Power is power

Sida looked at Jo and stepped away from his embrace.

"I don't like the alliance my father has with Jai. It's not something I've supported, even from the start," Sida said.

"And why is that?" Jo asked.

"There are many reasons, but the most obvious one is that Jai is not a man to trust with this nation," Sida replied. "There are so many atrocities going on between high-ranking members of Wize and the underworld. Their dealings have become glaring and even more daring. While King Ken sought to fight many of them, Jai was one of those who supported it and allowed it to thrive."

"The restrictions King Ken placed on slaves and slavery were the first thing Jai would throw out, just to appease the Sultens once they start breathing down his neck. He wouldn't want them to turn on him like they did to King Ken," Sida continued. "And to tell the truth, among the list of things that take precedence for Jai, the people aren't really one of them. It's all about power. Anything that might stop him from accumulating it will be put to the knife. That's why he destroyed Bintan."

Jo sighed, running a hand through his hair. "To be honest, I never expected Omi to get in bed with Jai. Although the royals seem keen on it, there's a lot of pushback from many people. Some think allying ourselves with Jai is stooping too low. He's a usurper and a traitor. But he's going to rule this nation in the coming years. While I don't know how his reign will turn out, I don't think anything will ever be the same again. Everyone has their eyes on Wize and its resources, including my country. I'm sure they've already begun to eye the spoils of war now that it's wrapping up."

Sida smiled faintly. "And that's why I don't want us to take that step now. I want nothing more than to be with you, but I also want to see my nation thrive. I can't be fully happy knowing the path it's currently headed down."

"And what do you plan to do about it?" Jo asked, his brow furrowed. "You barely have any power to do anything. I think you overestimate your family's influence. Your other choice is the prince of Wize, and I doubt he's an option you want to exploit."

"Yes, I know my choices, and I've yet to decide on anything. That's why I've chosen to meet with General Farouk before considering more extreme measures," Sida said.

"General Farouk? Extreme measures?" Jo asked, his tone rising in surprise. "You're going to get yourself in trouble!"

"I know the stakes, Jo. That's why I was so happy when you came. I wanted to be with you, even if it was for the last time."

Jo frowned, stepping away from her. "What are you saying?"

Sida's expression grew somber. "I'm talking about the first order of business after Jai wins the war. What do you think his first move will be? What do you think is the easiest way for him to consolidate power?"

Jo moved to the edge of the terrace, gripping the railing. "The first thing he'll do is strengthen alliances and consolidate more power. The best and fastest way to do that will be through marriage."

"You're right," Sida said. "Many names have already been submitted by the famous organization World of Beauties. My father placed my name among the candidates for the next Queen of Wize."

Jo stared at her, stunned by the revelation.

"It's different here in Wize," Sida explained. "A king is allowed to have more than one spouse. The King will not only be choosing a queen but also his consorts."

Jo clenched his fists. He remembered the day he met her a year ago, during a mission in Wize. His unit had been assigned as security detail for Lord Marlock, the King's personal adviser. He could still picture her standing in the garden, the sunlight catching in her hair. He had stared, unable to help himself, and she had caught him.

"See anything you like? Men. Always allowing their desires to enslave them," she had said with a frown.

"You're beautiful," Jo had replied simply. "I would apologize for staring, but I'm not sorry. And I don't regret it."

Sida had been taken aback by his straightforwardness. She was used to attention, but not like this. Over time, they had grown close, secretly seeing each other whenever they could. Now, Jo was hearing that the woman he loved was going to be used as a bargaining chip for power.

"Are you aware of the other candidates?" Jo asked, his voice strained.

"Well, although I'm not entirely sure, I think Shaawa, the daughter of Lord Mahmoud, is included. Alongside her is Lady Ardenia from Eru and Lady Laxe from Omi," Sida replied.

"Sana?" Jo asked in shock.

"I doubt she would be chosen by Jai," Jo said. 

"What do you want to do?" Jo demanded. "You can't possibly want to marry Jai."

"No, I don't," Sida said firmly. "But my choices are limited."

"No, they're not," Jo said, his voice rising slightly. "I can take you away from all of this. You don't have to be a part of it. Just say the word."

"Running away won't solve anything, and we both know it," Sida said softly. "I know your family is powerful too, but this isn't just about us. If Jai becomes King, he will need someone to show him the plight of the people—someone to remind him that he's not just the ruler of the strong and powerful, but also of the weak and vulnerable. He needs someone to be a guiding light in the darkness he's trying to plunge this country into."

"And I can't do that if I don't have the power to," Sida said, her voice resolute. 

Jo had always admired her resolve and strength. It was something he had wished he had at one point in his life, but he still hated the fact that he could lose her.