I didn't back down. "No matter how he is… I want him as he is."
Cassian started blushing again—honestly, his face was so red it was starting to worry me—but that wasn't my problem. I had to secure his safety.
The Duke spoke again, his voice dropping into a persuasive tone. "Princess, he is still very young. I do not think he can fulfill such high duties yet. If you wish, I can arrange a more suitable, highly-trained attendant for you from my finest staff."
I shook my head, my grip on Cassian (and the situation) tightening. "No. I want him. Can you not fulfill this one wish of mine?"
(Auri – inner thought)
That's it. He can't refuse a direct plea like that without looking like he's insulting the royal family. I'm definitely using my princess status a little… okay, a lot. But it's for a good cause.
The Duke paused, his eyes flicking between me and his son. Then, he let out a long sigh. "If it is truly your wish, then it can be done. However… Cassian's opinion also matters in this."
(Auri – inner thought)
Why does he suddenly care about what Cassian thinks? Wasn't he the one packing him off to another country five minutes ago? Everything about this man feels fake.
Before the Duke could even finish his sentence, Cassian spoke up. His voice was small but steady.
"I am willing to become Princess Aurelia's attendant. I don't know if I will do well… but I will always remain loyal to her."
I smiled slightly, feeling a rush of triumph. "See? Now there's no problem."
The Duke's brow furrowed. "But Cassian was supposed to leave for his studies abroad tonight. The carriage is already prepared. Why not let him complete his education first, and then—"
I didn't even let him finish the sentence. "No."
The Duke's expression darkened. It was obvious—he was not pleased to have his plans dismantled by a five-year-old.
(Darian – inner thought)
Hmm… something is definitely going on here. The Duke looks like he wants to explode. Not that I care much. Though, the Princess is kind of cute when she's bossy. But that girl over there… Neria? She's cuter.
With no real choice left and the eyes of other royals upon him, the Duke finally gave his formal permission. Cassian was now mine.
While Cassian's things were being packed for the move to the royal palace, I found a quiet spot on the side to rest.
(Auri – inner thought)
Ugh… I'm so hungry. Negotiating with Dukes is exhausting. What should I do…
I looked beside me—and nearly jumped out of my skin. Kael was standing there, silent as a grave.
"Wait—when did you come?!" I gasped.
He replied calmly, his eyes not leaving the hall. "I have been with you the entire time, Princess. Try to remember."
(Auri – inner thought)
When I was in the garden… when I was watching the fight… when I was talking to the Duchess… even just now… he really was there the whole time? I didn't even notice him!*
I looked at him, genuinely shocked. "I didn't even notice…"
He looked down at me, his expression impassive. "You were careless."
"What?! What kind of answer is that?!" I sputtered.
(Inner thought)
Who told him he could roast me like that? I'm the Princess!
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I'm a little hungry. I'll go get something from the buffet."
He stepped forward. "I will bring food for you."
I shook my head, wanting to stretch my legs. "No, I'll go myself."
I stood up quickly—but as soon as I put weight on my foot, a sharp *crack* echoed in my ears. Pain shot through my ankle like a bolt of lightning. I felt my balance slip, and the floor rushed up to meet me.
But I never hit the ground. Kael caught me instantly, his arms like iron bands.
"You really are careless," he repeated, his voice dropping an octave. Before I could even snap back at him, he picked me up with one arm and placed me back down on the seat. "I'll bring medicine. Stay here."
He vanished before I could even open my mouth.
(Auri – inner thought)
At least listen to me first! I'm not a porcelain doll!
Suddenly, another shadow fell over me. Prince Lucien approached, his kind eyes filled with concern. Without asking, he dropped to one knee and gently held my foot.
"I can heal this… if you allow me, Princess."
Being on one knee like that, in the middle of a grand ballroom… it felt strangely romantic, even if we were just kids. I nodded, a bit dazed.
He began the treatment, a soft, vibrant green aura surrounding his hand. The pain vanished instantly, replaced by a soothing warmth.
(Auri – inner thought)
He really is handsome. And so talented…
"Prince Lucien D'Artheon…" I spoke softly. "I wanted to ask you something."
He looked up and smiled, the green light reflecting in his eyes. "You can call me Lucien, Princess Aurelia Valencrest. And you may ask me anything."
I smiled back. "Then I'll call you Lucien. But you should call me Aurelia, too. And… I wanted to ask—how old are you?"
