Chapter 6: The one condition 

Several days later Eira woke up on a bed in a guest room in the palace. She looked around for a moment. It was a large room surrounded by luxury. A few minutes later a maid entered and gasped when she noticed Eira was awake. 

“My lady you're awake! How are you feeling?” The maid asked as she rushed over to Eira. 

“I’m fine” Eira responded assuringly. She tried to move but failed. She was still too weak. She looked at her body and realized that her arms were covered in bandages. 

“W-where am I?” She asked, looking around once more. 

“You're in the royal palace, my lady.” The maid replied. 

“What? really? Is his majesty okay with me being here?” She asked as she turned her gaze to the maid.

“Of Course, his majesty personally carried you here himself, you are his guest.” the maid responded to which she was even more confused. 

B-but I don’t remember meeting the king? Did this happen when I was unconscious? She wondered but was interrupted by the maid. 

“I’ll inform his majesty that you're awake, I’m sure he will be relieved to hear the news.” the maid said and then dismissed herself. 

Eira stared at the ceiling in confusion. What in the world is going on here? His majesty carried me here? I don't understand it? Maybe once he comes, he can explain. 

As each minute passed, she felt more anxious, then she heard the room door open with a thud. Eira yelped. 

James and Henry entered the room, James was wearing his jewelry and crown. 

Eira’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw who just entered the room. 

“J-Jay? Is that you?” She asked with confusion and surprise. She wondered why Jay was wearing the king's crown… the thought suddenly hit her. 

“J-Jay… a-are you the king?” She asked. James went over to her bed. 

“Yes, I am. I’m sorry for not telling you. I am King James Meyer II'' he introduced himself.

Eria still stared at him in disbelief. 

“I-I spent the night talking to the king…. Wait, you said your name is Jay? Did you lie to me?” She asked accusingly. 

“It was a half-lie. Jay is short for James, right? You can still call me Jay. Consider it a nickname.” He said with a chuckle.

Henry gasped at James's new face. his majesty… you smiled… he stared at him in disbelief Henry had never seen James smile before, who was this girl? 

“Eria…” James continued, “ I want to apologize for what happened. You got injured under my watch. I failed to protect you. and I was right there yet you still got injured. Please forgive me.” he said while taking a bow. 

“N-no please don’t apologize… I’m sorry for being so reckless… it’s really fine” she said with a friendly smile. To which James simply nodded. 

“Once again I am humbled by your kindness,” James said he knew she was different than the other noblewoman. She was so humble and kind. “If there’s anything I can do to repay you for my ignorance please let me know.” He said simply then backed away and went to the door. 

“W-wait…. Your majesty… please there is something I want to ask…” Eria cried out. James froze as he turned his head. “Y-yeah of course what is it?” He asked, confused. 

 Eria bowed her head and said, “P-please… teach me magic!” The room fell silent. James was shocked. He was expecting a question of what happened or if he can give her a noble title or money but teach her magic?… he knew he had to do it. To repay her for his weakness in failing to help her… James stopped and walked over to her. 

“..Very well Lady Eira I will teach you magic… on one condition…” he said with a little smirk. 

 “Y-your majesty are you sure?” Henry asked out of concern, he knew she was great and all but to have personal lessons from the king? 

“Why not? It’s the least I can do” James replied. “ But I have a condition myself…” he said then turned to Eira. 

“What do you say?” He asked. 

“Y-yes! Anything!” She said quickly with determination. 

James responded. “I will teach you magic. But you must become the court mage.” 

 When the king declared this, the entire room fell silent from shock. Everyone in the room besides James himself stared at Eira with shocked expressions. Eria herself had her eyes wide with surprise. She simply stared at James as she tried to process what he just said.