Terms of Peace

War and all its Glories

 The army had been there for days now, waiting just outside the gates of the capital of Kildare. Panic had begun to creep rapidly through the city streets as the days passed and the glow and smoke from the enemy army fires illuminated the night sky. Whispers had begun to slither up from the dark places of the city into the broad, sunny streets of the normally serene city. As a group of five men on horseback passed through the city with the black banner containing the dreaded red serpent, no residents could be seen except for the eyes squinting between cracks in the blinds and in between door jams. This was the first time any of the city citizens to see the monster many had heard rumors about and parents told stories of how horrendously things might end for any child who disobeyed their parents or staying out past sundown. 

The thuds of boots and the clinking of armor were the only noises to be heard in the castle as the workers and servants stared in abject horror and shock as the infamous king of Loja and his top military commanders strode through the halls with such arrogance and swagger that it permeated the increasingly gloomy atmosphere in the castle.Walking quickly, a servant  lead the posse towards the throne room of King Aodhan and Queen Fala of Kildare; filling the room around the thrones of their majesties were military advisors and chancellors. Only one presence was missing from the room, Her Royal Highness Princess Aileen Deirdre Rowanbow, the only surviving child of the Aodhan and Fala. Stoping at the raised dais King Christopher Bryant Velez unexpectedly bowed to the other monarchs with a subtle smirk as his face disappeared, momentarily frozen the king and queen sat and watched as the handsome young man with brown hair and chocolate brown eyes smiled at them. No one in Kildare expected the man known for such ruthlessness would be as handsome as he was or so young as few had meet the man before.

"King Aodhan, Queen Fala, it is my pleasure to finally meet you. It is a meeting I have longed for since the war between our countries began."

"Quit with the pleasantries young man" barked the raven haired queen. "Why have you come? Why not destroy us or lay siege to our city already? Do not think we will surrender to the likes of you!" As she rose to face the young king, the queen glared with fire in her eyes almost spitting at the man looking down on her. Rising the tall silver haired man who had been sitting at her side rose and went to his wife gently placing a hand on her shoulder. 

"My dear, you're letting your temper run away with your mouth again. Let us hear what he has to say. We have much to discuss with him" King Aodhan stated as he looked down lovingly at his fiery tempered wife. Returning to her chair as her husband guided her, the king and queen once again took a seat on the ivory thrones. Looking the young monarch in the eye "I have received and reviewed your letter King Christopher. After much discussion with my advisors we have come to the agreement to except your peace terms".  Turning to look at her husband incredulously Queen Fala quickly whipping her head to stare at the now group of men at her feet with the leader wearing the biggest, conspiritial grin as he winked at her. 

"What peace terms? How come you didn't consult me on this letter you supposedly received" whispered the queen to her husband. 

Speaking to the other people gathered in the room the king stood, walking towards his fellow king and putting his hand on the mans shoulder, "Two days ago I received a letter addressed to me from King Christopher stating that he, like us, wished for peace between our countries and an end to the endless bloodshed. After much discussion between my advisors and military leaders we have come to the conclusion that the peace terms offered to us by the gracious King of Loja are highly favorable for both nations. Yesterday I sent a letter in return asking him to come here to the palace where we can, in the presence of people from both countries to witness the new found peace. Aside from slight  war reparations he has generously given one condition to be accepted while his army will immediately withdraw from our nations land and commerce can begin anew between us". Removing his hand from the other kings shoulder and gesturing for him to state the one condition to be accepted.

Smirking as he looked back at the queen then to the others in the room in front of him "My condition was this: Princess Aileen will leave with my men and I back to Loja where she will become my wife".

A collective gasp escaped many of the mouths of those from Kildare. Standing and walking towards her husband placing herself in front of the pair, her gazing piercing not the blue eyes of her husband but instead the other set of chocolate eyes, "Does our daughter know you have bartered her life away to the monster who murdered her brother?"

"Our daughter has yet to be notified of what is awaiting her in her future. We did give her a name meaning 'fearsome one', its best we waited until the arrangements were set to tell her. You know I love my little girl dearly and I wouldn't agree to these terms if I saw a better way for us to finally have peace" King Aodhan's voice conveying the pain he felt as his voice grew softer as he spoke.

It was not Queen Fala, known for her strength that turned towards he husband reaching for him as they shared an embrace helping the other stay steady on their feet as they bot came to terms as was an unknown future for their beloved daughter. 

"Half of my men will leave at once" Christopher nodded to two of his men who proceeded to leave the room, "In three days time the other half of my men along with myself will depart at which time the princess is to accompany us". Turning on his heel Christopher went towards the two men still waiting for him, flanking him on each side the trio made their way out of the room looking straight ahead as silence descended on the room, leaving everyone else to wonder what would await the fiery, headstrong princess.