SereneDoge

The Sahasian Alliance

It was inevitable. The effects of intoxication and the threat of the Empire, both.

It was a risk that they had considered the moment that the Council decided on forging alliances through matrimony. The last of the free nations had sent their noble-borne to Astalia, the greatest bastion that stood tall amidst the forests of subjugation in Sahas. And, it was always an irrefutable truth that being the tallest tree carried the risk that it would be upon its very bark that the axe would strike first. The whispers of a Gilthian emissary had reached her ears, and as Sulhana wiped away the last dregs of exhaustion and inebriation from her eyes, she knew that even the most foolish of them all would understand that the emissary heralded the Empire's threats. After all, why else would Gilthian communicate with them now after weeks of silence ever since the king's bold defiance. The ringing in her ears soon abated, and the woman cursed herself at the folly that just because she procured a mixture of herbs that stymied the immediate effects of the reds she poured for herself last night. All things considered, the orcish prince did win the competition. Yes, she did cheat which was why she only used the same two cups. No, he did not need to know such a fact. Once the celebration had ended, she had already felt the effects of the wine and wished not to appear like an inebriated fool in front of her guests. So, she formally ended the meeting and wished all the participants a wonderful night before heading to her chambers.

"Speak nothing of this, and tell the guards that are aware of the emissary's arrival to keep their tongues tied," The princess commanded to her handmaiden who nodded in response.

Sulhana strode over to her desk, her night dress fluttering behind her as she took a seat. She opened a ledger and after dipping her quill in ink, she recorded her thoughts upon the worn book. The scratching of the quill filled her chambers, and it was only when her ink had dried that she looked up at the window to notice that the morning sun had fully dangled from the sky. Its radiant beams of light filtered through the glass, illuminating the parchments and books that lined the floors and shelves. Her room was more of a hermitage than the abode of a princess with all the papyrus that hung from her walls, connected by linen strings to other pieces of parchments that reminded the princess of why she needed to keep working.

"My father is waiting in the banquet hall, isn't he?" Sulhana mused as she leaned back and tucked the stray strands of her hair behind her left ear. With a sigh, she closed her book and stored it inside her desk before standing up. "It would be impolite to keep the Sun of Astalia waiting. Would you draw me a bath, please?" She turned to the handmaiden with a grin.

---

Now dressed in a light-blue tunic with a kirtle of a darker shade of blue worn on top, Sulhana stood before the mirror as she braided her raven hair. Her green eyes gazed absently at her reflection, thoughts consumed to the idea of the suitors and how their father would bind his daughters to them in order to forge an alliance. King Harold had grown weak through the years, and she could remember only a few times wherein their father had truly tried to get to know his own children. Did he know of Annalise's bold personality during the night before? Did he know of Loreena's growing talent for magic or was he still illusioned with the idea that his daughter was still stuck with levitating sticks? Did he know of Jinayah's armor and how much the knights adored her for them to forge her one?

Perhaps, not a chance.

Once finished with her hair, Sulhana draped her light-gold mantle around her shoulders and let the thin cloth drape down to the back of her knees as she tightened the cord on her waist. With her ensemble finished, the princess strode out of her chambers before heading towards the dining hall to meet with her family. Silently, she walked on deft steps through the corridors, and though she was still lost in thought, her attention was soon caught when she heard the clinking steps of armor. The woman looked around her suddenly, noting that this was area was nearest to a certain princess' chambers, and then, a smiled formed on her lips. As the steps echoed nearer, Sulhana turned the corner just in time to see her youngest sister.

"Ask not the rose why it wears thorns as you would not ask the bull why it has horns," Sulhana said as she approached Jinayah. "For it is simply who they are," She smiled at the armored princess, her eyes examining the mesh of steel plates that hid the toned figure beneath. "I knew you would look good in it, Jin," Sulhana said, the sincerity in her voice lacing her words. "Father will throw a fit, but no secret will ever stay hidden. Best they find out now in our abode than later in foreign halls."

The girl steadied herself for a while, feeling the effects of the drink still clouding her mind. She cleared her throat then before motioning for her sister to walk with her towards the dining hall. When they neared to the large doors, Sulhana turned to Jin then.

