Stay calm. Princess Cecilia Josanne Victerian thought to herself sternly. You cannot let the people see your nerves. Remember what father says, ‘the people are only as strong as their leaders’. Maintain an air of strength and confidence.

 

Cecilia made sure to keep her facial expression utterly straight as she entered the main throne room. This room wasn’t just a symbol of power for the Fevelian Kingdom, it was a symbol of power for the human race. 

 

The Fevelian Kingdom had long held the border between the civilized world and the vast unclaimed lands to the west that were dominated by beasts, fiends, and demi-humans. Due to its size, fierce military, and skillful application of magic, a majority of the lesser human nations looked to the Fevelians for strength, guidance, and stability. 

 

The throne room was built with those concepts in mind. White marble pillars lined the edges of the large circular chamber. The polished floor reflected the high ceiling and hand crafted art that decorated the surface. It had taken many long years for the artisans to detail the kingdom’s history on the circular ceiling, but their skill could not be denied. 

 

Humble beginnings depicted by hard working men and women of the earth banding together to stop monstrous invaders from the wild lands. Famous battles, technological achievements, and the mastery of magic were all represented along the circular timeline. The final portion of the ceiling was dedicated to the royal family. 

 

Cecilia could draw a direct line from her own parents to the founders of their nation state. She remembered asking years ago why the depiction of the royal family was at the end of the circular timeline, right next to the working class who helped found the nation. Her father’s response was that a king or queen was nothing without his or her people. Cecilia had always kept those words in mind while training to become the next ruler. 

 

Once through reminiscing about the past of her kingdom, Cecilia’s eyes dropped down to the current ruling pair. The king and queen’s thrones were positioned on the far side of the room. Both seats were gold plated and covered with the softest material money could buy. A few marble steps elevated the thrones above anyone standing before them. 

 

The king and queen were already present and observing the final preparations being made by the head magician. Cecilia’s mother was the first to notice the princess’ arrival. The queen didn’t make any overt gesture, but Cecilia noticed her mother’s eyes soften and the corners of her mouth lift ever so slightly.

 

“You are doing fine. Just take a deep breath and try not to worry.” Is what her mother’s gaze seemed to say to her.

 

Cecilia gave the queen a small nod of her head as the moment of understanding passed between them. In his usual fashion, the king had yet to notice his daughter’s presence. Deciding it was best not to dwell on the lack of recognition, Cecilia stepped to the right and began a slow circular approach to her parent’s thrones. 

 

A subtle shift of movement behind her let Cecilia know that Kaitlyn was present and in her usual position behind the princess. Cecilia couldn’t remember the last time in her life that Kaitlyn hadn’t been near. After all, the slightly older girl had been tasked with the princess’ well being, but at this moment the knowledge that her closest friend was next to her made Cecilia breath a little easier.

 

It’s not everyday you get to meet your future husband.

 

Even thinking the word made Cecilia’s stomach flutter. Being eighteen years old already, it was fairly common to already be betrothed or even married at this point in a royal life. Had it been that type of situation, Cecilia might have felt more confident in herself. At least then she would have a solid idea as to who she would be bound to for the rest of her life instead of a mystical figure spoken of only in legend and prophecy.

 

“The preparations are complete, my lord.” The head magician announced loudly as the eleven other magicians cleared away from the large magical circle they had just finished in the center of the room.

 

Being an accomplished magic user herself, Cecilia would normally be involved in such a complex and important project, but her responsibilities fell outside of the arcane this day. Magic took a lot of energy and concentration, which might hurt the princess’ first impression on the hero who is about to be summoned. The prophecy was… oddly specific about how attractive the hero will be, but Cecilia was far more worried about what type of person this traveler will be.

 

Not that looks aren’t important… Cecilia found herself growing flustered at the thought of romance. I mean… I don’t want him to be an old man or anything like that.

 

“Where’s-” The king’s disgruntled statement was cut off as he immediately spotted Cecilia off to his left. “Oh. Good. You’re already here.”

 

She simply nodded in response and gave both of her parents a low curtsy. Cecilia’s father grumbled for a moment before gesturing towards the head magician who was still waiting in the center of the large magic circle that dominated the center of the throne room.

 

“Proceed.” 

 

The king’s instructions were received with a swift nod and a flurry of activity. The head magician and his eleven assistants took up equidistant positions around the circle and lifted their arms in unison. There was a moment of stiff silence before each magician began chanting.

The twelve voices matched each other’s speed and tone so perfectly they blended together into one singular sound. A rush of wind began to build from the edges of the room directly towards the center of the circle. 

