Chapter 3

A meeting of the council of Eldoria was called to discuss the engagement of it's princess .

Quite everyone, The great hall of Eldoria buzzed with a tense, anticipatory energy. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm glow upon the polished marble floors, reflecting off the intricate tapestries depicting the kingdom's storied history. At the head of the hall, King Henry sat upon his throne, his expression grave and contemplative. Arrayed before him were the members of the royal council, each adorned in their finest garment.

The council of Eldoria was a diverse assembly of nobles, military leaders, and advisors, all entrusted with the kingdom's most critical decisions. This gathering, however, was of unprecedented importance.

"My lords and ladies," King Henry began, his voice resonating through the hall, "we are convened today to discuss a matter of utmost significance. A letter has arrived from the kingdom of Oryn, penned by King Alexandria VA himself. It pertains to the long-discussed marriage between my daughter, Princess Samantha, and Prince Leonardo of Oryn."

A murmur rippled through the assembly as the king's words sank in. The marriage had been a topic of discussion for years, a symbol of unity that had yet to materialize. The stakes were high, and the consequences of any misstep were dire.

The king gestured to his chief advisor, Lord Suizer, to read the letter aloud. As Suizer's clear voice echoed through the hall, the gravity of the situation became evident. The mention of potential war should the marriage be dissolved sent a palpable shiver through the assembly.

Royal Palace of Oryn.

To His Majesty King Henry of Eldoria,

Greetings and salutations from the Kingdom of Oryn. May this letter find you in good health and high spirits.

It has long been recognized by both our great kingdoms that the unity and peace we have strived for over the years are of paramount importance. This shared commitment brings me to address a matter that has been pending for far too long—the union between our noble houses through the marriage of my son, Prince Leonardo of Oryn, and your esteemed daughter, Princess Samantha of Eldoria.

The alliance through this marriage is not merely a familial bond but a pivotal step towards fortifying the lasting peace and prosperity of our realms. Our nations have witnessed eras of both strife and harmony, and it is our duty as sovereigns to ensure the latter prevails for generations to come.

As discussed and agreed upon in our previous correspondences and meetings, the marriage of Prince Leonardo and Princess Samantha shall be solemnized without further delay. The significance of this union cannot be overstated, for it is the cornerstone upon which our future relations will be built.

It must also be acknowledged that the sanctity of this alliance carries with it grave responsibilities and consequences. Should either party breach this sacred commitment, the repercussions will be severe. Any dissolution of this marriage, whether by intent or circumstance, will be interpreted as an act of betrayal and will regrettably lead our kingdoms to the brink of war. Such a conflict would be devastating, undoing years of diplomatic progress and causing untold suffering to our people.

Therefore, I beseech you to uphold this agreement with the utmost diligence and honor, as I assure you we shall do the same. Let this marriage stand as a beacon of our dedication to peace and mutual respect.

I look forward to your swift response and the finalization of the necessary arrangements to celebrate this momentous occasion.

May our kingdoms thrive in unity and peace.

With the highest regards,

King Alexandria VA of Oryn

When Suizer finished, King Henry allowed a moment of silence before speaking again. "We are at a crossroads. The marriage of Prince Leonardo and Princess Samantha is not just a union of two individuals but a binding tie between our kingdoms. The threat of war looms if this alliance is not upheld."

Lord Therma ,the kingdom's military commander, was the first to respond. "Your Majesty, the implications are clear. We cannot afford a war with Oryn. Our resources, while substantial, would be strained, and the loss of life would be catastrophic."

Lady Elena, the queen's sister and a respected diplomat, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, King Henry. However, we must also consider the will of Princess Samantha. She is our blood, and her happiness is paramount. We cannot force her into a union against her will."

The king sighed heavily. "I am well aware, Elena . Samantha's feelings are of great importance. But we must weigh them against the potential consequences for our kingdom."

As the debate continued, voices rose and fell, arguments for and against the marriage echoing through the hall. The complexities of statecraft were on full display, with each council member bringing their unique perspective to the discussion.

Turning to the council, the king spoke with renewed authority. "Let it be known that Princess Samantha will marry Prince Leonardo of Oryn. We shall proceed with the preparations immediately. This union will symbolize our commitment to peace and the prosperity of our realms."