"Men are strange creatures. Telling us what to do and what to wear, building all these rules whose origins are lost to the sands of time," Sulhana continued as she walked. "You look gorgeous in those plates, Jin," She nodded. "The knights loved you so much that they would spend a fortune to forge you a personalized set. If that is not worthy of honor-- if those princes do not deem you beautiful, I will pluck their eyes out."

Once she entered, the princess planned to quickly offer her greetings to the king first before taking a seat. She was far too tired to put up with pleasantries today. The king had deemed it a secret from her that a letter from the Empire had arrived. How foolish. It wasn't as if his own daughter was the spymaster in his own council. No secret would ever remain buried, at least not from her.

The Sahasian Alliance

Green Text - Sulhana speaks in Formal Prozdy

---

It was a comforting sight, to say at the very least. The last hope for a Sahas free from the Empire's tyrannical grasp. Although the last piece was yet missing, it went without saying that the fate of all of their lands were now interwoven within this small court hidden behind a wall of fading flowers. And, at the crucible of it all were two sisters who possibly bore the most diplomatic influence out of all of them. There was Annalise whose title alone as the crown-princess drew much attention to her back. It was no secret that the princes would vie for her attention, most notably those who also bore the burden of inheritance in their own respective lands. Vyarin and Erick would obviously try and squeeze their way into her sister's good graces in an attempt to entice her to choose them once the time came for the engagements to be decided. But, if Sulhana had anything to say about such plans, she much preferred the Prince of Jorda to be closer to the Light of Astalia. The First Lord of the League was indeed a worthy suitor but... well, he was impaired in more ways than one.

Not only did Jorda share more similarities to Astalia's culture, but it would seem that one prince was more educated than the other in statecraft. Prozdyian culture was much too foreign due to the distance between their lands. Their religions even differed in a number of ways. Sulhana could see traces of shamanistic paganism and the old ways still embedded in the League and in their prince of princes. Meanwhile, Astalia and Jorda at least shared the same pantheon in Aldask. Their values also varied greatly with one putting more emphasis on martial prowess whilst the other preferred a more holistic foundation. So much differences could only result in misery, and Sulhana would be damned if she allowed Annalise to suffer and with her, Astalia. Thus, it was a necessity for her to keep Vyarin at arm's length from her eldest sister.

It was then that Loreena's voice cut through her thoughts, and her gaze turned towards her mage-sister who beamed at her as if she was as kind and as gentle as the princess she ought to be. The chalice floating in midair before it hovered to its mistress plucked an awed grin from Sulhana's lips. Such displays of actual arcanery always pricked at her heart in secret envy. Mages were far and few across Sahas. They were revered as prized individuals whose strength could amplify a nation's power and influence. Loreena was no exception. The man who trained her sister was proof of such. Uriah was a fickle fellow. Prickly. A thorn-like attitude that disdained the world and its idiocies. And, yet, he was loyal to the second princess, not to the throne. Loreena may not know it but she wielded an influence of her own. On the last council meeting before the idea of arranged marriages were finalized, there were whispers of Loreena being internally married instead to one of the vassals in hopes of keeping Astalia's magical bloodline within its walls.

But, her sister was a bird who did not deserved to be locked in a cage. It was evident that she despised intrigue and statecraft, telltale of signs of a woman who longed to be free of her golden chains. Loreena was thirsty for knowledge and freedom, only one of which could be provided within Astalia's domain. Sulhana needed to find someone who could let quench her sister's flame and let her see the land for what it truly was, not just how it was portrayed in her endless sanctum of books.

"These flowers would not be possible without you, Lore," Sulhana said as she grinned at her mage-sister. "You know these plants," The princess continued. "They only bloom when in the presence of one who carries the arcane. You have made our gathering brighter. Literally."

The spymistress lifted her chalice to the crowd in an invitation to eat, and with it, her eyes darted to the dark skies above, still shrouded by a thick roll of clouds that haloed against the dim moon. It was nearly time, but first...

