Never Let Go [Hiatus]

Part II, Chapter 11- Negotiation

Before I start, just a shout-out to Miss_Sagia , GimmeThatTaco, LaughToTheEnd,An_Inktrovert,WindyWinter,covermakergal,Thenia_16,DowntownAssassin for being awesome!!!

The atmosphere grew tense as the kings of the Allied Force stared at the scroll that laid in the middle of the round table, their faces glum. Their advisors stood behind them, contemplating the situation. They too, found it hard to come to terms with the contents of the scroll. Sensing heaviness in the air, the kings' personal knights grabbed the hinges of their swords discreetly, ready to protect their kings at the slightest threat. One of the kings banged his fist onto the table in rage and frustration. At once, the knights drew their swords as they rushed to their kings' sides.

'It's okay. Sheathe your weapons.' the kings ordered their individual protectors, who mumbling their apologies, reluctantly resumed their position at the perimeters of the room.

'They are too much! First they refuse to meet us in person, choosing to send their messenger with this scroll, like we're not even worth their time. And now this! How is this a negotiation! It's daylight robbery! They're taking advantage of us!' the angry king bellowed.

'Take your calm. A king should not let his emotions interfere.' the king from the Land of Ice reminded firmly.

'The territory they want is too large. I can't afford to lose it. Those greedy bastards!' he snarled back.

Silence filled the room. What the king said was true. The Kingdom of Ash, their great enemy, was being unreasonable with their terms. In exchange for peace and alliance, they had demanded the Kingdom of Sea to permit them access to their vital marine ports and sea routes, and wanted the Kingdom of Cloud to hand over control of their land's natural resources of coal, rubber and oil. In addition, they had made clear the territories they wished to take over, one from each of the remaining kingdoms. Lastly, as if gaining resources, land and power was not enough, they wanted talent. At the very end of the document, the King had wished for Akane, the young and bright princess of the Kingdom of Light, to marry his crown prince.

He wrote, 'I believe that with the mighty Kingdom of Light as the anchor of your Force, it would be most appropriate for the Light to be representative of the loyalty and trust that your Force has pledged. And what better way to strengthen and solidify our new friendship with marriage and blood? I take it that the Force is sincere in forming the alliance. So for the sake of peace and that of your people, these terms should be indeed worth the sacrifice. Signed, Alia.'

'My fellow kings, please allow me to voice my opinion.' the young king of Rain spoke silently, but in a voice that demanded attention from the rest. Recently crowned by the former king, he was a relatively new speaker in the Force. With the peace and stability over the past year, his father had thought it apt and safe to finally pass on the throne. But this had to happen the moment he took over. Nevertheless, the former king's confidence meant that the young king was capable in his own way.

He continued, 'I understand that it is not easy for any of us to give up our territories, power or people, especially when we know that the trade is unbalanced. But we also need to know that the enemy we face is strong. They can easily take over our kingdoms if they want to. Look at the hopeless war we've been fighting. All the unnecessary bloodshed and sacrifices. What use is there in fighting a war we know we can never win? There's 8 of us, but only 1 of them, and yet they easily drove us to retreat each time we engage. Don't you see? All of us have been driven to a corner. There is really no choice to start with. We have to accept his terms.'

'WHAT? Are you even paying attention? If we accept, that bastard would have gained game-changing resources, 5 massive territories and may even monopolize the sea routes to their advantage. It would definitely affect our production and trade. Then what of our people? Sure there will be peace but they will be living in hardship! I would have failed my duties as King! Are you telling me to sell them out, for the sake of that so-called PEACE?' The King Of Shadow roared, his face red with anger.

'I believe he is just baiting us. Look at the things he wants. They are things that our kingdoms cannot sustain without. The territories.. he chose them strategically. They are keystones of our lands. I think.. he is just luring us over with peace, and will stab us in the back when we least expect it.' The King Of Silver added. The loss of his territory was a tremendous cause of worry to him.

'No. I trust him when he says he would offer us peace. He IS giving us a choice. He hasn't attacked any of our capitals yet, right? But we all know he has the power to do so. And with the marriage...' the Kingdom Of Ice trailed off, not wanting to offend the Kingdom Of Light.

'Betrayal knows no honour.' The Kingdom Of Shadow reminded, his words dripping with venom.

The room fell silent once more.

'I agree with Kingdom Of Silver. Alia is just gathering his pieces. He will swallow our kingdoms sooner or later. I will not fall for that. I will not give him Ravania!' the King Of Rain announced.

'Same here. I will not agree to handing him my port.' The Kingdom Of Sea followed. The kings of Rain and Ice grew worried. They HAD to agree! Their men were dying...

'If it is already so difficult for everyone to give up their possessions, I believe you all understand the impossibility of a father to sell his own daughter. I say no to the marriage as well.' King Daichii added softly.

'To counter Alia, we have to strategize. Redistribute our military forces and send more scouts for intelligence gathering. We need to get into the mind of our enemy. But for now, elude their attacks and hold down your forts. We'll think of a way somehow.'

With that, the conference came to an end.

The following week, the Kingdom Of Cloud and Ice waned, falling into the hands of the Kingdom Of Ash.