Coming of Age Ceremony & The King's Test (3)

"With everything I have learned about you here today, and from your father before, I must say that if this is the wish of my daughter that I will give my approval for this union! What do you say my daughter, after all you've heard today, is this what you want?"

"This is my wish father, I'm even more sure now than I was earlier. I know I'm still young and life is a long road, but I wasn't interested in any previous suitors, and I can guarantee I wouldn't be interested in any new ones. Before I met Jax, I felt like a was living in a fog not knowing if I'd ever be truly happy."

"When I met him, my mind started to feel a little clearer, like it was easier to smile and laugh than it used to be. I've never felt so free and light, and I would like to explore this more. With that said father, I'd like to present my own vow to you and Sir Jax." Answers Alice

She was inspired by Jaxs heartfelt vow, so she decided to make one of her own. She didn't know how her father would take it, but she was determined to see it through.

"I vow on my name, Alice Kingsly Helgard, that I will make this young man my husband. I will do everything in my power to accomplish this. Even if I would need to wait years or go through tests to prove myself, I'm ready and more than willing." said Alice with a note of finality in her words.

"Well, I don't think I need to say anything else, as long as my daughter is happy then that's all that matters." Says the King.

He then looks at Jax and says, "However, you will not gain my official approval until after your coming-of-age ceremony. At some point during the ceremony, you will need to face a challenger of my choosing. If you manage to defeat said opponent, I will announce your engagement and my approval publicly."

"After that you will need to accomplish a difficult and dangerous task. My men patrolling the Spiral Mountains said they came across what they believe to be a Dragon's Nest. They did not see the dragon themselves, but they did retrieve evidence that's leads us to believe the rumors are true."

"If so, this could provide the Kingdom the strength it needs to finally expand and become an empire. Your main task is to investigate these rumors and report on their authenticity. Your secondary task is to find and retrieve any dragon eggs or newborn dragonlings. More information will be given after the ceremony."

"You my daughter, will also have to finish your education and training. There are still a few years before your old enough to marry, so learn everything you can. How does this sound to the both of you?" the King asks with a smile.

"This is perfect and follows my thoughts exactly father. I will do as you say, so that I will be able to help lead our people in the future." Answers Alice

Again, Jax stands and bows before replying, " Your Highness, I would happily do this and more, I would also like to show you both something surprising about me at the ceremony, if you'll permit it. If you're wondering what these concerns, it's the proof I was going to use to gain early access to the academy."

"I'm intrigued and curious about what you have to show me. I look forward to seeing something wonderful. So, I will grant permission for you to have a special stage to prepare whatever it is. How many more days until your coming of age?" Ask the King

"My sixteenth birthday will be in two days your highness." Answers Jax

"Good, Good"

"Okay, from now until after your tasks have been completed, you and your family will be provided rooms here in the palace. You are also more than welcome to use the palace training grounds if you so choose. I will send a maid to your rooms later to get you all sorted."

When the King said this, Jacob and Sarah were surprised by this and Jacob stood and asked, "Your Highness, letting us into the palace is unneeded. We already have lodging in the city, I don't want to impose."

"Please do not worry yourself Sir Jacob, we have more than enough space for tens of a family your size. I would like you to stay in the palace so that we may talk together as fathers and possible future brother in laws, hahaha." said the King with a laugh.

"I think for we've discussed everything needed right now so we can end this meeting here. I have many things to get sorted for the ceremony, I would also like to ask the help of Miss Sarah for the ceremony preparations. I will send someone back with Sir Jacob to retrieve your belongings. In the meantime, Alice why don't you take Jax on a tour of the palace and grounds. Afterwards, we can all sit down for a nice dinner."

"Of course, father, I was going to suggest that myself. It will give us time to talk and get to know each other more. We will return later in time for dinner." replied Alice. She turns to Jax and says, "Come, I'd love to show you around my home."

Jax smiles gently, nods and says, " I'm at your mercy my lady, I look forward to learning everything I can about you, so please don't be annoyed at the multitude of questions coming your way."

"Hehe, I could say the same to you," replied Alice quickly, then they both left the hall to begin their tour.

"I will also take my leave here; I will have someone take you to get your things and get settled in the palace. Afterwards, come find me so we may discuss the plans for the ceremony." says the King as he also stands to leave. The other royals and court members leave with the King without even saying a word.

During their tour, Alice and Jax went everywhere they could on the palace grounds. She showed him the guardhouses and prisons. They also visited the library and forging rooms, Jax was really interested in learning about forging, he always thought it'd be a handy skill to have.

After several hours of walking around and learning about one another, they both started getting hungry, so they made their way back to the palace for dinner. At dinner, Alice and Jax were inseparable they continued talking while the adult's discussed their plans for the ceremony.

After dinner, everyone was feeling tired from the day's events, so they decided to get some rest and continue preparations tomorrow.

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Just like that, two days go by quickly and its almost time for Jaxs coming of age ceremony. The King had basically told everyone in the Kingdom, and they were expecting thousands of people to come witness the ceremony. He is very excited, but also a little nervous about revealing his affinity and potential to so many people, he wasn't the only one going through the ceremony.

There were five other young men from the kingdom that were also having their ceremonies alongside Jax. He was doing a lot better than some of the others. One of them looked about as calm as Jax was, the others, well they were on their way to having nervous meltdowns.

One by one they were called out to potential and affinity tests in front of the entire crowd, until only Jax was left. He was hoping he wouldn't be last, that way if he messed up the tests somehow, it'd be easily forgotten. Being last however, meant everyone here today would remember everything about the last persons tests. this was the thought nagging at his mind and making him feel a little bit nervous.

After what seemed like ages, his mother comes into the room, gives him a huge hug and says, "It's your time to shine my son, are you ready? Are you really sure you want to reveal your potential and affinity? We can come up with something else."

"No, it's fine mother. I'm fully prepared and I know what I'm about to do means for us. After today everybody will know I'm special and many will try to take advantage of that. Fear not mother, I will not allow myself to be used." replies Jax