Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

4

Alan

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on my chest. It couldn't be true. Having the kingdom of Pete as a mediator to trade and manage the borders had given us a respite in the midst of the storm. If he cut ties, it would be the ruin of my already dying kingdom. My people... my people would die. I had been fighting tirelessly to keep my kingdom afloat amidst the conflict, sparing no effort to ease the tension at the border. The idea of losing our only ally was devastating, like watching a ship slowly sink in a raging sea.

The hall was steeped in tense silence, broken only by the occasional creak of wood beneath our feet. The torches on the walls cast dancing shadows, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Pete, with his regal bearing, stood up and spoke in a firm voice, though a note of urgency seeped into his words.

"I have a proposition for you," he said, and the atmosphere became so tense it could be cut with a knife. "You are not obliged to accept it. You can also suggest ideas as long as they are just as good."

Charlie, the young crown prince of Northern Eldoria, stepped forward. His eyes shone behind his glasses, reflecting the light of the chandeliers. There was a mix of curiosity and caution in his voice when he asked, "What does your highness propose?"

Pete let his words resonate in the room before responding. "Marriage. I propose a union between your kingdoms to ensure the attacks will stop."

Winner, with disbelief and disdain in his voice, retorted, "That's... that's absurd."

Pete looked at him coldly, his gaze fixed on the young prince. "No, it is not, Prince Winner. I propose a marriage that will restart relations between your kingdoms, give the confidence to open the borders, and end the absurd conflict. It will be political, yes, but one kingdom cannot attack the other if its members are united in something as sacred as marriage. The union I propose will be between Prince Jeff of Northern Eldoria and Prince Alan of Southern Eldoria. This is to ensure the lineage and the strength of the message to the people."

Silence fell over the room again, heavier than before. I could feel the tension in the air, almost palpable.

As the words echoed in the room, my mind filled with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, I understood the logic behind the union; a marriage could be the key to the peace and stability we so desperately needed. But on the other hand, the idea of marrying for political reasons, without love or personal choice, especially to one of our enemies, was deeply disturbing to me. I directed my gaze to the young prince and noticed that his face had lost all color, and his eyes looked lost, clinging more tightly to his brother's arm.

Charlie, his voice trembling despite his attempt to sound firm, said, "I just lost one of my brothers, I'm not going to give up the other."

Desperation seeped into every word, like an overflowing river. The hall, illuminated by golden chandeliers, seemed darker in the face of the tension that hung in the air. The shadows danced on the walls, reflecting the uncertainty and fear of those present.

"Are you implying that you lost your brother because of us?" Babe replied defensively, his voice laden with indignation. "Investigations were conducted and it was proven..."

"Enough!" Pete interrupted, his voice resonating with authority. "I know it is very difficult for both kingdoms, but it is the most reliable solution. I would fully support Northern Eldoria if anything were to happen to Jeff. It is more than obvious that with this union, Southern Eldoria would have everything to lose. And with Jeff in Southern Eldoria, I would not allow them to attack Northern Eldoria. It will be a message to your people. If the rulers of both kingdoms can love each other, why couldn't they try to reconcile their differences? I know it is a difficult decision, so I will give you exactly one month to think about it. During that time you can propose ideas, but if none improve my proposal and you do not decide, I will cut ties without prior notice at the end of the date. I have spoken."

"Love?" Winner asked with disdain and mockery. "Obviously, in the hypothetical case that it were accepted, it would be a political marriage, not for love. Everyone would know that."

"Why should they know?" Pete retorted with icy calm. "Nothing convinces the masses more than a love story, especially if it is between two supposed enemies. It gives it a romantic air, which if handled well will stop any hint of resistance."

And on top of that... we had to pretend to be in love? I thought incredulously. It's impossible. Between us, it's impossible.

"And what if we refuse?" Winner asked, his voice filled with defiance, his eyes shining with a mix of anger and pride.

"Then, Northern Eldoria and Southern Eldoria will be isolated," Pete replied firmly, his gaze fixed on the gathered leaders. "My kingdom can no longer be a pawn in your endless war. You must find a solution, and quickly."

"This is madness," Charlie murmured, looking around for support, his voice trembling slightly like a leaf in the wind. "We can't just marry off our princes like chess pieces."

"It's not madness, it's an opportunity," Pete said, softening his tone, trying to instill hope in his words. "An opportunity to show your people that peace is possible. That love and unity can overcome hatred and division."

"I understand the logic behind your proposal, your highness," I said, addressing Pete. "But this is not a decision that can be taken lightly. I need time to consider all the implications and talk to my family. Peace is our goal, but not at any cost."

Pete observed me with a look that mixed understanding and determination. He knew the proposal was not easy to accept, but he also understood that time was crucial. With a sigh, he softened his expression and nodded slowly.

"I understand your reservations, Prince Alan," Pete said, his voice calmer but still firm. "This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and I respect your need for time to consider all the implications. However, I want everyone to understand that time is a luxury we do not have in abundance. Every day that passes, more lives are at risk."

Pete paused, letting his words sink in. Then, he continued in a more conciliatory tone.

"My intention is not to force a solution, but to find one that benefits everyone. The peace and stability of our kingdoms depend on our ability to make difficult decisions. I trust that, with reflection and dialogue, we can reach an agreement that ensures a better future for all."

At that moment, Queen Helena, who had remained silent, stepped forward. She rose from her chair with imposing grace, her gaze fixed on Pete, evaluating every word he had said. Her presence was like a contained storm, powerful and dangerous.

"One month," the queen repeated, her voice soft but laden with authority, like the whisper of a cold wind. "Very well, Pete. We will consider your proposal. But do not think we will accept it without more. This marriage must be beneficial for both kingdoms."

Pete inclined his head slightly in respect.

"I understand, your majesty," he replied, his voice firm but respectful. "I hope you find a solution that brings peace to all."

Then, directing his gaze to everyone present, he reaffirmed.

"You have one month," Pete repeated, his voice softer but still firm, like the echo of distant thunder. "Not a day more. Not only to think about my proposal, but you also have the option to present new proposals. I will wait for the decision you make."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the face of each person in the room. Then, with a smile that lit up his face and his eyes shining with a mix of expectation and something else they couldn't quite identify, he added:

"Oh, one more thing," he said, his voice resonating softly. "As a gift for my ascension, I want to ask for a joint present from both kingdoms. A show of your goodwill."

Babe and I exchanged intrigued looks, wondering what he could want now, after the bombshell he had dropped. Especially with that smile in this atmosphere of such tension.

"Help me close the night with a dance," he continued, his voice resonating softly. "A dance between Jeff and Alan."