One week later, I was in royal palace of Denril in disguise of Damon’s aide.
Eric, Rune and surprisingly enough Davian were also in the palace as per the invitation of Augustine.
Damon had volunteered to welco the three Princes and since he was responsible he had to stay at the royal palace for longer periods of ti and I had the easy entry with him as an excuse.
I walked up to the room where Eric was and sensed Rune in there as well before I even reached the room.
I knocked on the door of the room adjusting my glasses and giving a quick look at the guards and maids around.
The situation around wasn’t quite peaceful it was still like the pot of water which was simring. The tension was evident. And if I were honest then Eric, Rune and Davian being in this nation was dangerous.
The door was opened by Rune who looked at up and down before stepping aside.
I entered the room and he closed the room behind .
"Since when do you have this disguise?" He asked and I smiled at him before I saw Eric standing up from his chair.
"I see you two have made it all the way here safely." I said.
"I didn’t think it would co to this." Rune sighed running his hand through his hair.
"I am still wary about their intentions but I trust that Master must have already made plans for our safety." Eric spoke with utmost reverence.
I could see his eyes trailing towards my arms and I smiled.
"I have, don’t worry. Augustine won’t let anything happen to you all." I assured them.
"Augustine?" Rune frowned a bit and Eric’s eyebrows jumped.
"Y-You’re addressing the King of this nation directly by his first na, Master."
Rune’s eyes widened as he looked at him and then at .
"Well, I’ve never spoke to him formally."
"You’ve already talked to him!" Rune blurted and I chuckled.
"It would be strange if I hadn’t." I said as I walked over and took a seat on the couch crossing my legs one over another.
The boys also took seats in front of .
"Besides, you are disguised as who?" Rune asked.
"I’m disguised as Damon’s aide."
"Duke Lancaster’s?" Eric confird and I nodded.
"He is quite a useful person, he did help a lot when I was here last ti. So, I thought I’d stay over there for so ti."
The two listened and I added, "I had told Augustine that as a token of peace he should hand over sothing like a sea route to Sestia."
Their eyes widened and I continued, "But I left the decision to him since he didn’t wage the war. I told him he was free to choose the number of sea routes and also which route to give so, even if he gives an extrely dangerous sea route and only one at that you should accept graciously. Sestia has no choice here."
Eric nodded but then he pulled a piece of paper from his vest and handed it to .
"This is His Majesty’s letter, he sent it to a couple of days ago as a reply." Eric said.
I took the letter and started reading. I could see the greed as well as the Golden Serpent’s influence dropping from the letter.
Roger had demanded half the sea routes that Denril as well as the secure trade routes between the two nations to stabilize the losses and the ti spent warring. There were also a lot more things ntioned but I didn’t bother to read it twice to see just how ridiculous it was.
I scoffed and ripped the paper into several pieces.
"He’s barely hanging by the thread and he still has the gall to demand things." I snorted and tossed the ripped letter into the fireplace.
"There’s no need to worry about what your father has said, Your Highness. You are the one who decides here. Think of it as your second biggest decision after deciding to be the King. Your decision here will decide the future of your kingdom as well as this kingdom’s." I explained.
Eric straightened up and Rune looked at him.
"You can discuss and think of what you want to say to Augustine but rember. He is still capable of turning the tables on us. I haven’t put any restrictions on him, just the fact that I’m on your side."
Eric opened his mouth but I raised my hand and clarified.
"Not on Sestia’s side by any ans, I ant that I’m on your side." I pointed at Eric.
"So, the decision you have to take is beyond my control as well. Do you understand?"
Eric’s expression darkened a bit and his fists clenched as he looked down.
Rune looked at him and then at , I gave him a curt nod and he placed his hand on Eric’s shoulder.
"It’s fine, Your Highness. Master and I know you’re capable of doing this. It’s a big decision, I know but don’t forget we are always by your side no matter what." Rune spoke in a tone that only a friend would do.
"I understand, Rune. And I’m grateful that you and Master have been with all along or... I wouldn’t have dread of getting this far and becoming this strong." Eric spoke and I smiled.
It was quite admirable as how deep their bond had grown, they were best friends and almost like sworn brothers now. I would have to find so really compatible and well worthy ladies for both of them soon.
It suddenly clicked as this thought crossed my mind and I looked at Rune.
"Young Duke, I need to have a word with you." I said and he leaned ahead. I uncrossed my legs and leaned ahead as well intwining my fingers as I looked at him.
"Sure," Rune said and I looked at Eric.
"What I’m about to say might shock you even more than anything else I’ve said so far and I can understand if you get mad at Young Duke but please know that I had thought a lot about this before making this decision so, please listen to it till the end before you say anything. All right?"
