(Opening Scene: The tense atmosphere of the council chamber lingers. Lady Elara Montaigne continues to address Headmaster Theron, her concern for Astrid evident. Unseen by most, the Captain of the Montaigne guard subtly shifts, allowing another figure to step forward from behind him – a young man of noble bearing, with an air of entitled arrogance.)
"Headmaster," Lady Elara continued, her voice firm, "Astrid's future is… carefully planned. Her lineage carries responsibilities."
It was then that the young nobleman stepped forward, his gaze fixed possessively on Astrid. He had a handsome, if somewhat petulant, face and wore finely tailored robes bearing the insignia of a prominent royal house.
"Indeed, Aunt Elara," he interjected, his voice smooth but with an underlying tone of command. "Astrid's hand has already been promised. I am Prince Theron Vancroft, and I have come to see for myself these… rumors concerning my future bride." He cast a dismissive glance at Zane, his lip curling slightly. "This… void mage."
Astrid's eyes widened in dismay. "Lysander? What are you doing here?"
Prince Lysander ignored her, his attention solely on Zane. He exuded an air of superiority, accustomed to deference and obedience. "I hear tales of a weakling wielding dangerous, uncontrolled magic, endangering the future Queen of Eldoria." He scoffed. "Clearly, these are exaggerations. Still, for Astrid's safety, and to put these ridiculous rumors to rest, I propose a duel." His gaze hardened, locking onto Zane. "Between you and me, void mage. For Astrid's hand."
Zane stared at the prince, taken aback by the sudden challenge and the revelation of Astrid's betrothal. He glanced at Astrid, seeing the distress in her eyes.
Headmaster Theron stepped forward, his expression stern. "Prince Lysander, with all due respect, this is Lumina Academy, a place of learning, not a dueling ground for matters of personal dispute. Furthermore, the events that transpired were an accident, and Zane is under academy supervision."
Prince Lysander waved a dismissive hand. "Accident or not, this… individual poses a threat. And as a royal prince, my concern for my future consort's well-being supersedes academy regulations." He puffed out his chest, his tone brooking no argument. "I invoke royal command. A duel will take place. It will prove once and for all who is worthy of Lady Astrid's hand."
The council chamber fell silent, the weight of the royal command hanging heavy in the air. Headmaster Theron's authority seemed to waver in the face of such direct royal intervention. Astrid looked at Zane, her eyes pleading. The situation had just taken a dramatic and dangerous turn.