"Prince Alvaro," Sulhana greeted her last guest with a curtsy as she approached the elven prince. "I am overjoyed that you could make it," She eyed his appearance. His tunic was beautiful, waves of red forming around his toned figure as if he was swathed in the very flames of a phoenix. The violet gem upon his neck radiated an alluring whisper, as if it knew the very secrets Sulhana etched upon every inch of skin on her body. The earrings he wore could definitely fetch a hefty sum but before she could start to appraise his entire ensemble, Sulhana chuckled as she beckoned for the prince to join them. "You look handsome, my lord," She tilted her head, green eyes assessing the elf. "Come, we were just about to dine together and we have a drinking game going on. Maybe you'd also like to partake," She said as she walked near Prince Gil's seat. "And, save me from Prince Gil who is really not holding back against a fragile woman like me?" Sulhana laughed, playfully slapping the large orc's shoulder with the back of her hand.

Now, the pieces were complete. The last nations still free now gathered together, searching for security and strength in one another. Their father may have become a mere shadow of his former glory, but he knew how to think of politics. And, this last alliance may actually be the answer to the Empire's growing might. Like ships to a lighthouse, they had all been drawn to Astalia from the storm and it was only a matter of time before the actual game would begin. This gathering was but a prelude. A taster of the disdainful politics that would soon try to coil at all of their throats.

Speaking of guests, there was one who was still estranged and while this had been her plan to distance Vyarin from the crown-princess, Sulhana did not have it in her to be so heartless. He seemed like a pup lost in the rain. A spider caught in its own web. So lost in this small game that he himself joined without preparation. Most of all, though, she knew he was trying his best and maybe that was enough for now.

So, with her guests busy, the third princess made her way around the table and took the vacant seat beside the Prozdy prince. They had interacted quite little. Most of her words had been said from the tongue of a person who spoke the prince's language. And, it was not to pride nor inability to speak that Sulhana decided to leave the Prozdyian to a medium. No, it was to her understanding that while she could fluently converse in Prozdy, her knowledge of his language was far too formal to be natural. Better suited to speaking as a diplomat. Not one who would sit with him on equal grounds. But, she supposed it was better than to keep hauling her servants to talk to him.

"The crown-heirs and noble-borne converse in jest, dro Vyarin," Sulhana said in formal Prozdy as she filled his empty cup with the same drink that she noticed he had been eyeing before. "They speak with child's delight regarding a contest of who intakes the most Rotted Grape Essence," Then, Sulhana slowly translated into Astalian. "Rotted Grape Essence, 'Wine' in Astalian tongue," She offered the cup to Vyarin as she smiled up at him. "The Crown-Heir of Astalia has challenged the one from Jorda, and they wagered on who might triumph, and I believe they are respectfully enquiring whether you could be the... judge," She paused for a while to recollect her knowledge of Prozdy from her spies. "Judge... One who decides who is the victor."

Sulhana breathed out then, observing the battle-hardened prince after being this close to him for the first time. After she took a spoonful of soup between her lips, Sulhana drank from her cup before turning to Vyarin once more. She glanced at the wraps at his head, just covering his left eye. She had heard of what had happened, and to an extent, her heart stung at the thought of such barbarism. How could a father send away his son to find a bride as the price for returning home? He was injured and unprepared for such court intricacies. Did this man ever feel warmth in his entire life?

"Many voices have spoken into my ears in praise of your strength, dro," The princess began after she wiped a fleck of soup from the corner of her mouth. "However, I ask for your forgiveness if I am to display rudeness to you, Vyarin, but I am consumed with query," She said with a tilt of her head as she faced him. "The eye on your left," She said. "Does hurt still torment it from within after all this time? Pain?"

The Sahasian Alliance

---

Her eyes slightly widened when the prince asked her to express her feelings regarding these arranged marriages. He was smarter than he let on and had unfairly underestimated him. One's facial expressions were often the windows to their souls. The slightest twitch of their brow or the faintest curl of their lips could easily betray their deceptions. Could simply unravel their foolish schemes when faced against Astalia's Shadow. Many a man had their wicked intentions laid bare with just one chance meeting with her, and yet, this simple-looking prince from the southern deserts boggled her first impressions. He easily played her games, seemingly dancing to the tune she set while still maintaining his own rhythm. It was a refreshing experience to have a man not shudder at the slightest noise or jolt at the smallest provocation. A man who acted as just that... a man. Not a prince nor an heir of an entire kingdom.

