Memory in the End

Chapter 43: An Unacceptable Alliance

We spent several days in Arkade. The Five were teaching military tactics to King Phillip's soldiers, and I found my own queenly duties to take care of. Most of them were diplomatic; many of the King's advisors were wary of an alliance with Isaigalla and even more wary about a brand new queen of a conquered kingdom. I had King Phillip's backing though and I was grateful for it.

So here I was again sitting in the same advisor room, arguing the same argument I had with them for the past couple days. The main advisor, a man named Charles, was not giving in. He was a middle aged man with graying hair and beady blue eyes. He was ruthless and relentless in trying to persuade the king to listen to reason that this alliance wouldn't last. I appreciate his efforts, even though they are pretty annoying, but it's good to have advisors that will fight for you. Hopefully I'll have a loyal advisor one day.

"All I am saying sire, is that our kingdoms have been at war since long before we can remember. Princess Arrabella is desperate, she will say anything to get the help she needs. We have no way of ensuring this alliance will last," he speaks, once again. I can see Phillip rubbing his eyes, clearly irritated and exhausted. His oldest son, James, sits next to him, just like his dad he has dark hair with matching eyes. He's tall and pretty quiet. I'd heard of him; he was known to have a long list of young women waiting to approach him for both his royalty and his handsomeness.

"Enough, we are beating a dead horse with a stick. Arkade will send troops for peace. Victor is a wild card, it's too risky to leave him in charge. We need someone wanting peace," King Phillip speaks.

"And how do we know Princess Arrabella won't turn around on us? She is an Embertail and an Embertail cannot be trusted."

I finally spoke, "This rivalry between our two kingdoms is pointless. We should aim for peace, we do not need conflict, we need to ensure our kingdoms prosper and that will not happen if we're at war with each other. We waste lots of money to watch the borders and in disputed lands we have conflict, making peace will stop these issues."

"Peace is a wonderful thing, just not with someone who won't keep their word," Charles speaks abruptly and I stand up facing him.
"You cannot speak of my word, I am a different person than the rulers before. My word is important to me and when I give it, I do not break it lightly."

"Ahh but you could," he smiles and I mentally scold myself for saying that, "We need something to ensure this alliance. Something important and big that will ensure peace."

"This arguing is pointless, we should give the Embertails a chance, especially since Arrabella has not had a chance to rule her kingdom," James finally speaks. We all glance over at him and Charles smiles at him.

"Your highness, what about a marriage?"

Phillip and I both look at him, confused and shocked. He finally speaks, "What?"

"Think about it, we can have a marriage between our kingdom and hers. A marriage ensures we have everlasting peace between our two kingdoms and eventually join the two together. We can expand Arkade."

"No," I say, shaking my head, "I will not consent to this."

James nods, "Father, we should really find some other way."

But King Phillip was already imagining moving Arkade onto Isaigalla land so he was beyond reason, "Perhaps it isn't such a bad idea...When seriously considering it, this is actually an extremely beneficial proposition."

"No," I say a lot more forcefully now and King Phillip looks at me.

"Come on Arrbella, Arkade soldiers are going to die for your kingdom, the least you can do is accept the hand of my son and join our two kingdoms."

"We already have an alliance."

"Alliances can shift, change and be renegotiated. Consider this a renegotiation."

I can feel my head starting to hurt from this. This alliance was secure, this alliance was good. And now here I am being forced into a marriage that can and will take away my kingdom. Now I have a decision to make, either accept this engagement or lose the backing of Arkade.

"Princess Arrabella, you need to make a decision," Charles speaks.

I had sat down when this marriage thing came to the table and now I stand up slowly. I made my decision, "I, Queen Arrabella, do not consent to this engagement."

I see James crack a smile and Phillip shakes his head, "Princess-"

"Queen," I correct him.

"-Queen Arrabella, we will not back this then."

I shrug, "You do not have to. Regardless, I will go and use my last breath to fight and take my kingdom back. But just to let you know, if I fail, Arkade will be next. He will not be satisfied with just my kingdom and he will come to yours, and then you will wish you had chosen to back me."

With that said, I turned around and walked out of that advisors room. I went to collect the Five and told them that the alliance with Arkade had fallen through, and we would be leaving at once.

All of them rose their eyebrows but nodded without asking any further questions. We mounted the horses which Arkade gave us and I lead us out towards the woods. Arkade has a decision to make and I will not bend over backwards or sacrifice my Kingdom to have their backing. I will fight until my dying breath to take back my kingdom, and if I fail, well then let's hope Arkade has a better plan.