In the Shadows

Chapter 7: France

Alexandra's POV

"We cannot continue fighting like this," I said. I was in Court once again fighting to get peace, but the French king and the Spanish diplomat were being difficult. It had been a week since my arrival in France. "Our three countries are the strongest countries in the world. Everyone fears us and we spend out time fighting each other. Our people are suffering, our men are dying, our lands are being destroyed. If we continue on like this we will only destroy ourselves. But if we work together imagine the things we could accomplish."

"Are you suggesting an alliance between the three of us?" the Spanish asked. "Your country has done to much damage to us."

"I agree," the French king said.

"You both speak as if my country is the only one at fault, but you both have done a lot to my country. My father was killed by the French as was the sister of my dear friend. The Spanish tortured me and threatened my friend's family. Everyone here is to blame. Besides I was not suggesting an alliance; I am suggesting a treaty and the willingness to have an alliance. We must stop the fighting or we will be destroyed," I said.

"Even if we make a treaty, someone will break it," the French king commented.

"I suppose," I replied.

"What about a marriage?" the Spanish asked.

"Marriage?" I asked in return.

"Marriages have constantly been used to ensure peace," he replied.

"I agree," the French king said.

"And who do you suppose get married?" I asked.

"How about you marry one of the princes from either country?" the Spanish asked and I froze. Was he joking? Did they really think I would marry one of the princes?

"I am but a noble," I said.

"But you are a noble that has great respect and power as you are here now," the French king pointed out.

"And did you not say that we should have peace? Marriage would be the surest way," the Spanish said.

I had to come up with something and fast. "I would do anything for peace between our countries, but I cannot marry either of the princes from any of your countries."

"And why is that?" the Spanish asked.

"I am engaged to someone and my mother will not let my break the engagement to marry people from your countries," I replied. They did not seem pleased with my answer.

"Your mother would not want you to marry a prince?" the French king asked.

"My father was killed by a member of a guild employed by your country and the Spanish attempted to kill many of my friends including my betrothed," I replied. "Now excuse me gentlemen, while I go write my king about this." I strutted out of the room and I knew their eyes were on me. I went to my room and sat down at the desk.

I missed my family. I missed Joel and Cecil and the others. I missed Aaron. I kept thinking about the night he kissed me. I could stll feel his hands around me. I sighed as I leaned back in my chair. I could not get anything done if I kept thinking about that. It could be months before I see him again anyway, or maybe even a year or more if the two men did not work with me.

I quickly wrote my king a letter telling him the "compromise" the two men wanted and I called for a servant to send it.

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It had been two weeks since I had sent the letter, no reply, and the men were getting anxious. I was sitting in my room avoiding all contact with everyone. I heard a knock on my door.