He'd make a fine prospective partner for a certain free-willed sister of hers.

"Maybe I was hoping they would bump into each other?" Sulhana shrugged her shoulders, the faintest ghost of a knowing smile turning up her mouth. "They will get here soon, Gil. Trust me," She felt strange asking for trust when she was already betraying Gil with her own deception. "I know all the roads," She smirked at the prince. "And, they all lead to the same place."

Hearing the orcish prince narrate his experience with flight allowed a small smile to curve the third princess' lips. She grinned at him then, emotions of childish curiosity and joy gracing her features as she imagined being able to soar above the ground as her sister would be able to. Her eyes traced at him as Gil lowered himself to her level, and she couldn't help but nod in appreciation of such subtle courtesies. Her brow raised in question when she noticed the fading light of his smile, and she understood that despite the casual demeanor he exuded as a third prince, he was also no stranger to the weight of the burdens they all bore as children of the crown. The silence that followed allowed the princess to briefly observe the man beside her, and it was to the strange markings on his neck that her green eyes found themselves drawn to. These tattoos must have been recent since she heard no whispers of such designs on the prince's being. It always felt... nice to not know at times.

"You also feel the iron coil at your ankles, Gil," Sulhana remarked after she tipped the cup to her lips. She breathed out before using her middle finger to clear the stain upon her chin. "The irony is rich in that it was I who made my own steel tether. Linked it inch by inch and piece by piece before I shackled it around my own heel," She chuckled as she held the prince's gaze. "Can your mind coalesce a future where we could both fly free? Or, perhaps, we were never free to begin with?" The slight sadness in her irises ebbed away almost instantly, and she raised her now empty chalice to the prince. "A question for the philosophers and men with too much time on their hands, I believe. We already have too many questions ourselves."

It was then that the colorful flowers that shrouded the court seemingly glowed as if awashed in gentle starlight. Her investments in buying such prized arcane flowers bearing fruit as the entire area was bathed in a soft light, the magical energies stored in them drawn to the presence of the sole royal whose blood teemed with the very same essence that held the fabric of their reality together. With a slow turn, Sulhana marveled at the foreign flowers that she had decorated herself upon the court and a pang of envy filled her heart for the slightest second as her eyes landed on her mage-sister, Lore.

Talent and intelligence rolled into one. As if their mother had plucked the brightest stars from Aldask's very domain and slipped such gemstones into the hearts that would soon become her sisters. Lore could memorize an entire papyrus scroll with but a simple glance whilst her power only grew under the tutelage of Uriah-- a man who owed no loyalty, not even to the spymaster or king, but to Lore alone. Not even Sulhana had such a trusted companion amidst her web of lies.

Lore deserved a good partner who would see her gifts and thank their lucky stars that they could even bask in her glory.

"Hopefully, you do not fall for me just yet, Gil," Sulhana joked with a laugh, a slight snort unconsciously coming out. "There are still many stars adorning Aldask's antlers," She said before turning to face the prince, her chalice bumping against his in a toast.

And, I am but the dimmest one.

"You have a good tongue for conversation. Go and use it. Might as well help Erick loosen his collar," She gestured her cup to him. "And, remember," She paused as she downed her wine. "You're behind again. Come, I think you should meet Jinayah."

Sulhana moved onward to greet Jin. As she walked towards her, she quickly noticed the large Vyarin take a hesitant sniff of the wine. And, for a moment, she wondered whether he would scoff at their culture in favor of his own. But, when he let the red stain his lips, she couldn't help but smile. Even if he did stagger like a weakened lamb to a slaughter. She'd have to alleviate this soon, but oh well, Lore was there already to console him... But, first things first...

"Jin," She greeted them before she bowed her head to her sisters. "I was worried you wouldn't come," She said as if in despair: eyes downcast and expression forlorn. Such expressions suddenly changed as though they were mere breaths on a mirror. "Oh, who am I fooling? You know I would have thrown a tantrum in front of your chambers if you had run away."

