Never Abdicate

"How did you become Queen?" King Philippe's voice thundered with anger. "You are cursed!" His fury was evident in his clenched jaw and intense gaze. "You can't walk, you always faint. How can you possibly rule a kingdom?"

Hiyasmin's response cut through the tension like a knife. "I was not cursed, King Philippe," she stated firmly. "I was poisoned."

A murmur spread through the crowd as they exchanged shocked whispers.

"The poison was administered by those within our own castle," Hiyasmin continued, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words. "They betrayed our trust and sought to undermine our kingdom." She paused, her expression briefly reflecting the weight of her ordeal. "But I stand before you today, no longer disabled and free from the poison that plagued me. I am ready to lead as your Queen Hiyasmin of Fire Fae Kingdom."

A sense of pride and determination radiated from Hiyasmin as she addressed the crowd, her smile genuine but masking the turmoil within. Meanwhile, Liam couldn't help but focus on King Philippe's face, now a mask of unreadable emotions as he grappled with the revelations unfolding before him.

"But Prince Ludwig was destined to ascend to the throne," King Philippe's voice reverberated with authority, his eyes searching for answers in Ludwig's silence.

Ludwig's response was a casual shrug, masking the underlying frustration and resentment. "I was cast out from my kingdom, condemned to the desolate Sunfire Wasteland after my Ascendant powers were revealed. You orchestrated every obstacle to prevent my claim to the throne. Now that I've willingly passed it on, you suddenly object?" His words carried a tinge of bitterness, highlighting the injustice he felt.

With a subtle smirk, Ludwig observed King Philippe's growing agitation. "Let's stop this pointless debate, Your Honor. It's time to proceed with the ceremony," he suggested calmly, though his eyes sparkled with defiance.

King Philippe's hand shot up, silencing the murmurs in the crowd. "There will be no wedding," his voice thundered, his face flushed with determination. "I refuse to allow my daughter to marry anyone unworthy of a kingdom." His resolve was unwavering.

Ludwig's feigned surprise and puzzlement masked his amusement as he listened to King Philippe's outburst. "You pledged to aid the kingdom in times of need, Your Majesty," Ludwig responded coolly, his grin never faltering. "Is that promise contingent upon my status as king? Does my abdication suddenly diminish our kingdom's plight in your eyes?"

King Philippe's hand trembled with anger as he gripped Ludwig's collar, his voice strained. "I am committed to helping the Fire Kingdom," he declared, struggling to contain his emotions. "But I demand that my daughter be made Queen. Remove Hiyasmin from the throne!"

Ludwig's eyes widened, his expression a mix of disbelief and amusement as he remained in King Philippe's grasp. "Why insist on your daughter's ascension?" he questioned, his tone measured. "It's unnecessary and complicates matters further, Your Majesty." Ludwig's words were deliberate, hinting at the absurdity of King Philippe's demand.

King Philippe's face turned a deep shade of red, his eyes ablaze with fury, as the nearby fountain's water boiled and steam filled the air, a visual testament to his rage. The unexpected turn of events had caught him off guard, trapping him in a state of anger and embarrassment.

Ludwig, sensing the escalating tension, spoke in a low but firm tone, attempting to free himself from King Philippe's grasp. "If I marry Princess Amethyst," he began, emphasizing his point, "you must relinquish your throne. Your daughter will ascend to become the next Queen of Water Kingdom, and that entails…"

"I will never abdicate!" King Philippe's voice boomed, his anger palpable. Veins bulged on his forehead as he clenched his fists. "You were meant to be king, Prince Ludwig. With my daughter as your queen, and our combined power, we would rule Etherealis together!"

His proclamation echoed through the town, silencing the onlookers. Only the heavy, labored breaths of the enraged king disrupted the eerie calm that settled over the crowd.

King Philippe's realization of his words echoed in his widened eyes, his surprise evident as he abruptly released Ludwig and stepped back. His gaze swept over the hundreds of townsfolk, their attentive eyes fixed on him, absorbing every word.

Anger simmered in the eyes of the citizens of the Fire Kingdom as they comprehended the situation. King Philippe's own anger surged, evident in his furious roar that reverberated through the air.

As anticipated by Minister Quagmane, the Water Kingdom Squadrons emerged from the forest, their movements deliberate and strategic as they approached the town. Clad in distinct uniforms, they advanced towards their destination with calculated precision. Liam, positioned strategically, blew the roaring warhorn, signaling the commencement of phase one in their strategic plan.

As chaos erupted, women in the town swiftly vanished, reappearing at the iron-laden gate where their children were safely kept within the castle since early morning.

Meanwhile, the remaining men concealed weapons beneath their cloaks, preparing for combat. Unnoticed by King Philippe, the civilians attending the wedding were actually part of the Fire Kingdom's Legion. They moved with practiced agility, positioning themselves strategically to confront the approaching enemies.

Princess Amethyst seemed to vanish like a burst bubble, while Hiyasmin transformed into a cloud of smoke, almost simultaneously. From a distance, Liam witnessed Hiyasmin brandishing a fiery blade, swiftly closing in on the fleeing Princess Amethyst. Sensing Hiyasmin's approach, Princess Amethyst conjured a spherical water shield and directed it towards her opponent. However, Hiyasmin's blazing sword effortlessly cut through the water, turning it into steam. With agile and precise movements, Hiyasmin closed the distance, shedding her elegant clothing and leaving behind her crown as she focused on the imminent battle ahead.

Observing the unfolding chaos, Liam shook his head ruefully. He should have anticipated that Hiyasmin would be wearing battle-ready undergarments beneath her extravagant dress, explaining why she had opted for such a huge outfit.

With her sword in hand, Hiyasmin lunged forward and expertly sliced through the air. Despite her delicate appearance, Hiyasmin was not one to be underestimated based on looks alone. Among the royals, she was renowned as the most eager for battle, never backing down or retreating but rather initiating confrontations head-on, unafraid and unyielding.