Goals

Over the next couple of days Alexander, Viola and William spent time together doing various activities. Sometimes having breakfast or lunch together, other times exploring different areas of the kingdom. They gradually built their partnership and everyone was starting to take notice, including the King. Seeing the progress they had made, he decided it was time to tell them about the looming threat. He summoned them all to his study early one morning. The mood was tense. The cold air blowing in from the window behind the King left a chill in the air. The King sat at his desk with his hands interlocked as he gazed at them. William and Alexander knew something must have been wrong. The only person that looked calm was Viola. She looked at the King with a blank expression. The King looked haggard. It was not usual for them to see him in such a state. They stood there for a few minutes in utter silence. He took a deep breath before he spoke as if he was preparing to unburden himself.

"There could be an attack on the kingdom," said the King as he leaned forward.

"What?!" exclaimed Alexander and William.

The silence was finally broken but they never expected such news. Alexander and William were in a panic while Viola was still unbothered.

"Calm down and listen... In the past month I've been receiving threatening letters and things are starting to escalate. At first I didn't think much of the letters. I thought it was just some fool trying to get under my skin but the letters kept appearing closer and closer to me. Recently a royal guard was found in the library with his throat slit. Inside his throat they found a piece of paper that said "Be prepared". The guard that was killed was an orphan and didn't normally socialize with anyone so we were able to keep the incident quiet but I'm worried that whoever's doing this may get even bolder. We can't be sure what their motives are but it seems like they're planning something of significance and want us to play along. When exactly that is, is still being looked into so what I need from you three is to be ready at any moment," explained the King.

"Could it be the Hayon kingdom up to their tricks again?" asked the Crown Prince.

As he did Alexander flinched. In that moment he felt a lingering fear. He feared not for himself but his mother.

"That doesn't seem to be the case. They don't have the resources to start another war. We've also been watching them closely but there haven't been any suspicious movements. From all accounts they've taken the peace treaty seriously," responded the King.

Alexander felt somewhat relieved to hear the King's words but was still on guard.

"Then that leaves one of the other neighbouring kingdoms," said the Crown Prince.

"That's right. They could've planted one of their people as a spy years ago but there's something else that we can't rule out," said the King.

"What is it?" asked the Crown Prince.

"It might be someone within the kingdom," the King.

"What?! Could it be Duke Snow or a rebel faction?" asked the Crown Prince.

"Duke Snow has always been loyal so it isn't likely that he's involved, nevertheless we can't rule anyone out and that includes your uncle. He's been staying out of sight so far and hasn't made his intentions clear," said the King.

"Understood your Majesty, " said the Crown Prince firmly.

"As for you, you need to ensure that the Blossom follows William's orders. The last thing I need is for the citizens to think I've chosen an incompetent Crown Prince," said the King to the second prince.

The Crown Prince grit his teeth as he said so. He couldn't shake the feeling that he's been an eye sore since that day.

"Understood your Majesty," said the second prince.

"I also want you both to improve your skills. There's no question that the Blossom is-"

"Viola"

"Excuse me?"

"Her name is Viola."

The King was taken aback yet impressed. Viola seemed pleased by what he did. The King however wasted no time and continued.

"Yes, Viola is powerful but as members of the royal family you shouldn't just hide behind her. The second prince will work on improving his magic and the Crown Prince will work on his combat skills," said the King.

"But your Majesty that isn't necess-" started the Crown Prince before he was interrupted.

"It is necessary! We don't know what form the attack will be in so you need to be prepared for anything. You won't be able to use magic non-stop afterall," interjected the King.

"Yes your Majesty," said the Crown Prince as he agreed reluctantly.

After the King discussed further plans with them he ended the meeting.

"I need to speak with the Crown Prince for a moment. You two may leave," said the King as he gestured for them to go out.

After they had left there was a painful silence. The King got up from his chair and approached William.

"So far it doesn't seem as though anyone suspects that the Blossom has synced with Alexander but we can't risk it being exposed. You need to get closer to her. You need to make her yours. Once you have her backing you, your authority would go unquestioned," said the King as he placed his hand on William's shoulder.

