That title wasn’t just ceremonial. It wasn’t just fluff. The Queen had just given me rank. Status. Power.
A knight of the realm. Answerable only to the royal family—and outranking nearly half the court.
The Queen’s final words sent actual chills down my spine:
“Her name shall be Abigail Stormhart.”
Even Alaric stiffened beside me at that. His gaze slid to mine.
Stormhart. A name they gave only once every few generations. To someone untouchable.
I exhaled slowly, sparks flickering from my fingers down to the hem of my gown, crackling over the enchanted beads.
The Queen finally smiled. That soft, knowing kind.
“Lady Abigail. Step forward.”
I did. In front of everyone.
The nobles split like waves before lightning.
I passed my father. Didn’t even look at him.
Algebra hissed somethi
