In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 100: Fate's Reward~

March 24th, 1652

"Adrian is at the border," Kalysta said, stepping out to join Zayn for their morning walk in the garden. "Do you know anything about that?"

"Actually, he did mention something to me. It must have slipped my mind. He expressed a desire to accompany you to the Treaty Conference. With the way things have turned out, he wished to bolster stronger relations with you before showing up to the meeting."

His tone was offhand, but Kalysta sensed there was something else going on. "He desires to accompany me? Bolster stronger relations? How are those two things even related?"

"He simply said that if I were here, he would wish to travel with us to the Treaty Conference," Zayn responded. "Are you going to allow him to come here? You're allowed to refuse, but I don't think it would set a good precedent."

Kalysta gave him an exasperated look. "I'll allow it, but I mean to get to the bottom of whatever he actually wants as soon as he gets here."

"That will be in a few short days, probably."

Kalysta sighed, but slipped her hand into his. "He used to like me, I think."

"Give him time," Zayn murmured. "He'll come around."

"Does he know of... whatever this is?"

"I told him my intentions before I left."

This made her laugh. "And what are your intentions, Sir Malik? Surely you don't mean to corrupt the newly crowned Queen of Elysium."

"No, I've already had that pleasure," he hummed appreciatively.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

March 27th, 1652

King Adrian of Mullingar arrived well before Kalysta expected. It didn't help that she was dreading this. Facing him again was a feat she had hoped to put off until the Treaty Conference.

She had him brought to the throne room where she sat, surrounded by her guards, the council, her parents, and Zayn.

Adrian was announced and strode in immediately, full of a self-possession and assurance that he certainly hadn't had previously. His clothing was elegantly simple, a stark contrast from his deceased brother's way of dressing, and the crown on his head seemed to fit him more than it ever had Murdoch.

"Your Majesty," he greeted, bowing lower than was necessary. "I thank you for accepting me so graciously into your Royal City, particularly after the events of the last year."

"King Adrian, it is my hope that our meeting will be a sign of peace to come."

With the pleasantries out of the way, Zayn stepped forward to embrace his uncle, an action which surprised Kalysta. She hadn't realized they were so close. Following that, Zayn stayed next to his uncle. He whispered something in Adrian's ear and Adrian nodded quickly.

"Your Majesty, I have two reasons for appearing before you today," Adrian continued. "The first is to ask that I be allowed to accompany you for the trip to Wolvecaster. I believe we can establish mutually beneficial agreements on trade and border regions before we meet with the other nations."

Kalysta nodded. "I see the validity of such a request and it is granted. Your second reason?"

Adrian took a deep breath. "I will not evade the subject that our nations have been hostile in past years. It is common knowledge and something that I wish to rectify. Treaties and trade agreements are not adequate, in my opinion."

Where was he going with this?

"I was central in the organization of the first treaty between us," he continued, "however much of a failure it was. It was my prompting that moved my brother from a course of direct war, to the possibility of creating ties between our nations. I would endeavor to forge that possibility again, though it would be foolish to bind two rulers or heirs, as my brother attempted, when they have obligations to their own nations.

"Queen Kalysta, I propose a marriage that will benefit not only our nations, but Bradford as well. Zayn holds no ruling obligation to either Mullingar or Bradford, but has irrevocable ties to both. As such, your marriage to him would be of incalculable benefit to us all. In the event that you have children, there will be a permanent connection between our nations. Too long have we divided ourselves and squabbled. Instead, we could unite this continent with peaceful relations. Do you find this agreeable with your policies and laws?"

Kalysta's mouth gaped unattractively. It seemed a lifetime ago that she had entertained such notions as this. She was used to her nightmares coming to fruition, but her good dreams almost never made an appearance in reality.

She had to admit, this marriage made sense, politically.

She looked to her left and right at the councilors seated close by. There were nods of approval directed to her, though Duke Crothers gave her a searching look, as if verifying that she wanted this. He had been there for the entire first arranged marriage fiasco. Her eyes passed quickly over her father and landed on her mother. The look her mother gave her, quiet acceptance and love, was all Kalysta needed.

"I am inclined to accept the proposal, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice carefully controlled, "but what does Sir Malik have to say on this?" She just knew he had concocted this plan as well.

Zayn's mouth quirked as he held in his humor. He stepped forward, one foot on the stairs to the dais, and stopped.

"Princess," he began. "Kalysta. The idea of this union was always a fantasy of which it was easier to simply not speak. I will tell you now that I have wanted it for some time, since the day you let your mask down in front of me in Cheshire. I saw your passion, your resolve, and your abiding love for your people. Seeing all that, I couldn't help but fall in love with you. I've loved you every moment since then, even when my pride and stupidity got in the way. I've wished for this for so long and the troubles of our countries have finally stopping pulling us apart. For once, they are bringing us together. I make my promise to stand by you in everything, matters of state, matters of family, all of it. This I swear, in front of these gathered witnesses, and humbly ask for your hand in marriage." He bowed low, his heart bare for all to see, and awaited her answer.

Kalysta could hardly think for the joy coursing through her. She wanted this, more than anything she wanted this.

"Rise, Sir Malik," she said. "Your proposal is welcomed and accepted."

Pain and joy. The balances had finally swung in their favor. And it was past time that fate rewarded them for all they'd sacrificed.

~THE END~