Two Of The Same Piece || Book 1 (The Beginning)

CHAPTER 5

Josephine sat in the meeting with Rave, Lina, and Darei. It had been months since Rave had arrived in Thinlin. The summer months had passed and autumn was nearly over, Rave had requested for an audience. Josephine had expected Rave to set Thinlinytes ablaze with her person, yet the court had spent only days a few days obsessing over her before going back to their own ways.

Josephine snapped to attention as Rave stood up. "Your majesty, I have brought invitations to Bellayong's biggest winter festival." She placed a letter in front of Josephine. "The king invites you to join us for the festival of Violeta. For the first time in history, other kingdoms have been invited. Including Duaetive."

"The king of Duaetive would never go!" Lina protested loudly.

"He accepted the invitation. Bellayong is working hard to leave its past prejudices aside. To make way for the new generation." Rave turned to Josephine, "Of course it is your decision to accept."

"I shall sleep on it." Josephine dismissed Rave. Rave nodded, taking Leo's hand on the way out.

After Rave left, Lina turned Josephine. "They will probably kill everyone, Bellayong has done it before. Did you see, they didn't invite the king of Rayner? Or any other courts they trade with? They must be planning an attack."

"Lady Lina, they have invited all those you mentioned. I believe Princess Ravenna is betrothed to the son of the king." Fredrick said.

"What?" Josephine was very surprised.

"Prince Aurilean has been betrothed to the Princess Ravenna for a few years now. Though they prefer to keep it to themselves."

"But is she not a bastard child?" Darei asked.

"Oh no, the princess is the daughter of the second wife of the king. A legitimate child by a legal wife. She is the sister of the lord of the High deserts." Josephine explained. She was very clear on her mother.

"What about her infidelity then? Her chambers sound like courtesan's house all the time." Darei claimed.

"How do you know about that?" Josephine turned to Darei. That was the strange thing to know.

"My family quarters are close by." She defended herself. "I heard things."

"Well, Princess Rave is free to share her bed until her marriage. And even after that. Bellans take the vows of marriage lightly, they put more importance on emotional fidelity. Physical fidelity is not of importance." Fredrick explained.

"Josephine, I beg you not to go." Lina grabbed Josephine's hand.

"It would be a grave insult to refuse. We cannot afford to alienate Bellayong because they support much of our current trade." Fredrick warned.

"We will go. We can't make enemies of anyone. Especially, if Bellayong and Rayner are so closely linked." Josephine said. The marriage contract with Rayner changed things, Thinlin needed Bellayong.

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"Do you think Lina will let Josephine go?" Ib asked.

"She can't command Josephine around, not when Fredrick will be in her ears," Rave replied. "Did you know he got rid of Josephine's father just by asking? He has a talent for making it look like her decisions. He'd be a great member of Bellayong's military generals."

"Yes, I heard from the nobles." Prim nodded.

"They have the sisters in their palms. It will be hard to break through that." Leo looked up from brushing her hair.

"It will, but once Rina settles her little doe eyes on Taiskin, she'll forget they exist," Rave said.

"You mean once she sets her eyes on that shiny crown." Prim scoffed. "Mow is too old and Aurilean is yours," She winked at Rave. Rave just shook her head. "Josephine can't afford to see her to a faraway kingdom. She doesn't get a choice."

"I know," Rave said. "That's why she is the best choice."

"The only choice really." Ib laughed.