The council members nodded in solemn agreement. The decision had been made. The future of Eldoria and Oryn now rested upon the shoulders of two young royals, bound together by duty and the hope for a lasting peace.

As the meeting adjourned, the weight of the decision lingered in the air. The marriage was arranged way before both the prince and princess were born, an alliance like that can not be broken for whatever reason and King Henry knew to well

Worry was written in the King's face although it is a great alliance joining with kingdom of Oryn he couldn't help but be worried about his daughter the weight of the kingdom was great on her shoulders and he got no way to help her, he was still a father and was sad that his only child would have to leave him.

Samantha's POV

I watched Aunt Elena emerge from the grand door, her expression calm but slightly guarded. My curiosity got the better of me, and I stepped forward to question her.

"Aunt Elena, what was the meeting about?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

She glanced at me, her eyes narrowing slightly before she sighed. "You'll learn the context of the discussion later, Samantha. Once the king chooses to reveal it."

Her words didn't sit well with me. Aunt Elena was always forthcoming with information, especially when it came to matters that involved our family. Why was she being so secretive now? I bit my lip, wanting to push further, but the firmness in her tone told me it was futile. Reluctantly, I decided to remain silent.

Behind me, I could feel Maya's presence, her head bowed in that submissive way she always adopted in the presence of authority. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing her standing a few paces back, her eyes fixed on the ground. Poor Maya, always so timid.

Just then, I heard a familiar voice calling my name. "Samantha!"

I turned and saw Leonardo striding towards me, his charming smile making my heart flutter. His dark hair fell over his forehead in that effortlessly stylish way, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. I could feel my cheeks heating up, and I cursed my inability to hide my reactions.

"Leonardo," I greeted him, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.

He reached my side, his smile widening as he noticed my blush. "Have you been waiting long?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. "No, not really. Just… trying to figure out what that meeting was about," I said, gesturing towards the grand door.

Leonardo's expression turned thoughtful. "Ah, the king's meetings are always shrouded in mystery. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."

His reassurance was comforting, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something significant had transpired behind those closed doors. I glanced back at Aunt Elena, who was now deep in conversation with another courtier. Whatever it was, I hoped it wasn't something that would disrupt the fragile peace we had been enjoying.

"Come on," Leonardo said, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Let's take a walk. I heard there's a new exhibit in the gardens."

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. As we walked away, I couldn't help but glance back one more time, the unease in my stomach refusing to settle. Whatever secrets were being kept from me, I knew it was only a matter of time before they came to light.

Maya's POV

I watched from a distance as Samantha and Leonardo walked towards the new exhibit, their laughter floating back to me like a gentle breeze. They talked like old friends, effortlessly cracking jokes that brought out Leonardo's infectious laughter. Every time I heard it, my heart leaped with joy, even as I tried to push down the feelings that surfaced.

Leonardo's charm was undeniable, and his smile… oh, his smile. I couldn't help but wish, just for a moment, that I was in Samantha's place. But as quickly as the thought came, I dismissed it. Samantha was my friend, and I cared for her deeply. Besides, it wasn't my place to wish for things that could never be.

I slowed my pace, giving them the privacy they deserved. As they walked ahead, immersed in their conversation, I took in the beauty of the exhibit around me. The garden was a masterpiece, filled with vibrant flowers arranged in intricate patterns. Sculptures and fountains added an air of elegance, and the gentle sound of water trickling from the fountains created a peaceful ambiance.

Despite the beauty around me, my thoughts kept drifting back to Leonardo and Samantha. They seemed so perfect together, their interactions so natural and easy. I envied that, even as I reminded myself to be content with my own role.

Stopping by a particularly striking statue, I let myself get lost in its details. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each curve and line telling a story of its own. As I studied it, I heard another burst of laughter from Leonardo, and I couldn't help but glance over at them. They were standing close, Leonardo pointing out something in the exhibit, Samantha's face lit up with excitement.

I turned back to the statue, trying to focus on its beauty instead of the ache in my heart. It was better this way, I told myself. Better to admire from afar, to keep my feelings tucked safely away where they couldn't cause harm.

Taking a deep breath, I continued my slow exploration of the garden, allowing myself to get lost in its wonders. I might not be able to share in their closeness, but I could find my own joy in the beauty around me. And for now, that would have to be enough.