Chapter Fourty Four: The Maidens Loyalty

Raven entered the castle, making her way to the mainhall where the King was finishing his speech to the people.

" And I know that you do not trust them. I know that there has been much blood shed between our people. But as a society and as a people, collective, we have to work together and the only way that this can be accomplished is by uniting our Kingdoms so that the war may cease" The King announces as someone from the back shouts back " And what of the Lycans, how do they fit in this deal? " Raven made her way around the crowd and noticed that indeed, Aurora was sitting by her father's side, seeming to be concentrating on his words very closely.

The King, turning to the man who spoke out, and answering " The Lycans have refused to work with us and be understanding. We have tried to broker peace with them. We offered them assistance in their time of strife and they were unappreciative. We have them so much and they only asked for me. And I, had to make a decision of when to say no" The King called out as another person from the crowd fired back " And so we have sided with the people who caused them that strife? How does that make sense? "

" I have to make decisions that I know, will benefit the Kingdom and the greater good" the King defended his decision as the Queen and Aurora looked on.

" The Greater good would be uniting all the Kingdoms and not leaving the Lycans out in the cold" another citizen shouted as another fired back " Leave the Lycans to fight for themselves" as chaos began to break out in the room.

Aurora eventually stood up, realizing her father had no control over the situation and took the stand. " Listen to me, and hear me well " She announced, calming the room who had not expected her to step forward.

" We cannot change our actions or decisions. All we can do is try to make the best of the bad situation. We, as a people, as witches, are here to keep the peace within the Underworld. We are the gardeners and the Underworld is our garden. We must work together to tend to it, and cut out any imperfections. You all know this" Aurora continued with her speech.

" We are not isolating the Lycans anymore than they have isolated themselves from us. But we understand how important the Lycans are to the Underworld despite our differences. And that is why, once I have married, and have my first child, I offer my child to the first born from the Lycan Kingdom " Aurora announced, an action that the Royal family had not discussed. The King seemed shocked by this news but before he could speak, the Queen stepped forward.

" And this is our plan. This is the best that we can do for the time being. But you have to trust us. We know what we are doing. This plan will unite everyone together, even if some people may disagree with it" The Queen to Aurora and nods in approval of her decision as the King steps forward and dismisses the room.

Once everyone had cleared the room, the King turned to Aurora, anger filled his eyes. " What the hell do you think you are doing? " He screamed at Aurora who did not seem phased by his anger whatsoever.

" I saved the Kingdom from collapsing. People don't agree with this, we all know that. This is the only solution that we could go with" She explained though the King seemed to be even more angry. And what if you both have sons...or both have daughters? How will that work? " The King screamed even louder, his voice cracking from his shouting.

" Magic" Aurora smirks and Wink. " You must go to the Lycan Kingdom to offer this deal. As much as they hate us, they will accept. They are stubborn but they are also weak and need something to aid them and there people. Offer them my child and then offer them continued support and promise them no more attacks from the Vampires based on this alliance. If they refuse, then be persuasive. Show that you are sorry for what happened to them and offer to send our soldiers to rebuild their kingdom. You have nothing to gain from this deal except peace, which will make them trust you more" The King was impressed by how much Aurora had thought this out. It did make sense and would technically give them an alliance between all Kingdoms. " Plus, if the Vampires do turn on us, we will have the Lycans as allies again " Aurora adds which only sweetens the deal for the King. " You are going to make a very interesting ruler some day" he nods and dissapears from the room to make his way to the Lycan Kingdom to present the deal. The Queen, retires to her room which leaves only Aurora and Raven in the hall.

" Come forward" Aurora called out to Raven who stepped forward without question. " Did you meet with Penny and the human? " Aurora asked and Raven nodded.

" And what have you learned? " Aurora asked, and Raven began to speak. " They are very close. But nothing else" Raven answered.

Aurora raised her hand, which made Raven raise in the air several feet.

" Do not lie to me Raven. You know how much that enrages me" Aurora Flicked her finger a little and Ravens throat began to feel constraint, as though she was being choked by an invisible hand.

" I am not lying to you Princess. I will have to meet with them again. They seem to trust me because they believe me to be on their side. I can get you the information you seek, but I need time" Raven pleaded for her life as Aurora released her, leaving Raven to collapse to the ground hard.

" You may meet with them again. But if I find that you are being less than truthful with me. You will be outcasted from the Kingdom, forever marked as lesser Witch. If that's what we can even call you at this point.." And with that, Aurora takes her leave, which leaves Raven all alone within the main hall.