I Can't Help You

As the black royal carriage rolled smoothly along the dimly lit path leading to the Nightshade Kingdom, the sounds of the ashen forest were muffled by the thick, plush interior. 

On the way, Silvia couldn't stop herself from putting her head outside and enjoying the sight of the beautiful forests despite knowing that they were toxic and poisonous.

The gardens in her House were beautiful too, but they all were grown under artificial conditions, while the scene before her was as natural as it could get.

Full of curiosity and an undiminished spirit despite the long journey, she put her head back in and looked at Asher with sparkling eyes,

"Why are we so desperate to ally with the Nightshade Kingdom? Mother told me that they cut off ties with us a few decades ago. Won't we lose face if we beg them to be friends with us again?" Silvia asked with a pout, her voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern as she leaned forward slightly.