William nodded in agreement. The King then advised him that he could leave. William stood there for a moment. As the King went back to his work, he acted as though he was the only one in the room. Again and again William felt as though he was being viewed as inadequate. He did nothing wrong but was expected to have everything go right, go his way. William left the room and closed the door behind him, putting a barrier between his father and himself.

"Blessings to the Crown," mumbled William as he walked away. He then went to his room and changed into something he could train in. He chose a simple outfit.

Once he got downstairs, he saw Alexander and Viola waiting for him, already changed. Seeing them somehow helped to lift his spirits. They decided to work on their attack and defensive magic first so they went to "The Circle". The Circle was a large structure similar to a colosseum with walls fortified using magic, as such it was able to bear the force of powerful magical attacks. It was primarily used for training purposes by the royal family and soldiers but in some cases was used to hold competitions between the schools. Once they got to the Circle they saw General Callon Stacks training some soldiers. He was well-regarded within the kingdom and was known for his proficiency in the use of water magic. He was in his mid-forties and despite being born a commoner was able to rise in ranks due to his ability. He had a dignified bearing and was not short of admirers. Once he saw them, he stopped his training and greeted the Crown Prince and the others.

"Greetings your Highnesses," said General Stacks as he bowed.

Alexander then introduced Viola to him. He greeted Viola respectfully. Viola looked at General Stacks as though she was sizing him up.

"Let's spar," said Viola with a smile.

"I would be honoured," responded General Stacks immediately.

The General had everyone leave the grounds and observe from the stands. Everyone sat in anticipation for the start of the match. To make things fair Viola decided to match her level of magic proficiency to that of the General's. Within the region there was a common ranking used to identify how powerful a mage was. From lowest to highest would be: 1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star and 4 Star Mages then High Level Mage and Saint Level Mage. There were very few that were able to attain the level of High Level Mage and none known to have attained Saint Level. Blossoms were considered to be within the realm of Saint Level or higher. The General was a 4 Star Mage on the verge of becoming a High Level Mage. The characteristics to identify a change to one's rank differed for the various magic natures, however, once you were able to use your magic to create a functional duplicate of yourself that would be considered advancing to High Level. The advancement through the different levels had a lot to do with the level of magic output and control.

They both carefully watched each other before making a move. The atmosphere was intense. The General suddenly made the first move and tried to pounce on Viola but she easily evaded his attack. She formed ice shards using her water magic and shot them at him. He countered using ice shards of his own. The collision of their shards created a light mist and a light rainbow formed due to the sun's rays. Everyone was on the edge of their seats. Their gazes were filled with admiration and reverence. The General sent a surge of water Viola's way. She took hold of the water's movement and started to surround herself with it, she then redirected the water towards him in the form of powerful cannon-like blasts. He quickly formed a defensive shield using his water magic. The shield seemed to get larger with each blast. Viola smiled. She continued the blasts until the shield covered his field of vision. The General was shocked to find himself trapped. While Viola was attacking, she also gradually used the water to surround him then used his own shield to merge into a sphere to capture him. The General tried to find a way to break free but realized it was no use. As he wasn't able to hold his breath for much longer he conceded. Viola released the spherical water cage. After it was gone the General fell to the ground and started coughing, he had taken in some water. Viola absorbed the excess water from the General's clothes and lungs. He was now fine. He bowed to Viola as a show of respect. Viola helped him to his feet.

"That was well-fought," said Viola.

The General couldn't help but smile. He might've lost but he was not ashamed, he had a goal to work towards. The thunderous applause around them made for a perfect end to their match. Everyone in the stands made their way back to the ground. The soldiers surrounded them and showered them with praises. William and Alexander remained on the sidelines. They both realized that they'd need to work even harder from now on. They both had things that they held within their hearts and wanted to accomplish.

After the General calmed the soldiers he called the princes over and organized the training. The day ended with many looking towards new goals.