Sulhana set her cup down first before she embraced Jin with a deep sigh that spoke of exhaustion and relief. Her arms trying to contain her in the pathetic spaces she could muster, almost as if she was afraid she would slip away. It had been too long since they had gathered like this ever since the suitors were announced. They were all of them busy with their own businesses. Lisse with her diplomatic duties, Lore with her studies, Jin with her martial affairs... they were indeed children no longer.

"Gods, where did the times go when the governess was just forcing us to try out new dresses and us pretending that we even gave a damn," She spoke before backing away. "Can I be candid and express her horrible taste in suggesting your dress? I was not sure if she was prettying up a princess or readying a jester," Sulhana breathed out, her hands now retreating to clasp together at her stomach. "I miss it. When things just made... sense,"

Much whispers had reached her ears concerning the knights and their beloved princess. She had thought that parting Jin from her companions might be troublesome. Some might grumble against the crown. Worse, others may propose marriage to her, effectively ruining any chance of an alliance.

"You have been busy of late, little sister," Sulhana smirked as she teased. "I heard whispers, you see. A princess. A farewell celebration. An armor," She paused. "You should have worn it today. I would have loved to see it, you know. Oh, worry not about father," She scoffed playfully, rolling her eyes at the thought of their king. "He isn't here to give us a lecture about what it means to be a woman. As if he had the parts to qualify for an opinion," Then, she shrugged her shoulders in irritation. "Well, I do hope my dear friend Gil agrees with me," She then said to Jinayah. "Come, introduce yourself, sister, to Gil. Be warned, though. He doesn't hold back in challenges, not even against your beloved Hana." She feigned a morose tone in childish jeering.

Her attention was then drawn to her mage-sister. When Loreena spoke up about having Vyarin as the judge, Sulhana echoed out with her own chuckle. She quickly headed to the two before noticing the liquid that her sister was offering. She nodded in approval before nudging her sister slightly with a grin. As a spymaster who ensured to control others from distant lands, she had to learn their language and culture as well. Vyarin doing his best to try out Astalian culture was definitely a good sight to see, and that encouraged Sulhana to think that this man could still have a future with them yet.

"One of our friends is getting a good introduction to Astalian culture but it looks like we have much to teach the prince," Sulhana said as she observed the man. "It is good that you know how to get rid of the taste, Lore. We'll just need to help him have a seat first. But, I am glad that he did his best. It shows that he cares," The woman mused shortly before she waved to a group of her servants. "The servants will assist."

Now, that most of the players had arrived, Sulhana decided that it was time to get on with the banquet in time for that. So, with a wave of her hand to the stationed servants, the food was then brought out. Mouthwatering platters of assorted meats and delicacies from each of their home nations filled the court and the table. It was an invitation for them to dine and be merry for even just a small respite. She addressed the nobles near her, taking special care to clear her voice so that Lore could hear and hopefully translate a bit of it to Vyarin.

"Friends, we have a lifetime ahead of us to be bound to one person. To sleep at night with them at our side and to awaken in the morn with them unfortunately still at our side," She chuckled softly then at the thought. "But, perhaps, that is what it means to be married. To always be a constant for the other, especially with the uncertainty of the times that lay ahead. To be one another's last starlight when all other of Aldask's lights go out. But, for tonight, we speak, dine, and drink as friends. And, hopefully, you get to meet the one for you," Then, with a laugh she joked once more. "Or, you can all just throw caution to the wind and pick me. I don't mind. Saves both of us the trouble of dancing during the ball and me stepping on your foot until you lose your toes," Sulhana waved her hand then as her laughter faded. "Friends from all lands of Sahas and my dear sisters," She smiled at all of them, gesturing to the grand feast awaiting them at the long table. "Come, dinner is served."

The Sahasian Alliance

---

At the orcish prince's return of her challenge, Sulhana beamed. Hands clasped gleefully at her front as a slight giggle slipped from her lips. She turned to Annalise with a tilt of her head before glancing back at Gil with an expression of apparent interest: brows raised, green eyes twinkling with mischief. With an exaggerated wave of her arms, the third princess motioned to Gil as if trying to convince her sister.

"Now, here, we have someone who knows how to have fun, Lisse," Sulhana chuckled as she stepped aside to let Gil pass by her to take a seat, but not before delivering a gentle slap to his left arm.

