The Royal Engagement

Chapter 1

"Two kingdoms. Forever fated to slaughter each other and be reborn to do it again. It's a disastrous fate... Let us make history by ending this vicious cycle. The cycle that will spiral us into never-ending suffering and death."

Aios took her eyes off the models of the Laphitian Kingdom and Sirium Empire and reverted them to the members of the strategic meeting. Her speech silenced them before one spoke.

"I couldn't agree more your majesty! We must reach further to the edges of our mind if we wish to annihilate the Sirium Empire once and for all."

"That's right! We should bring in more explosives and firearms. Maybe kidnap and torture the civilians into surrendering to us!" another supported.

"No, you imbecile! The Sirium Empire is one of the biggest and most secure kingdoms in Ethonia! What effectiveness would explosives be? They'll set them off before we even launch them. And, I refuse to let this kingdom fall to the repulsive Sirium level to kidnap and torture civilians!" someone else rebutted.

The meeting soon devolved into loud a buzz of arguments and chatter. One single voice of pure authority sliced through the chaos.

"Silence! Fools. War is not the answer I want you to consider anymore. Five decades this hatred and destruction for the two kingdoms have continued. We must make peace! Our ancestors have failed but, I will not!"

"But Your Majesty! Might I remind you that a peace treaty and several other methods to end the war peacefully have all been attempted by both kingdoms and failed."

"That is only because we never accepted any of their terms or offered anything beneficial to them. I was too weak to sacrifice for the good of my people. But, with the late Sirium king pronounced dead and the new crowned king; the late king's brother, we should start over with support not hate towards this momentous time."

Everyone in the room murmured at the proposal, some agreeing and some shunning the idea. It was a bold decision, considering the horrible things Sirium has done to the kingdom. But, Aios had been enlightened of the situation, realizing that further violence with the new king will only repeat the past five aeons.

Amongst the sea of controversy, a loud and confident voice addressed the Queen. Everyone spun their heads towards the speaker and gasped. Mortanisa Alendro. The previous Kazekamen royal advisor, the one who was always behind the late king as they led the Kazekamen Orient  to its current glory.

Aios as well, felt an explosion of excitement at the presence of such a famous role model she loved as a child but, concealed her unfiltered happiness. She quickly straightened her posture on the Queen's chair and responded,

"Mortanisa Alendro. The mere presence of you is a great honour and privilege for the occupants of this room. But, I must ask what you are doing in the Laphitian Kingdom and how you got inside a private meeting. There were guards outside these doors that had been ordered not to let anyone inside."

Mortanisa chuckled and smoothly and calmly reassured the Queen.

"Do not worry, Your Majesty. I only come with the intentions of helping you. My kingdom was at war with The Sirium Empire once as well. I understand what they want, I can help you find a solution to your problem, although, it may trouble you." Aios raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Speak..."

On the other side of the palace, Amy laid lazily across the palace gardens with Galvin, who was sitting next to her. They were both concentrating intensely on weaving the straws and flowers in place for their project. Suddenly, Amy shot up with a cheerful expression.

"Yay! Finished!" She proudly held up a beautifully crafted flower crown for her brother to see. Galvin smiled at his sister's joy, although, he felt annoyed that she won their competition. Amy happily placed the crown on top Galvin's head and laid back down. "What did you make?'