Archmage Academy by Vance Ryder

Author:Vance Ryder [Ryder, Vance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2026-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The Council chamber was packed.

Every seat was filled, every corner occupied. The Academy's most powerful figures had gathered to witness what promised to be a historic session—the formal review of Princess Aurelia's engagement to Duke Cassius Morne.

I stood at the back of the room, partially hidden by a pillar. I wasn't supposed to be here—the review was technically closed to students—but Natalie had arranged access through channels I didn't ask about.

Duke Morne sat at the front of the chamber, his expression one of bored confidence. He clearly believed this was a formality, a meaningless protest that would be easily dismissed.

Aurelia sat beside him, her face a perfect mask of composure. Only her eyes betrayed her fear.

"We are convened to review the engagement contract between Her Highness Princess Aurelia Valdris and His Grace Duke Cassius Morne," Headmaster Crane announced. "Lady Ashworth has formally requested this review on grounds of changed circumstances. Lady Ashworth, you may proceed."

Selene's grandmother rose from her seat—a tall, imperious woman whose silver hair and sharp features marked her clearly as an Ashworth. Her presence commanded instant attention.

"Distinguished members of the Council," she began, "I bring forward evidence that the engagement contract signed five years ago is no longer in the best interests of the Kingdom, the Academy, or the Princess herself."

"On what basis?" Duke Morne asked, his voice dripping with contempt.

"On the basis that the Duke has repeatedly violated the terms of the contract, which specify that the Princess's education and wellbeing must be preserved until the marriage takes place."

A murmur rippled through the chamber.

Lady Ashworth produced a sheaf of documents. "I have here sworn statements from Academy staff detailing the Duke's interference in Princess Aurelia's studies, his restriction of her movements beyond what the contract allows, and his..." She paused delicately. "His premature claims on rights that do not yet belong to him."

Morne's face went red. "This is outrageous—"

"Is it?" Lady Ashworth's voice cut like a blade. "Shall I read the specific accusations aloud, Your Grace? Or would you prefer to address them in private?"

The threat was clear. Whatever Morne had done to Aurelia—whatever "testing the merchandise" had involved—Lady Ashworth had documentation.

"The contract is clear," Morne said, his voice tight. "Minor infractions do not nullify—"

"These are not minor infractions." Lady Ashworth turned to the Council. "I move that the engagement be formally reviewed for termination, with the Princess given the choice of whether to proceed."

The vote was called.

It was close—closer than I'd hoped. But in the end, the motion passed. Seven votes to five, with one abstention.

The review would proceed.

Aurelia's eyes found mine across the crowded chamber. In them, I saw something I'd never seen before.

Hope.

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