 

Cecilia felt her dress try to pull her forward as the wind swept past her. Where the powerful air currents collided a small orb of light appeared. The dim white glow grew quickly in size and intensity while the chant reached its peak. As one, the magicians brought their hands to the center of their chest until their palms met. The chant ended with a sharp crack that sounded like lightning striking a tree and the light winked out of existence. The wind fell still and the room collectively blinked their eyes and focused on the once empty center of the magic circle.

 

Cecilia drew in a sharp inhale of breath and felt her eyes widen at the sight before her. The hero stood tall. He didn’t tower over everyone, but he was certainly above average in his height. The hero had sandy blonde hair that was short with small spikes at the very front. He had broad shoulders, a young face, and vibrant emerald eyes. There were no obvious muscles showing through his simple button up shirt and black pants, but Cecilia knew from his well defined face that he didn’t have a lot of fat on his body. The hero surveyed the room with utter confusion.

 

“Where am I?” He asked hesitantly.

 

“Oh great hero from a land beyond our own.” The king launched into his meticulously prepared speech. “Times are indeed desperate for our lands and our people. A great evil which was prophesied long ago has stirred in the west and only you, the hero destined to face this foe, can save us from our imminent doom.”

 

The hero blinked in surprise, but didn’t interrupt Cecilia’s father as he continued.

 

“We call upon you, oh great and noble one, to act as our sword and shield. I am humbled to see you in all of your glory, as it was prophesied that you would be the fairest, most handsome, most wonderful man in all realities-”

 

“Whoa whoa whoa.” The hero made a T sign with his hands. “What’s all that about?”

 

The king hesitated for a brief moment until his eyes lit up with understanding.

 

“Ah, yes. I’m sure that you are disoriented from being transferred from your homeland.” The king dipped his head. “Forgive me. This must all seem so foreign to you.”

 

“No, the whole ‘transported to another world’ thing is fine.” The hero crossed his arms across his chest. “What’s this about me being the ‘fairest, most handsome man’?”

 

The king spluttered a bit and he looked to his wife for assistance.

 

“I believe what the king was trying to say was that your charm and nobility have been deeply entwined with the prophecy of your coming.” The queen jumped in. “The prophecy is quite clear that your heart and services can only be won by the fairest beauty in the land.”

 

Cecilia opened her mouth to present herself, but the hero spoke before she had the chance.

 

“Who wrote this prophecy?” He asked with narrow, suspicious eyes.

 

“The head matron of the church, a thousand years ago.” The king explained.

 

“A thousand years?” The hero rubbed his chin. “I suppose it wouldn’t be anyone I knew then. Sorry. It’s just… the prophecy sounds exactly like a few love letters I received in high school.”

 

The hero’s suspicion was replaced by a deep look of contemplation. Cecilia glanced towards her parents. They both looked disheveled, as their first interaction with the hero wasn’t quite going as planned. With an urging wave from the king and queen, Cecilia stepped forward.

 

“Oh great hero.” Cecilia lifted the edges of her dress and dipped into a respectful curtsy. “Though my beauty may fall short of your own, I offer my hand in marriage as a token of promise and good will on behalf of our people. May your betrothed ask you your name, oh great hero?”

 

If Cecilia were being honest, she wasn’t so sure that the hero’s beauty really dwarfed her own, but now wasn’t the time to get caught up in vain comparisons. Beauty was a subjective concept. There very well could be a commoner out in the world that could match or exceed Cecilia’s grace and beauty, but having the hero marry some random commoner would do little to tie his allegiance with the kingdom. The hero turned and regarded the bowing princess with a reserved expression.

 

“Devin. Devin Klein. I’m… honored? I suppose that would be the right word for it, but,” The hero placed his hands together in a prayer-like stance, “I’m afraid I’m already married.”

 

Cecilia’s head shot up and she could hear equally shocked outbursts from everyone else in the room.

 

“Your partner, she would be back in your world would she not?” the queen ventured.

 

Devin nodded. “Yes she would.”

 

“I’m afraid you will not see her again.” The king said with a somber expression.

 

He reached over to his wife’s chair and clasped her hand in his own.

 

“I’m sorry sir Devin Klein.” The king dipped his head and gave his wife’s hand a small squeeze. “But I’m sure my daughter can offer you companionship in your wife’s stead.”

 

Devin shook his head. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. I’ll definitely be seeing my wife again.”

 

“The transportation is one way.” Cecilia rushed to explain. “Going back to your world will be impossible. And we were only able to transport you as you are tied to the prophecy.”

 

“I don’t doubt what you say.” Devin smiled wide. “But I guarantee that she’s going to find her way here.”