CHAPTER 39: TIME TO JOIN AN ACADEMY

It was near midday when the royal carriage stopped before the courtyard of the estate. The moment the guards opened the doors, Queen Cassie stepped down gracefully, her long cloak trailing behind her. The sun glinted off the subtle gold threads woven into her robes, and the air itself seemed to grow still in her presence. Piper and Chloe immediately bowed low, greeting her with utmost respect, but her gaze had already fixed on Ian, who stood under the shade of a tree, still in the middle of practice.

He hadn’t expected her visit, and for a brief second, he froze. Then his lips curved into a surprised smile as he approached her. "Queen Cassie," he said warmly, brushing his palms against his tunic to wipe off the faint traces of soot. "I wasn’t expecting you today. You should have sent word ahead; I would have looked more presentable."

She gave him a soft, knowing smile. "My lord, I did not come for formality. I came to see you with my own eyes. It has been over a month since our last meeting, and the Queens are all eager to hear how you’ve been faring."

Her voice carried both grace and quiet authority, but Ian’s reaction was far from what anyone expected. Without thinking, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a brief, impulsive hug. Queen Cassie stiffened immediately, caught completely off guard. Piper and Chloe exchanged wide-eyed looks, unsure whether to intervene or pretend not to see what had just happened.

When Ian pulled away, even he looked a little surprised by his own action. "I—uh—I guess I’m just glad to see you," he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

Queen Cassie blinked, still processing the gesture, though a faint color rose in her cheeks. "My lord," she began carefully, "you continue to be full of surprises."

He grinned playfully, his confidence returning as he looked at her from head to toe in mock admiration. "Well, you are as beautiful as ever, Your Majesty. I see time hasn’t dared to leave a mark on you. Still the most radiant among the seven."

Her brows arched slightly, though there was a faint spark of amusement in her eyes. "Flattery, my lord, does not work on me," she replied evenly. "But I will admit... your words are more charming than the last time we spoke."

Ian chuckled, holding his hands up in surrender. "I mean every word, my Queen. You look remarkable. I almost forgot how intimidatingly elegant you are."

Queen Cassie shook her head with a quiet laugh. "You have a strange way of greeting royalty, my lord. If the others heard you speak like this, they might faint."

"Then it’s a good thing it’s just us," he said lightly.

She allowed the moment of levity to fade before her tone turned more serious. "My lord, I came not only to see your progress but to speak about your future. You have made remarkable strides under Piper’s and Chloe’s guidance. The Queens are most impressed. However, we have all agreed that your growth must now be nurtured more formally."

Ian’s smile faded slightly. "Formally? What do you mean?"

"I mean," she replied, "that it is time you joined an academy....one where you can train among others of your kind, under masters who can push your limits beyond what even Piper or Chloe can provide. You need exposure, my lord. To learn, to compete, and to understand what it truly means to stand among mages."

He blinked, clearly taken aback. "An academy? You mean like a school? You’re saying... after all this, I’m going to be a student again?"

Cassie folded her hands before her, her expression calm but firm. "It is not a demotion, my lord. It is an opportunity. A place where you will learn more than magic. You will learn strategy, leadership, and discipline. You will see how mages interact, how they think, and how they use power responsibly. This experience will prepare you for the role that awaits you."

Ian exhaled deeply, tilting his head back as he stared at the bright sky. "You know, Queen Cassie," he said with a faint chuckle, "I never thought I’d hear those words again. Me...a student. I thought I was done being lectured after all I’ve been through."

She smiled faintly. "It seems life enjoys reminding us that learning never truly ends, my lord. Besides, you will not be a mere student. You are who you are...the one destined to unite and lead. The academy will simply be another step toward that destiny."

He groaned dramatically, though his tone held humor. "So from being a lecturer to a student, is that it? I can already imagine sitting in some crowded classroom while everyone else wonders why the I can’t even cast a simple spell properly."

Piper, who stood nearby, hid a small laugh behind her hand, while Chloe turned her face away to mask her grin.

Queen Cassie’s expression softened, but she didn’t waver. "If they wonder, then let them. Your strength will speak for itself soon enough. And those who laugh now will one day kneel before you...out of reverence."

Ian sighed, rubbing his temple in mock defeat. "You make it sound so noble that I can’t even argue. Still, I can’t promise I’ll enjoy being told what to do again."

