Decision made

Violet stood there silently as the words that were said to her, echoed throughout her mind, word for word and each held a strong meaning, she knew every bit of it was true but what she wanted to know at the time, was who he voice belonged to, since it sounded genuinely concerned for her well-being, something was rare for her, due to the people she was used to being around and her brows furrowed, as she got lost in her thoughts. 

Xania noticed her lack of focus on what was being said by her father and his eyes narrowed, then he poked her cheek and she flinched a little, before glancing at him and tilting her head in confusion, wondering why he did that and if he was just being playful, like usual.

He chuckled at her oblivousness and pointed to her father, who was looking at her with side eyes, as he spoke and her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, wondering what was going on in his head and she sighed then shook her head, not wanting to think about other things and only focus on the tasks at hand, the things she needed to get done. 

She listened to the things her father was saying, since he was nearing the end of his speech but, no matter how much she tried to focus, she could sense a restlessness within her and the voice kept bothering her, since many things were happening at once and that only added to the list of the many things she had to figure out. 

She took a deep breath and focused her mind directly on her father alone and he could sense her intense gaze and his eyes narrowed, but he said nothing and proceeded to finish off his speech. 

Kei looked at her and he chuckled before patting her back and she was able to relax a bit more, allowing herself to focus intently, 

Luca glanced at them from the side of his eyes and the queen smiled, because in her eyes, for once the kids of their family, were getting along, little did she know, it was the beginning of something else as well, something that would be of great benefit and importance in the upcoming future of the kingdom. 

The king gestured for the two boys to step forward beside him and they did as he wanted, curious to know what exactly he was doing. 

"As everyone knows already, this is the most important event in all of our lives, it is what will help decide the future and because of that, the children from my family will be joining as well," He said in a firm tone and the audience clapped and smiled at the princes and Luca and Kei bowed their heads slightly in appreciation. 

"That's not all, it's the princes as well as Princess Violet," He announced and the audience became silent and Kei smirked, seeing their reaction and he gestured for Violet to step up beside him and his brother. 

She looked at Kei then glanced at her father who turned to look at her, directly in her eyes. 

"Step forward and take your place beside your brothers Violet," He said in an authoritative tone and he bowed her head slightly to him, before stepping forward and taking her place beside Luca. 

Everyone was stunned at that, since they did not expect her to be joining the event, since they all believed she lacked in magical prowess, but due to the king's action, they all began wondering different things, questioning what they knew about her so far and how much of it was true since this was not something any one of them even thought of happening. 

They exchanged curious glances, wondering what prompted the king's decision to do such a thing and Kei chuckled at their confusion, trying his best to stifle a laughter and Luca glanced at him. 

'Don't," Luca warned and Kei chuckled then nodded at his brother, trying to keep his laughter in check and he smiled at Violet. 

"Your Highness, is this a good idea?" One of his advisors asked and the king's eyes narrowed as he glanced at him. 

"You dare to question my actions, advisor? I don't do anything unless I am certain of it and you know that very well, I made my decision and I know why I did and I will have no one question it, Violet will be a part of this event and end of the discussion," He responded in a firm tone, leaving no room for arguments.

"I understand, please forgive me if I was rude," The advisor said with a small bow of his head and the king nodded then returned his attention to the matter at hand, which was to now finish off the opening ceremony. 

The audience was silent, listening carefully and not even moving an inch since they knew better than to question the king's decision but now, they were curious about the princess, one which they knew had a slightly bad reputation around the palace, especially. 

"My decision is final, this event is the most important and all who is capable and accept the terms are qualified, it will not be easy for any of the participants and as you move up, the harder it becomes, you will have to keep pushing yourself forward, only the bests of the bests will survive this and those capable enough, you won't know what you are truly capable of unless you push beyond your limits," He said as he glanced at his sons as his eyes caught onto Violet's nonchalant expression. 

"The chances to join is now over, if you were unable to join or missed your chance to do so, there is nothing that can be done, since there was a time given, as for those who were able to join, I wish you the best of luck during the event, which commences from tomorrow the information will be sent to you, with that, this ceremony comes to an end," He announced. 

The entire audience clapped and bowed their heads in respect to the king and he turned towards his kids and stepped off the stage and they followed him to leave and the eyes of the crowd, trailed after them, specifically Violet.