**Princess Gema's POV:**
The following morning, after my father and King Agamemnon had a night to discuss matters, I found myself reflecting. My father never wanted me to be informed about anything related to war.
Even though I knew I wasn't allowed to have any insights into these matters, my curiosity was overwhelming. If a princess is kept in the dark about a king's war plans, then surely his royal servants must know something.
I wandered around the castle, searching for Mycenae...
To ask?...
There he was!
**Gema:** Mycenae!
He turned and smiled as he responded.
**Mycenae:** Good morning, Princess Gema.
**Gema:** Good morning, Mycenae.
**Mycenae:** Is there anything I can do for you, Princess?
**Gema:** I was just wondering... what did our King Zircon and King Agamemnon discuss last night?
**Mycenae:** They decided to sign a peace treaty. Dardannia will join forces with the Greeks to fight against Troy.
A smile of great happiness spread across my face, and I started searching for King Zircon to congratulate him—my father.
I found him at the very same balcony where he often went to think. I wondered when "The Trojan War" would finally come to an end.
**Gema:** King Zircon?...
He turned slowly to me, his gaze cast downward, probably tired from the feast that lasted into the morning.
But as he faced me, I could see that he was not just weary from the celebration. There was a deeper sadness weighing on him.
I tried to lighten the mood.
**Gema:** Father, you should be happy now, given what happened last night!
He attempted to mask his sorrow with a smile as he spoke.
**King Zircon:** I'm glad that King Agamemnon agreed to sign the peace treaty with Dardannia.
I didn’t believe him. There was clearly more that had transpired last night that he didn’t want me to know. Trying to pry it out of him, I asked,
**Gema:** Is everything alright?
He glanced into my eyes, smiling, but I could still sense his unhappiness.
**King Zircon:** Everything is alright...
But that was a lie.
Even though it was evident that something was wrong, I pretended to believe him and smiled back, trying to alleviate the pressure he must feel as the King of Dardannia.
---
**Nicko's POV:**
I wandered around the palace in search of my lady.
I found her in her room, sitting by the window and staring deeply at the Hellespont Sea.
Strange...
She didn’t seem to notice me and did not greet me until I was three steps behind her.
She appeared drained, lacking the energy to engage in conversation. Now seemed like the right moment to ask what was troubling her.
**Nicko:** Your Royal Highness, I would be delighted to help you with your problem.
Despite her preoccupation, she managed to respond in a low tone.
