Chapter 249: First Life, Alice. (16)
The Meeting.
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The great hall of the neutral castle chosen for the meeting was adorned with the banners of both Firseria and Springton, each symbol of power and pride fluttering gently in the breeze that slipped through the high windows.
The tension was palpable as King Reginald of Firseria and King Albert of Springton took their seats at the grand oak table, their advisors and guards standing alert behind them.
King Reginald, a tall man with a regal bearing and a stern face, spoke first. "Thank you, King Albert, for agreeing to this meeting. The years of conflict between our kingdoms have cost us dearly. I propose we end this bloodshed with a marriage truce. My son, Prince Theodore, will marry your daughter, Princess Alice."
King Albert, a stout man with a fiery temperament, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "A marriage truce?" he scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool, Reginald? This is nothing more than a ploy to weaken my kingdom from within."
King Reginald’s expression remained calm, though a flicker of frustration crossed his features. "I assure you, Albert, this is no ploy. Our people suffer, our resources dwindle. This marriage will unite our kingdoms and bring about a lasting peace."
Albert slammed his fist on the table, causing the advisors to jump. "Peace? You speak of peace while your soldiers skulk around my lands, gathering intelligence, preparing for another attack. This is not peace; it is subterfuge!"
King Reginald’s voice grew firmer, his patience waning. "Our people deserve better than endless war. This marriage is an opportunity to build a future free from conflict. Think of your daughter’s happiness, of the lives we can save."
Albert’s face turned a deep shade of red, his anger boiling over. "I will not be manipulated by you, Reginald! My daughter will not be a pawn in your schemes. We will meet you on the battlefield before I allow this marriage to happen."
The room fell silent, the weight of Albert’s words hanging heavily in the air. King Reginald’s eyes darkened, his disappointment evident. "If you insist on continuing this futile war, so be it. But know this, Albert—our next encounter will not be at a table, but on the field of battle."