Chapter 287: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (13)
A Few days later.
Thirheria.
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The grand hall of the castle was filled with an uneasy tension as the meeting convened. Seated at the head of the long table were King Aldrich, Queen Helena, and Prince Theodore, their expressions grave as they regarded the man before them—Baron Aldridge, Adele’s father. His presence was always unsettling, his cunning nature well-known within the court. This time, however, it was his insistence on this meeting that raised even more suspicion.
Baron Aldridge sat confidently, a smile playing on his lips as he began to speak. "Your Majesties, Your Highness," he started, his tone oily with false humility. "I come before you today with a request that is both simple and significant. As you know, I have many friends and connections in the troll kingdom. They have been eager to witness the union of our families and have expressed a strong desire to attend my daughter’s wedding."
At these words, the tension in the room thickened. The king and queen exchanged a glance, and the guards at the entrance instinctively placed their hands on the hilts of their swords. Theodore’s eyes narrowed, his discomfort growing. He knew the baron was up to something, but what?
The king spoke first, his voice firm but questioning. "Baron, you must understand the implications of what you are asking. The trolls have not been allies to our kingdom. In fact, we have been on the brink of war with them more than once. Why should we entertain such a dangerous request?"
Baron Aldridge held up his hands as if in peace, though his eyes gleamed with calculated intent. "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. But let me assure you, the trolls have no ill will towards our kingdom. In fact, it is quite the opposite. They were initially displeased with the idea of this marriage, but when they heard it was my daughter, their hearts softened. They have come to love Adele as if she were one of their own."
A murmur of disbelief swept through the room, and one of the guards drew his sword, stepping forward as if to strike down the baron where he stood. But the Queen, ever the voice of reason, raised her hand, her calm presence commanding the room. "Put away your swords," she instructed the guards, her tone soothing but firm. "We will hear him out."
Reluctantly, the guard sheathed his weapon, and all eyes turned back to the baron, who continued as if nothing had happened. "I am not blind to the distrust between our peoples, but I assure you, their interest in attending this wedding is purely out of respect for our families. They have agreed to come in peace, and I believe their presence would symbolize a new era of unity between our lands."
The king leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. The baron’s words were not entirely without merit; the recent attacks and threats from the trolls had indeed quieted down since the engagement was announced. Perhaps there was truth to his claims. "It is true," King Aldrich said slowly, "that the tensions have lessened. But I cannot help but wonder why."