Her gaze softened. "Enjoyment is not required, my lord. Only commitment. The rest will follow."

Ian looked at her, and after a moment, a small smile curved his lips again. "Alright, Queen Cassie. If that’s what you think is best... I’ll do it. But don’t blame me if I end up teaching the teachers."

The Queen’s lips curved into a quiet, graceful smile. "Somehow, I expected you would say that."

For the first time in many days, Ian laughed...genuinely, warmly...as the sunlight fell over them both, marking the beginning of yet another turning point in his journey.

Queen Cassie took a slow breath and looked at Ian, the warmth of their earlier banter giving way to a far more serious air. She gestured for him to sit beside her on the long wooden bench near the edge of the courtyard. Piper and Chloe stepped back respectfully, allowing the two to speak in private while remaining close enough to be summoned if needed.

"My lord," she began calmly, "I understand that this decision may not sit comfortably with you, but it was not made lightly. The academy you are to attend is not like the ordinary ones you may have imagined. It is an ancient institution...one founded by the earliest Archmages themselves, long before our kingdoms were even formed."

Ian listened quietly this time, his earlier humor gone. His brows drew together slightly as he gave her his full attention.

"The Imperial Mage Academy," Cassie continued, "is where every promising wielder of mana from the seven kingdoms is trained. The very best of every bloodline attends it, and within its walls, power is refined through discipline, not ego. It is not merely a school. It is where leaders are molded, where strategy is sharpened, and where restraint is taught."

Ian nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "So it’s more like a military academy for mages than a classroom for scholars," he said at last.

Cassie’s lips curved faintly. "In a sense, yes. There you will learn not only to wield mana but to understand it..to respect it. You will be taught how to draw from your inner energy without losing yourself to it. You will study the art of controlling emotions, the influence of mana on human will, and how to balance multiple elements at once. These things cannot be taught by simple instruction. They must be lived and experienced."

Ian’s gaze lowered as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "And what happens if I fail?" he asked quietly. "If I can’t do what you all expect?"

The Queen’s voice softened, but it remained steady. "You will not fail. The path of power is difficult for everyone, my lord. You will struggle, yes. You will be tested, humiliated, and perhaps even broken at times...but that is how greatness is shaped. The others at the academy may not know who you truly are, but they will feel your presence. And with time, you will rise above them all."

Ian’s jaw tightened slightly, and he stared at the ground for a long moment before speaking again. "I don’t like it," he admitted. "I’ve never liked being told what to do. I spent most of my adult life teaching others, guiding others. And now... I’ll have to sit in a hall and be lectured again?"

Cassie smiled faintly, her tone gentle but firm. "Humility is one of the first lessons you must learn, my lord. A king who cannot sit among men cannot rule them. You may not like the setting, but it will prepare you in ways you cannot yet imagine. You must allow yourself to be shaped by experience, not pride."

Ian looked at her, and for once, there was no trace of jest or defiance in his eyes...only quiet understanding. He nodded slowly. "Then I suppose I’ll do as you say. If this is the path that will make me ready... then I’ll walk it."

Cassie’s expression softened into something that almost looked like pride. "That is all I ask, my lord. The academy will not only train your power but also your perception of the world. You will learn the politics between kingdoms, the history of magic, and the art of command. There will be lessons on diplomacy, ethics, and even warfare. You will come to understand not just how to lead...but why you must."

Ian leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose. "You make it sound like I’ll be there forever," he said, though there was no sarcasm in his tone.

"You will remain there until you are ready," Cassie replied softly. "Readiness is not measured in time, my lord, but in understanding. You will know when that moment comes. Until then, learn everything you can. Question everything. Observe everyone. The world outside these walls will not be forgiving to the unprepared."

Silence lingered between them for a few moments before Ian finally spoke again. "Alright, Queen Cassie. I’ll do it. No jokes this time. If this is what it takes to become what I’m meant to be... then I’ll learn. I’ll endure it."

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, and she nodded once in approval. "Good. Then I will have the preparations made. You will leave in three days. Piper and Chloe will accompany you until you settle in. The academy will test every part of you, my lord...your will, your heart, and your strength. But if you endure, you will emerge not just as a mage, but as the leader the world has awaited."

Ian rose to his feet, straightening his robes, his expression set with quiet resolve. "Then I’ll be ready," he said simply.

Queen Cassie stood as well, her gaze unwavering. "I know you will, my lord."