"A war?"
The room grew thick with tension. Nobles exchanged uneasy glances, trying to comprehend King Burchard's words.
Ronia Cresus had been at peace for nearly a century. Small territorial disputes in the west had mostly been resolved through alliances, marriages, and trade. The continent had never known a more stable time.
King Aldos leaned forward, dark eyes narrowing at the Gavarian king. "What war? You are the largest kingdom in the continent. Even if this… war… comes to pass, who would dare target you?"
King Burchard's expression remained solemn. "I cannot say. But my sources are strong, there is a high probability that war is coming."
He turned to Aldos, voice low but firm. "And if it does, who will fall first? The smaller kingdoms, Meria included."
The faces around the table darkened. Gavaria was right. Meria was small and vulnerable.
"So your solution is to ally with Gavaria," Aldos said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "So that if the war comes, we have a chance to defend our citizens and our kingdom."
Prince Nathan leaned forward, voice steady. "Think about it. Meria has little to lose and much to gain. If the war never comes, we still gain a powerful, resourceful ally. And if it does… we'll be ready."
King Burchard nodded in approval, clearly impressed. Nathan's analysis reminded him of his own son, decisive, sharp, strong-willed.
A defeated sigh escaped Aldos. "Very well. Lord Morrell, prepare a royal decree: Meria and Gavaria shall be allies henceforth."
*
Meanwhile, across the continent, Princess Julia was languishing in the Gavarian palace.
"Your grace, this is so boring," she complained, watching Prince Adam buried in paperwork. "Can't we do something… interesting?"
Ever since her father and the king had left for Meria, the queen had asked Julia to stay at the palace, hoping she and Adam might grow closer. But the plan had backfired. The more time Julia spent there, the more Adam seemed to vanish into duties.
Julia attempted to seize control. "Can I accompany you today? I'm so bored being alone in this vast castle."
Adam, reading books and scribbling notes, barely looked up. "If you're bored, my lady, feel free to get something to eat. You needn't stay if you don't wish."
Julia's arms crossed, brows furrowed. "I want to eat with you, your grace. Be a gentleman, accompany me."
Adam closed his eyes, forcing a polite smile. If having lunch with her gets her out of my hair, so be it, he thought.
Just as he rose, the doors swung open. A well-dressed butler announced, "Your grace, the king has returned from Meria."
Relief washed over Adam. Thank the gods.
When he was younger, Julia had been fun, messy, playful, lively. But as they grew, her personality had soured into snobbery, gossip, and endless vanity. Adam could not fathom marrying someone so… shallow.
"Forgive me, my lady, but our luncheon plans must be postponed," Adam said. "We should go welcome the royal procession."
Julia glared, frustrated he hadn't reciprocated her effort to charm him.
*
In the royal study, Queen Selene rushed forward to embrace her husband.
"Darling… I'm so relieved you're back in one piece."
"Not getting rid of me that easily," King James Burchard chuckled, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"Father," Adam greeted, bowing with a smile. "Judging by your mood, the meeting went well?"
"Indeed," King James replied merrily. "The King of Meria is stubborn, but we managed to persuade him."
"And we have his son to thank," Lord Boleyn added. "Prince Nathaniel Aldos."
"Fine young man, much like you, Adam," the king said, clapping his son on the back. "You two would get along swimmingly."
"He… he has a way with words," Lord Boleyn added.
"Which explains how he managed such a lovely young lady," the king teased, patting Adam again.
"Father, please," Adam groaned, anticipating where this was going.
"You should have seen her, my boy, gorgeous, with bright blue eyes and flowing red hair."
Adam froze. Blue eyes… red hair… Could it be…? The girl from his dreams?
"Are you sure, father? Did she really—?" Adam's voice shook.
"Yes, I saw her with my own eyes. Do you know her?"
Adam's pulse raced. The girl from his dreams… she was real. And she belonged to a kingdom they had just allied with.
This was no coincidence. Destiny had placed her in his path. And Adam knew, deep in his chest, that he would find her and claim her heart.
He excused himself abruptly, muttering, "I'm not feeling well," and rushed toward the staircase.
No coincidence. Destiny. She is mine to find.