Chapter 7: The Court Mage

“You want me to be the court mage?!?” Eira said loudly as she tried to process the information. 

“Your majesty I am also surprised. Are you sure this is a good idea? We don’t even know her magical potential.” Henry said even Henry was shocked and for good reason. 

The court mage is one of the highest honors a person can receive. Their authority is second only to the king and the council. Their job is to not only protect the king but also to act as a judge and councilors. Just as Henry is the main enforcer and the king's right hand. The court mage is the left hand; both are extremely important to the king. But James never took a court mage. Despite the council's pleas.  

The previous court mage was killed by Zaria along with the rest of the royal family. Naturally, the high position grants the court mage a lot of authority and power. 

The only requirement is that the court mage must be extremely well-versed and powerful in magic. Meaning that any citizen of the kingdom can become the court mage. After the king selects one they must be confirmed by a majority vote in the council. 

“I believe you have the potential. But I’ll still officially test you. But before you can become the court mage I must teach you magic. So once you recovered our lessons can begin.” James said to Eira to which she nodded. 

“Okay! I’ll do my best Jay- I mean… your majesty !” She said a little confused. “… wait, do I address you as your majesty or jay?… I-is that a rude question to ask?” She said, feeling a little overwhelmed, few people have met the king so she doesn’t know what to do. 

“It’s okay you can call me Jay since It was my idea for you to call me that.” He said reassuringly with a little smile. 

To which Henry just stared at James with shock nobody in the kingdom ever refers to the king informally. Henry wondered what is so special about this girl and why King James is doing so much for her? His thoughts were interrupted as James continued. 

“Anyway, I must go now. Please get some rest, we will speak again soon.” He then exited the room with Henry. 

As James and Henry walked the corridors Henry asked. “Your highness forgives me for speaking out of term… but why are you doing so much for her? Nobody is allowed to address you informally yet this woman is allowed to call you by a nickname? Please explain sir.” He was genuinely confused but also jealous. 

James sighed and replied by saying. “She is a guest, it's only courteous to allow the guest to be comfortable. Plus she got hurt because of my hesitation. I must make it up to her… besides I can sense potential in her. Just like I could sense potential in you when we met” he said as he put a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “Trust me, Henry. I’m sure you will understand one day.” He said assuringly to which Henry dipped his head. 

“Yes, your majesty I understand.” He replied after which James continued. 

“Henry, once she recovers I want you to watch over her. She needs to be protected. She will most likely be targeted by my enemies. Only you can keep her safe while I’m not around.” 

He told him. Henry wanted to argue but he had already spoken out of term too many times. He simply nodded. “If that is your command I will obey,” Henry said simply as they continued to walk the corridor.