The magical tower serves as the primary abode for wizards, where those gifted with magic are trained, but only the finest succeed in graduating. The tower is commanded by the archmage, who, due to his vast domains bestowed by the emperor with the title of king of wizards, wields influence akin to that of a king; hence, none dare challenge them.
This monumental edifice comprises a central castle, while the surrounding lands house buildings as large as mansions. In one such dwelling, students of magic are instructed and honed, while in another, wizards labor to conceive and refine new tools to advance the empire.
Claus, a revered professor, acquainted the archmage with Charlotte's magical prowess, resulting in her acceptance as a pupil. Her skills swiftly won the archmage's favor and, contemplating retirement, he prepared Charlotte to become his successor, his own offspring having estranged themselves from the magical tower. Now, in his twilight years, he saw the opportunity in Charlotte's formidable abilities.
Of course, she was presented to the emperor, who, albeit skeptically, granted his assent; for him, magical talent eclipsed gender.
Nowadays, Charlotte leads the tower, revered there as the sorceress queen. This clout has the queen fretting that Sigrid might exploit it to vie for the throne—his royal lineage does give him a claim. Swiftly, she pens a missive and directs her butler to dispatch it to a noted address.
"No one can usurp my children's crown," she asserts, needing Charlotte by her side.
Charlotte was barely roused that morning when a handmaiden knocked on her door to deliver a letter. Admitting the handmaiden, Charlotte received the missive before the servant took her leave. The seal from the palace prompted a faint smile from Charlotte.
"It seems the queen has taken notice," she murmured.
Hands emerging from beneath the covers snatched the letter away, and as the sheets were flung aside, Sigrid, also freshly awoken, eyed the seal.
"Well, that was swift," he remarked, tearing open the envelope without permission.
Charlotte secured the letter before the blond could glimpse its contents.
"I told you to retreat to your chambers. At this rate, the entire mansion must assume we're lovers," she clicked her tongue.
Though they shared a bed, nothing more had transpired between them, yet Sigrid had grown accustomed to falling asleep in her room whenever he fancied.
"I wouldn't mind fulfilling their suspicions," he quipped, seizing the chance to embrace her from behind and nibble her shoulder, marking her alabaster skin—a prank that came at a price as Charlotte flung him from the bed with her magic.
That afternoon, Charlotte headed to the palace at the queen's summons, undoubtedly part of some scheme. At this juncture, her lineage was likely unmasked. A handmaiden escorted her to a private parlor where, unexpectedly, only the queen awaited her. Charlotte bowed respectfully and was invited to be seated.
"Your invitation took me by surprise, Your Majesty, though I mistook it for a tea party," she voiced, feigning astonishment.
"No, I merely wished to converse privately with you, Lady Charlotte. Despite your family's desertion, you have carved your own path and achieved success," the queen declared.
"I owe it to my mentor; he rescued me from a wrongful imprisonment," Charlotte conveyed with a hint of sadness.
"How dreadful, is it due to your father blaming you for your elder sister's death?" the queen inquired with concern.
"Yes, but it was not as they claim. They will never admit it, but my sister doomed herself with narcotics, leading to her untimely end," Charlotte lamented, hands clasped over her heart.
The queen was taken aback, as the noble family's official stance was of a bewitchment leading to their daughter's demise.
"Lady Charlotte, I'll be frank. I have invited you here because I wish for you to marry my son Hugo," the queen proposed bluntly.
Charlotte acted surprised, then sighed subtly.
"Your Highness, he is engaged to my sister, and I do not deem myself worthy of such honor," she replied humbly, forging modesty.
But the notion of marrying Hugo was repellent, though it might ease her path to what she desired, she preferred a more entertaining route.
"That engagement can be annulled. Lady Leroux has fallen short of expectations, her upbringing is wanting, and my son holds no affection for her, unlike you, who clearly enchanted him with your beauty," the queen countered.
"I understand, Majesty, but I am not the right candidate. I cannot neglect my duties at the tower," Charlotte demurred.
"I do not think you should, and you are better suited to be queen. As you may know, the crown prince is being set aside, and Hugo is about to take his place," the queen reasoned.
She could not allow Sigrid to marry her and gain stronger endorsement.
"I appreciate the offer, yet I must decline. Breaking my sister's engagement would brand me as an interloper, tarnishing my reputation and forfeiting the support you imagine I would gain," Charlotte confirmed.
With those words, she felt assured she had outplayed the queen, aware that public opinion mattered greatly—a queen seen as a home-wrecker would not be welcomed.
"I hope you understand my position, Your Majesty. If that is all, I shall take my leave," Charlotte stated.
Rising, Charlotte curtsied and exited the parlor, leaving the queen fuming at the rebuff, lashing out in anger by hurling everything off her desk.
"How dare she defy me! The temerity...she will see..."
As Charlotte made her way to her carriage, Rogelia, visibly infuriated, confronted her upon seeing her departure from the queen's residence.
"What are you doing here? Scrounging for a maid's position, perhaps?" Rogelia sneered nastily.
"The queen summoned me. She wished for me to wed Prince Hugo, but I refused," Charlotte taunted.
At that, Rogelia was on the verge of lashing out, but then Sigrid descended from the carriage, assisted Charlotte in boarding, and flashed a jeering smile at Rogelia.
"Fret not, Lady Charlotte recognizes that I surpass the prince," he claimed before joining her in the carriage, while Rogelia stood seething, incensed by Charlotte's arrogant proclamation.
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