He stood up, brushing off his tunic. "I think I'll still call you Princess Aurelia for now. And I will be nine years old this year. Actually… I wanted to ask you something as well."
(Auri – inner thought)
Nine… so he's almost three years older than me. I'll be six soon… that's kind of a perfect age gap—No, no! Stop it, Auri! I shouldn't get a crush so easily!
"Your injury is healed now," he noted.
"Thank you! And what did you want to ask?"
He looked at me, his expression serious. "I wanted to ask… would you like to be my friend?"
I grinned. "Yes, of course, Prince Lucien! From today—we're friends."
He nodded, though a hint of sadness touched his eyes. "Yes… though I will be returning to my kingdom soon. I don't know when we'll meet again… but hopefully, it will be soon."
"I hope so, too."
After he left, Kael—who I swear had teleported—was standing beside me again with a plate of food. "We should eat now."
I stared at him. "How do you just appear out of nowhere…? Anyway, let's go. I'm exhausted. I'll eat properly only after reaching home."
As we walked out of the mansion, Cassian trailing quietly behind me, I felt a shift in the air.
(Neria – inner thought)
What's so special about her…? How did she become friends with my brother so easily? My brother doesn't let just anyone into his circle. There must be a reason. I'll be watching you, Aurelia.
The night air felt heavier than when I arrived, but also clearer. This night had changed everything. I could hear Cassian's footsteps behind me—slightly slower, perfectly measured. Not ahead. Not beside.
Behind.
(Inner thought)
From now on… he's mine. I have my knight, and now I have my shadow.
I didn't look back. My eyes stayed focused on the horizon.
(Inner thought)
And I won't stay weak. I can't.
#The Wheel of Time: 8 Years Later
**Age: 13**
The training ground had become my second home. The smell of iron and sweat was more familiar than the scent of roses in the garden.
I was six, then seven. I remembered the weight of the sword in my hand—it was too heavy, too clumsy. I swung it with everything I had, but my feet slipped and my grip failed.
"Too slow," Kael's voice would ring out. Cold. Direct.
"Tch…" I would hiss, my hands shaking as I gripped the hilt again. Again. Again.
Magic was a different kind of torture. I would sit for hours, trying to manifest the "Super Special Power" I knew was inside me. A small flame would flicker in my palm—dark, unstable, and flickering like it didn't want to exist in this world.
**BOOM.**
Smoke would fill the room. I'd cough, eyes watering, soot covering my face. "…Great. Failed again."
So I changed my approach. If I couldn't brute-force the magic, I would master the theory. The library became my battlefield. I sat in the middle of a fortress of books, reading until my eyes burned.
Silently, Cassian would appear, placing more volumes beside me without a word. He knew exactly what I needed before I even asked. I'd glance at him and smile just a little, and he would nod back, his loyalty as steady as a mountain.
Training continued.
"Again," Kael would say. Same tone. Same pressure.
But at age ten, my sword moved better. At age twelve, it was cleaner. Faster.
(Inner thought)
I will surpass everyone. I have to.
Far away, in an academy that felt like a different world, Neria Elowen stood at the center of a glowing magic circle. Water and light flowed around her like living things, obeying her every whim. Other students stared in awe, whispering about the "Prodigy."
(Neria – inner thought)
This isn't enough. I can feel her growing, somewhere out there. I won't be left behind.
Whispers reached me in the palace.
*"Prodigy…" "Unmatched talent…" "Neria Elowen…"*
My eyes would narrow.
(Inner thought)
…Her. My rival. My friend. Wait for me.
I defeated my training opponents with a steady hand. She cast complex spells with effortless grace.
Two paths. I stood with my sword, a warrior princess. She stood surrounded by magic, a sorceress prodigy.
(Auri – inner thought)
Magic isn't everything. I'll show them the power of a blade.
(Neria – inner thought)
Power without understanding is useless. I will master it all.
**Eight years passed.**
I stood on the balcony of the royal palace, the wind whipping my silver hair. It was longer now, falling past my shoulders. My posture was steady, my presence commanding. A sword rested by my side, its hilt worn from years of practice.
I turned my head, my eyes sharp, calm, and unshaken.
Behind me stood Cassian. He had grown tall, his face composed and his loyalty absolute. And beside him stood Kael—unchanged, his serious expression a permanent fixture, his presence a silent promise of protection.
Thirteen years old. The childhood games were over. The real story was about to begin.