Hunter Academy

Chapter 23

"Me?" Sophia asked in complete shock.

"Who came up with that idea?" Iris asked just as shocked.

"Father let me choose who would present it to me, so I chose Sophia. Speaking of the ceremony..."

"Hmm?"

"Since you'll be presenting my scepter, you'll have to participate in the rehearsals."

"Rehearsals?" Sophia asked not liking where it was going.

"Yup. We have a rehearsal everyday! The ceremony is short, but the rehearsal is longer because we have to make sure everything is perfect. We've invited all kinds of other races to come; vampires, werewolves, elves, dwarves, etc. It's gonna be great, but we have to make sure everything is great! Father already has some fairies out getting blood for the vampires and the chefs are cooking a bunch of meat for the werewolves."

"I bet you're excited," Sophia said with a nervous smile.

"It looks like you're not gonna be getting any sleep," Iris said as she laughed.

"What do you mean?" Kaydence asked, her smile dropping.

"Well, while we were here, we were gonna be researching something in the library," Sophia informed as she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I wasn't expecting to be-uh-presenting anything..."

"Oh... I can-"

"Don't worry about it. I can still do it. I'll be fine without much sleep. Besides, I have Iris, Zander, and Desiree to help find what we're looking for."

"What about Zeldris? Can't he help?"

"Huh? No! I mean-wait-no?" Sophia replied, taken off guard.

"Sophia's...flustered," Iris whispered in awe. "That's never really happened before."

"Why can't Zeldris help?" Kaydence asked.

"It's confidential stuff. Anyhow, just give me the rehearsal schedule and I'll go. But for right now, let's go speak with King Kalen." Kaydence stayed silent and watched Sophia with a skeptical gaze before sighing.

"Okay."

***

"Father! Sophia, Iris, and Zander have made it here!" Kaydence squealed excitedly as they walked into the throne room. King Kalen stood up from the throne as Sophia's team walked in behind Kaydence.

"It's nice of you to have come. I hope there wasn't any trouble getting here," Kalen said with a warm smile. His long, dark aqua blue hair was pulled back in a low ponytail that stopped a little past his shoulders, and his crown laid atop his head. His attire consisted of a white button down shirt, black jeans, black tennis shoes, and a dark blue cape with white fur trimming. His blue eyes shone warmly. If a human looked at him, they'd think he was way too young to be a king.

"Nothing we couldn't handle, Kalen," Sophia replied with a laugh. The fairy guards in the room looked over at her as if she had just grown another head for addressing him by his first name.

"Good to hear. I assume my daughter has informed you of the ceremony procedures?"

"Yeah. And may I say, I was quite surprised. Wasn't expecting it."

"Yes, well, it is what Kaydence wants. Will you do it?"

"Of course!" she replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Kalen smiled. "My apologies. You must be famished. A feast has been prepared and guest bedrooms have been arranged. After we eat you will be able to rest. We will be very busy tomorrow."