A Dangerous Woman

"My brother takes this matter very seriously," Karium Maselli said to the Avarian Princess. "You must also know that a conflict didn't happen often in the border of our two kingdoms but... whenever it happened, it is always followed by war."

His brother? Princess Yara was reminded of the things he told her about his brother that day. So... the brother who used to defend him was King Edric Maselli?

"I'm well aware of that," Yara Amiel replied when she realized that the Welahan Prince was still waiting for her response. "However, it's the first during the reign of King Edric and my brother, King Malon. That's why we want to solve it not using swords."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"In fact, I'm not here to talk through everything. I'm here to know your standings on this matter so that I can return to the capital and discuss some terms with His Majesty. But I indeed have one suggestion."

Karium Maselli calmly looked at the Avarian Princess, waiting for her to state her suggestion. Then the Princess spoke up again.

"I will come to meet your King for the negotiation. After all, we are the one who starts this mess."

She stated her suggestion but the fact that there was no response from the God of War bothered Yara Amiel. He was only staring at her without saying anything. Was he observing her or what?

Just when she tried to speak up again, she finally received a response but... it was beyond her imagination.

"You want to come to Welahan? How can I believe that you don't have other intentions?"

"..."

Did he ask to meet alone so that he could provoke her nonstop? Was this his revenge or what?!

Yara Amiel recalled how she treated him while he was in her kingdom and she was convinced that he was holding a grudge for that!

Did he acted this way because he knew that she couldn't lose her temper no matter what?!

She hated this challenge and right now, she felt it so tempting to sheathe her sword again. If only she could do that!

"Why do you believe that I will have other intentions?" she finally asked him back after spending some time to calm down.

"Just my instincts," Karium Maselli simply replied. Whenever he recalled the day he first met her, he was sure that there would be many more to know about her and... every part of him told him that she was dangerous, but...

"I will agree to that," he still said, ignoring what his instincts told him. "However, the date and time will be set later."

"Alright," Yara Amiel responded, quite surprised that he agreed. Didn't he say that his instincts told him that she had other intentions? What a strange man.

"One more thing, Your Highness," Prince Karium uttered. "If I realize that there is something more to this negotiation, you will have to give me an answer. After all, I'm the one who agreed to the negotiation. I will have to bear all the consequences."

Yara Amiel simply nodded and responded by saying, "Fine. I will remember that."

One thing only crossed her mind after she replied to him. The way he talked... why did it seem like he was really wary about her having other motives? He could just reject her suggestion if that's the case!

Once again, what he told her about his brother crossed her mind. That day in the Parov Mountains, she got to know a few things about him and... one was his love for his older half-brother. It just occurred to her that he was very devoted to his brother and he would never want to let him down.

Was that why he warned her just now? He didn't want to disappoint his brother in case she really planned something?

*

After the Avarian Princess and the two Generals returned to their camp, Karium Maselli was alone in his tent, thinking of the talk he just had with that woman whose real identity was still a miracle to him.

In fact, he was feeling quite lost. He barely managed to finish the meeting without losing his cool but... will he be able to act that way forever? Not to mention that she was planning to come to Welahan!

Nevertheless, his instincts still reminded him that she wasn't one to be underestimated. The way those rumors about her fooled everyone was already the proof. She was a dangerous woman, especially for his kingdom.

The Prince was snapped out of his thoughts when his best friend suddenly entered his tent again. He slightly frowned at the sight of her as he was well aware of what's coming.

"So... how did it go?" General Lena asked as she took a seat opposite him. Her calmness made Karium a bit surprised.

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "If I got it right, she is very unpredictable. However, the negotiation will take place in the capital."

"I'm glad enough to know that you don't lose control," Lena Parish remarked with a playful smile. "Besides, she's such a beauty."

Karium Maselli refused to think further about what his friend just said. Then observing her for a while, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm going back to the capital," the General promptly said. "Commander Nicklaus instructed me to stay two days and return to give him a report. So, I have to leave tomorrow morning."

"You came alone, right?"

Lena nodded. "It's faster that way."

"I have to return to the capital too. I will leave with you. It's not safe to move around alone," the Prince calmly said.

"If you leave tomorrow morning, won't that be too early? Will things be okay here?" Lena Parish asked with a hint of confusion.

"I bet it will be fine here," Karium muttered. "I have to talk with my brother. It's quite urgent."

"Alright then," Lena Parish said and observed her friend. "You seems to be troubled, Karium. Just what happened in the meeting?" she asked, curious.

"Nothing much," the Prince uttered. "I just wondered if it would be okay to let her come to the capital for the negotiation. I have a feeling that there is many more in her."

"But you won't opt for war right away," Lena Parish stated. She knew that he will try every other way possible and... war will only be his last resort.

Karium nodded with a little smile. "You still knows me the best."