Eric and Rune both leaned ahead, curious and tensed at the sa ti.
I licked my lips and started, "I... suggested a marital match to Augustine when he asked for another option for this peace treaty."
Their expressions froze especially Rune’s and I cautiously ventured ahead.
"Augustine’s sister is the Duchess of Livelstone and she has a daughter who is turning eighteen soon. I told him that I shall have her engaged to..."
I looked at Rune, "you."
There was a mont of silence and I continued, "I have studied that girl’s aspects and I know she will be the best fit considering all her qualifications as well as by her nature. And she is also the beloved niece of Augustine so, there will obviously be a lot of importance to this engagent if it is decided and of course the trade relations will also be between the two Dukedoms."
I sighed, "I know I went ahead and suggested it without asking you and I understand if you are against it or if you have any other girl that you like so, I would like to know what you think about it. I’ll accept your decision and make sure that you won’t have to do anything without your consent."
I knew this marriage was a purely political in nature decided by the parties which were directly involved but at that point this one connection was my best bet.
I couldn’t suggest the marriage between Eric and her or Princess Colette’s marriage with Arian or any other engagent. It was the best course of action for at that ti but now, I was kind of nervous.
"Master," Rune finally spoke up and I almost straightened up.
"Yes?"
"I’d like to have a word with you," he said, "privately."
I looked once at Eric and then nodded.
I was about to be scolded.
"Please think about what you want to do in the anwhile, Your Highness." I told Eric before I followed Rune out.
He led to the next door which was the room assigned to him.
Once inside he crossed his arms at his chest and I removed the mana from my earstud reverting to Reina’s form. Eric’s eyes widened montarily and then he shook his head.
"You went ahead and decided my marriage," he started and I cleared my throat.
"I didn’t exactly fix your marriage... I just suggested it." I said.
"Why not anyone else?" He asked.
"Nobody’s match was as good as this."
"Why not arrange an engagent of Eric with that lady instead?" He asked.
I looked at him with a sheepish smile, "Because... I’ve already thought of who would a perfect match for His Highness."
Rune looked at with a blank expression for a long mont.
"Brother..." I said using my cute expression and he sighed.
"Reina, you-"
He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair.
"I’ve been looking for a best possible girl for you for years, brother. And I think Lady Konstantinos is the best choice for you... She’s extrely beautiful, she’s sensible, mature, kind and is also very intelligent. But the final decision is yours."
Rune looked at and asked, "What does Father say about this?"
I averted my eyes, "Well... I’m sure he’ll not oppose it."
Rune eyebrows jumped, "You didn’t even tell Father about this!"
I let out and awkward chuckle, "I uh... didn’t get enough ti but I’ll talk to him later tonight and let him know of everything so, please thing about your side since it’s your marriage."
Rune sighed deeply and plopped down on the chair.
"How can you go ahead and decide sothing so big Reina?" He sighed and I felt a bit guilty.
I walked over and crouched near his legs making him frown and about to tell to not kneel near his feet but I simply took his hand.
"You and father are the most precious people in my life, Brother and trust when I say that I had gone through every lady that I could in our kingdom but no one was worthy enough... I had only gone through noble ladies mostly though and even of this nation. I had studied Lady Konstantinos very carefully before I suggested this match."
"Personally?" He asked.
"No, but I have a person stationed in their residence and she works as the lady’s personal maid so, I get her reports and I know she will be the best fit for you."
Rune looked at for a long mont before he squeezed my hand and stood up pulling up to my feet as well.
"I can’t go against your decision now, can I?" He smiled and I shook my head.
"You can, you have the right to. I will change stuff if you don’t like this, Brother. Your happiness and stability cos first... And I know it was a selfish move on my part but I believe that she is the perfect one for you." I insisted and he sighed.
"Reina," he said before he placed his hand over my head.
"I know you will choose only the best for and I trust your choice. If you think that lady is perfect for then I shall accept this engagent."
I observed Rune and he smiled brightly before he held at arm’s length.
"Besides, my sister has grown so much in the ti that I didn’t see you, huh." I chuckled.
"I might have to swat a lot of flies when I return to keep you safe." He said and I laughed.
"I’ll be waiting for your return, Brother. You’ll be my partner for my debutante of course. I didn’t want it to be anyone else." I said and he chuckled.
"Now I feel really honoured and happy!" He said and pulled into an embrace.
It was then that I noticed just how much he’d grown. He was almost a man now. Ti just flew off.
Just as we were enjoying our sibling reunion I felt a presence approaching the room.
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