(Opening Scene: A designated dueling ground on the Lumina Academy grounds has been prepared. A circle of enchanted runes marks the boundaries, and a nervous crowd of students has gathered, eager and apprehensive in equal measure. Headmaster Theron stands as the impartial overseer, his expression grave. Prince Lysander struts confidently within the circle, radiating arrogance. Zane stands opposite him, his posture more reserved but with a quiet determination in his eyes. Astrid stands just outside the boundary, her gaze alternating between worry for Zane and disdain for her betrothed.)
Prince Lysander surveyed Zane with a condescending smirk, his eyes flicking over the younger mage as if assessing a particularly unimpressive insect. Before the duel officially commenced, he couldn't resist a few parting barbs, playing to the gathered crowd.
"So, this is the great void mage who has so captivated my betrothed?" he sneered, his voice carrying across the dueling ground. "A scrawny little thing. Barely looks like he could conjure a decent breeze, let alone threaten the future Queen of Eldoria. Perhaps Astrid has a penchant for the… tragically weak?" A smattering of nervous laughter rippled through the onlookers.
He continued his taunts, his voice dripping with disdain. "I've heard whispers of your… accidental magic. A destructive fluke, no doubt. You stand no chance against a mage of royal blood, one who has honed his skills through years of rigorous training. This will be a swift and painless lesson in humility… for you." He punctuated his words with a flourish of his hand, conjuring a shimmering rapier of pure energy.
Zane remained outwardly calm, refusing to rise to the prince's bait. He glanced at Astrid, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Your future husband," Zane murmured, just loud enough for her to hear, "is rather… annoying."
A genuine laugh bubbled up from Astrid, a momentary release of the tension that had been gripping her. "You have no idea," she whispered back, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The shared jest, even in the face of the impending duel, created a small bubble of defiance between them, a silent acknowledgment of their shared connection despite the prince's arrogant pronouncements.
Headmaster Theron cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the prince's taunts. "Prince Lysander, the insults are unnecessary. Master Zane, are you ready?"
Zane nodded, his gaze now focused on the prince, the earlier amusement replaced by a quiet resolve. He might not have the prince's noble lineage or formal training, but he had survived a harsh existence and wielded a power that even he didn't fully understand. He would not back down.
Prince Lysander, seeing that his insults had failed to truly provoke Zane, adopted a more serious stance, his energy rapier humming menacingly. "Very well, then, void mage. Let us begin. And let this be a lesson you won't soon forget."
The stage was set. The arrogant prince, the determined void mage, and the worried Astrid – the duel for her hand was about to begin.