The Prince's Fiance

Chapter Thirtysix

An entire month had passed since the Palace was turned upside down from the traitor Sevan Meron and his right hand Saiyumi Peres. The days where hectic since Akito had a lot to clean up, so had Raito.

The new King showed mercy towards the mercenaries. He only banished them out of the Kingdom without executing them. The Royal Knights received mercy too, since Akito knew they were being brainwashed. They got deprived their title as Knights but where allowed to reapply for an knightship. They had to solve the entire training again if they wanted to work as Knights again. It was a bloodless solutions.

Furthermore the palace security had to be tightened again, especially regarding magical tools. No one should ever smuggle them inside again. Usually it would have been Lilith's task to do so, but she lost her magical abilities. So it was her idea that Solomon would take over her job. Originally Akito intended to punish him, but he was quickly convinced to make him clean up his own mess as a kind of punishment. Of course Solomon didn't wanted to and intended to easily pull himself out of their affairs, but the guilt of putting Lilith in danger struck him. This way his cousin could convince the mage to work for the palace until he would inherit their family title.

While for her replacement was taken care of, Lilith herself had no job or purpose anymore. Her stay in Valeis had the purpose to study and train magic, but with the missing of her abilities she couldn't do any of this. So it came to the inevitable, Lilith was called back home by her father. She couldn't disobeying her father and left very soon, not being able to witness anything more what was happening at the palace.

After a week of preparation was the funeral of the deceased King held. The entire capital was dressed in black to show their condolences. As much as Akito wanted to grieve, he had to show his citizen a strong side as their new sovereign. He was only able to let his grief out while being alone with Jisoo, who would comfort him.
But this wasn't the only funeral held. After averting the crisis, Akito told Raito that his father had lost his life during the rift disaster. It were devastating news for him. Therefore the Duke's funeral was held one day after the King's out of respectful reasons. Unlike the big public funeral, the Frazer family held it in a private circle. Only the family and close friends were invited. It was painful for Raito to be addressed as Duke, knowing that this title belonged not long ago to his dear father. How it is usual for nobles, the mourning had to be held briefly. Raito was quickly officially declared as family head and took over the duties as such. His times as aide to the prince were over.

The time passed while Akito was preparing his and Jisoo's coronation. It was also their wedding which made Jisoo to his Queen. It was a finally bright aspect after overcoming their hardships, what brings us to the current day.
It was a peaceful afternoon and Jisoo sat together with her brother to share a tea. Jisoo was excitedly talking about wedding preparations as Solomon slandered to their table. "Greetings, soon to be Queen and Sir Jincheol. May I join you for tea?" "Good day Solomon, sure have a seat. Say, did you deliver my invitation to Lilith?" The mage sat down and grinned like always. "Of course I have." "When will she come? I haven't seen her in a month and I need her to plan my wedding. Oh and I want her as my lady in waiting." Solomon almost snorted. "What's so funny?" "Pardon me, your Majesty. I'm afraid that she won't be able to come until the wedding day." "Why so?" This answer disappointed Jisoo. "Since she lost her magic, the Marquis is rather protective of her. He don't want his daughter to get involved in any danger without being able to protect herself." "What danger? The Kingdom is peaceful now after getting rid of the traitors. And we can assign a personal guard to her." "I'm simply telling you what I know. But I can help you choosing a dress if you like~" He was grinning sheepishly at her and Jisoo sighed frustrated while looking back and forth between him and Jincheol. "Why do I have so less female friends.." It seemed as if she had to assign another nobel Lady as her lady in waiting.

One week later Jisoo had invited a few noble Ladies who applied for being a lady in waiting. The meetings went smooth but Jisoo was exhausted anyway. Between wedding preparations and lessons for how-to reign as Queen, she only had small breathers. The time she could spend with Akito was unfortunately cut short too.

"...and this is my speciality." "This does sound wonderful. Thank you for taking your time. I will sent word if you will become my lady in waiting." The young and cute looking Lady with black hair bowed politely as Jisoo dismissed her. Rosalie, who was still her personal maid, began to clean the table. "What do you think of Lady Kaldorf, your Majesty?" "I liked her the most out of all today. But I will think it through before making a choice." Rosalie smiled understanding while cleaning. Meanwhile Jisoo got up from her seat. "I will take a walk. I need some fresh air after being inside all day." "Yes, your Majesty." It was still slightly flustering to be called Majesty for her. The wedding and coronation wasn't yet, but everyone addressed her as Queen, as if it was the most natural on the world.

She made her way out towards the garden as she spotted Raito walking through the halls. Since he became the Duke, he wouldn't stay at the palace anymore and was only rarely seen. Which made absolutely sense since his responsibilities were different now. Raito had spotted her too after looking up and bowed courteous. "Good afternoon. It's nice to see you Raito. Or should I say your Grace?" "However you prefer, your Majesty." She couldn't exactly tell why, but it was satisfying to see him as subordinate bowing his head. "Are you here for work?" "Yes. I had to clarify a few documents regarding my families situation." "Situation? Is there a problem?" Raito looked slightly uncomfortable from this question but played it down by answering indifferently. "No, there is none." Jisoo pursed her lips "You're daring to lie to your Queen?" "I'm not-" He inhaled deeply. "I've clarified everything with his Majesty. There is nothing to be concerned about." "Alright. You may leave." Annoyed she almost shooed him off and decided to fill her curiosity by asking Akito on the next occasion.