**King Zircon's POV:**
Gema: Such a poor story about a god trying to make his son happy...
King Zircon: Indeed, Gema, indeed...
After hearing the tragic tale of Phaeton and the dethroning of Helios, I decided it was time to retreat and rest.
I returned to my room, determined to sleep. The word "dethroning," as Nicko had mentioned, echoed in my mind.
Dethroning, dethroning... In my position as king, am I going to be dethroned?...
I kept repeating the word "dethroned" until I drifted off, mumbling:
...Dethroned, dethroned... You are going to be dethroned... You're a useless king... None of your decisions have led Dardanllia to prosperity...
Gema: Father! They're taking me away from you!...
King Zircon: Gema! Gema!...
Was it all just a dream? A nightmare from which I could never awaken...
I glanced out the window and saw that it was already night.
Knock! Knock! Knock!...
Mycenae: Your Majesty...
I opened the door to find one of my royal servants waiting outside.
Mycenae: Sire, King Agamemnon, ally of Sparta, wishes to speak with you, Your Majesty.
I was taken aback by Agamemnon’s request. I could simply refuse, but this might be the perfect opportunity to prove my worth as the king of Dardanllia.
...
Later that night, I threw open the gates of Dardanllia, welcoming Agamemnon and several of his men to a celebration I had arranged for him.
As he entered the hall, dancers approached, musicians filled the air with melodies, and a feast of sumptuous food and wine awaited him.
From the look on his face, it seemed he was thoroughly impressed...
King Agamemnon: Ah! King Zircon, it appears you've prepared a special gathering for my enjoyment!
He greeted me with increasing excitement.
King Zircon: So tell me, King Agamemnon, what brings you here?
King Agamemnon: By Zeus, is that your beautiful daughter, King Zircon? The rumors of her mature beauty are certainly true.
Gema: It's a pleasure to meet you, Agamemnon, King of Argos.
King Agamemnon: She's not only beautiful but absolutely respectful too. Isn't that so?
I was disgusted by Agamemnon's inappropriate demeanor.
I then turned to my daughter and asked her for some time alone with Agamemnon.
King Zircon: Gema? I believe you have a weaving appointment with Nicko, correct?
Gema: But, Your Highness, should this really be the time for—
Just do as I say...
King Agamemnon: Let the princess stay, King Zircon...
King Zircon: It’s an order...
I whispered to Gema so Agamemnon wouldn’t be offended. She left, looking back at us with confusion and a hint of worry.
Don’t worry, my little princess, everything will be alright.
King Agamemnon: What was that about?
He questioned, slightly irritated...
---
**King Zircon:** Princess Gema is still a minor. I don't want her involved in any war discussions that our city is experiencing now.
**King Agamemnon:** Oh, yes? But she will be.
**King Zircon:** Huh? What do you mean?
**King Agamemnon:** Don't act like you don't know what's at stake!
**King Zircon:** What's that supposed to mean?
Our conversation began to feel heavy in my gut. I was already panicking, fearing the possible options he would mention.
**King Agamemnon:** My brother's men and I have fought for nearly ten years just to capture the lands of Troy, but we can't conquer the land in front of it! This is an insult to Greece.
**King Zircon:** So you've come here seeking an alliance to take down Troy, haven't you?
**King Agamemnon:** Indeed, my friend. I know your defenses are stretched thin, and you are weary from this prolonged war.
**King Zircon:** That's true...
**King Agamemnon:** If you ally with us, we could help improve the prosperity of your city.
**King Zircon:** In what way, my friend?
**King Agamemnon:** We have generals who can train your men to be real soldiers, not just farmers in armor.
**King Zircon:** But I have generals too, King Agamemnon. The real issue is the lack of soldiers.
**King Agamemnon:** Then I can provide them.
**King Zircon:** Our city is primarily agricultural, and after the war, we won’t need those soldiers.
**King Agamemnon:** Then I’ll bring your city down first! Before Troy does!
I was shocked by how quickly his anger escalated. I tried to calm him down.
**King Zircon:** It is not my intention to provoke you, but—
**King Agamemnon:** If Dardanllia is an agricultural state, then the lands outside the city will be available for your men to use again...
Exactly what I wanted him to say.
**King Zircon:** And in return? You want us to provide food and crafts for your men, right?
**King Agamemnon:** No, we don’t have a food shortage anymore. I’ve brought the wine-growers, the daughters of Anius, son of Apollo, who have the gifts of producing wine, wheat, and oil from the earth, to aid the starving Greek soldiers.
Then what do you want from my kingdom?
**King Zircon:** You want my men to fight alongside yours against Troy, don't you?
**King Agamemnon:** Right, and there's another thing...
What could it be?
**King Agamemnon:** I want...
You want? What is it?
**King Zircon:** Tell me, my friend.
**King Agamemnon:** Your daughter.
My what?
I knew it; I sensed it all along. Disgust washed over me at King Agamemnon's interest in my daughter.
**King Zircon:** But my daughter is only 15; she is not yet of marriageable age.
**King Agamemnon:** But I'm not asking for your daughter's hand... not yet.
**King Zircon:** ...
What am I going to say?
**King Agamemnon:** The decision is yours, but I expect to hear a “yes” if you don’t want Dardanllia to fall before Troy does...
**King Zircon:** Then I’ll accept your offer and sign the agreement you’ve come here for.
**King Agamemnon:** A wise decision, my friend.
**King Zircon:** No! But it's what they call a "king's decision," my friend...
King Agamemnon and I toasted to our partnership, and he continued to enjoy the feast I had prepared for him throughout the night.
The only relief was that Princess Gema was not here to witness this disgrace.
