The journey to the Air Kingdom passed uneventfully, but the tension aboard the ship was palpable. Though the sea was calm, the air between Ambrose, Nix, and Hamford buzzed with unspoken thoughts. As the grand city of Eoten came into view, its towering spires gleaming in the midday sun, Ambrose’s mind churned with questions about the accusations against Hamford.

The royal harbor, a magnificent structure lined with pristine white stone and filigree, loomed before them. Waiting at the dock was a contingent of royal guards and servants, their stern faces hinting at the gravity of the situation awaiting them.

Flanked by Nix and Hamford, Ambrose made his way up the grand marble steps of the palace. The opulence of the Air Kingdom surrounded them—delicate carvings in the walls, marble statues, and grand banners fluttering in the breeze. It was a far cry from the rugged coastline they had recently left behind.

They were escorted directly to the royal audience chamber, where King Caelus awaited them. The king stood as they entered, his tall, regal figure exuding authority. His silver hair was immaculate, and his piercing blue eyes regarded them with an intense, thoughtful gaze. Clad in a deep blue robe trimmed with gold, King Caelus’s presence was commanding, and the weight of the moment settled heavily upon the group.

“Your Highness,” the king greeted Ambrose, his deep voice reverberating through the chamber. “Welcome back to Eoten. I am relieved to see you safe. I trust your journey was smooth?”

“It was, Your Majesty,” Ambrose replied with a respectful nod. “But we have urgent matters to address. I’m here to clear Hamford’s name.”

King Caelus’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze shifting to Hamford. “Yes, the dwarf. I was informed he was to be detained for questioning regarding your disappearance. What can you tell me about this?”

Ambrose straightened, his voice steady but firm. “Hamford had nothing to do with my disappearance. A sea beast took us overboard. I followed the creature, and we were separated. I need to understand why such a grave accusation was made against him.”

The king’s eyes narrowed as he listened. “When I was informed you had gone missing, I deployed the royal Trackers. As you know, they can sense magical auras, especially after powerful spells are cast. We detected a surge of magic during the storm, one that did not originate from the novice sorcerer,” Caelus’s gaze flickered to Nix, “but from something darker. The Trackers believe it to be dark magic—a type of magic that dwarfs have been known to meddle in.”

At this, Hamford’s face flushed with fury. His fists clenched as he stepped forward. “Yer speakin’ lies! My people were murdered—hunted down! I’ve spent a century searchin’ for any kin left alive. To accuse me of dabbling in dark magic is a disgrace!”

The anguish in Hamford’s voice echoed through the grand hall, his pain raw and undeniable.

King Caelus’s eyes hardened. “You dare raise your voice in my court?” he snapped, standing abruptly. Instantly, guards moved to surround Hamford, weapons half-drawn. The air became charged with tension, and it was clear things were spiraling out of control.

Nix, feeling the weight of the situation, stepped forward with urgency. “The sea monster!” he shouted, his voice cutting through the rising commotion.

The room fell silent. King Caelus turned his cold gaze to Nix. “You saw the creature?” he asked, his voice now quieter, more controlled.

Nix swallowed nervously, summoning all the courage he could muster. “Yes, Your Majesty. It was a massive, octopus-like beast. It attacked us during the storm.”

The king’s advisor leaned in, whispering in Caelus’s ear. “The sea captain did mention the sorcerer diving into the water after them.”

King Caelus’s expression shifted to one of cautious consideration as he studied Nix. “If what you say is true, then you must bring me evidence of this creature. Only then can the dwarf’s name be cleared. Until such proof is presented, Hamford will remain in custody.”

“No!” Ambrose protested, stepping forward. “Hamford is innocent! We just need time to find the creature—”

King Caelus cut him off with a wave of his hand. “The dwarf stays in custody until you prove otherwise. Guards, take him.”

Hamford struggled as the guards seized him, his voice filled with rage and frustration. “This is madness! I’ve done nothin’ wrong!” he bellowed as they dragged him away.

“Don’t worry, Hamford! I’ll fix this!” Ambrose shouted after him, before rounding on the king, his temper rising. “When can you have a ship ready for us?” he demanded, his voice tight with urgency.

King Caelus’s patience seemed to thin. “Ambrose, you are not leaving. You’ve done enough running around. It’s time you fulfill your duties here at court.”

“I’m not letting Nix go back to sea alone!” Ambrose countered, his frustration mounting. “I’m not an heir to this kingdom—”

“Yet,” King Caelus interrupted sharply. “Your ceremony will take place at the end of the summer season—less than two months from now. Your father has given you a remarkable opportunity, and you are doing everything in your power to squander it!”

His words cut deep, and for a moment, silence reigned. Then, in a quieter tone, the king added, “You are the son I was never able to have.”

Ambrose’s anger flared again, but he held it in check. He hated being a prince, hated the obligations it placed upon him. But his loyalty to his friends outweighed his own frustrations. “Your Majesty, my apologies for my outburst,” he said through clenched teeth. “Nix is a novice sorcerer, not a sailor or a soldier. He needs help to find the creature and gather evidence. I ask for your permission to assist him, or I will leave on my own.”

King Caelus stared at him long and hard, the tension in the room thickening. He saw much of his late sister in Ambrose—the same defiance, the same fiery determination. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but resolute.

“You will have a ship. In three days.”

Ambrose’s eyes narrowed. “Tomorrow morning,” he countered.

“Three days, Ambrose,” King Caelus said with finality, his tone bearing no argument. “Or there will be no ship at all. And if you defy me again, I will send you and the sorcerer back to Elysia. The dwarf will rot in prison, and the Academy will be barred from accepting Nix. You will be confined to the castle grounds for the rest of your days.”

Ambrose stood motionless, his fists clenched, his jaw tight with barely contained fury. But he knew there was no use in fighting further.

“Three days,” the king repeated.

Without a word, Ambrose turned and stormed out of the audience chamber, his anger barely restrained. Nix, feeling the weight of the king’s decree, gave a hasty bow. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” he mumbled before hurrying after Ambrose.