It was then that she turned to Erick, her expression softening from childish to one of understanding as she offered him a sincere smile. She had heard whispers of this man. Honorable, duty-bound. Death's familiar friend. She wondered how such a young man no older than her could keep it all the shattering fractals of himself together despite the mountain of losses upon his shoulders. And, it was in those anxious eyes of his and the visible tension in his body that she knew that war had robbed Erick of his childhood as it did many others. For while she and her sisters danced in the warm hearths of their parapets of stone, this northern prince weathered the cold to keep Astalia and all of Sahas safe. Men like him would be broken in one or two places, and yet, it was in his imperfections that Sulhana felt a sense of gratitude towards him and the people he protected.

Perhaps, she just had a softness for strong yet fractured things.

Her hand went up to his shoulder, gentle and soft on the tense muscle there.

"I know that friends and companions are often hard to come by when it comes to those who bear the weight of crowns upon their heads," She said before her gaze landed on the serpentine bracelet upon his right wrist. She also caught the unmistakable sight of Lore's jewel adorning the leather bangle on the left. "But, at least, you can consider me and my sisters as your friends. And, friends," Sulhana said, raising her right hand as she backed a pace away from Erick. She made a dramatic show of her right hand as she spun, covering it with a piece of cloth she held in her left hand. And, with a blow of air from her lips, the white cloth caught fire before quickly fizzling it out of existence. And, in the ashen wake of the burnt cloth, there was a small glass of wine which she offered to the crown-prince. "Are at ease when in one another's presence," Sulhana a proud grin before a chuckle overtook the corners of her mouth. "Oh, it is not magic, Erick. Only my sister Loreena is blessed with such a skill, I'm afraid. But, you would be surprised what some cunning swindlers know when it comes to beguiling the senses. A simple... trick, if you would. A sleight of the hand."

The third princess stepped back then.

"It is as Gil said," She smiled. "Be at ease. You're safe here," Then, with a chuckle, Sulhana began to walk to prince Gil's side. But, not before sparing a look at Annalise as that knowing expression filled her face for the briefest of eternities. It was the clear message that when it came to Annalise's situation, there were only two princes worth her prestige in the most practical sense: the crown-princes of the League and of Jorda. She had a feeling that Vyarin had already set his sights on Annalise with how Sulhana knew his people and the culture that raised him from birth, but between the two, Sulhana felt that Erick may be a better match. Of course, it would still be up to her sister's judgment, but... she did have a few qualms with the Prozdy prince. His lack of a working knowledge of the Astalian tongue was telling of his personality despite the effort that she and her sisters exerted to learning the Prozdy speech. Sulhana, especially, but while she could comprehend more common expressions and the more formal phrases, she dared not to speak it yet. But, it was better off for people to assume she couldn't understand.

Men who could not make clear their intentions with words often found themselves using their fists. That much was clear.

So, she had already started setting up the stage, but she had a feeling Annalise would be able to catch up quickly soon.

Soon, Sulhana had paced in front of the seated prince. Hands on her waist as she feigned a challenging look at the large man whose eyes seemed to bore into hers. He looked easy on the eyes. Quite unlike the stories and whispers she had heard of those with orc blood running in their veins. Pleasantly surprising.

"Is it too late to ask that you pull your punches when it comes to me, Gil?" She said, a small laugh interrupting her words. Sulhana turned to the long banquet table, and there, she turned to two golden glasses already sitting there by the large jug of wine. "One of the finest Afdani red, I am told, with a name I dare not butcher with my tongue. But, I am told that it sears the throat. Loosens the tongue. Spills all the secrets of those who succumb to its rich flavor," The princess mused with a chuckle, her eyes affirming the small markings on the bottom of the two glasses that she filled with the strong wine. Then, when both were adequately filled, she sauntered to Gil's front as she began extending the glass to the orc prince. "Fancy a wager? If I am able to drink more than you and still have my wits about me at the end of this banquet, you'll have to teach me all about the braids that the Afdani often wear upon their heads, and to tell me how you got all of yours," She proposed. "If you win, well, I believe it depends on what you would ask of me."

As she paused, Sulhana took a breath as she steadied herself and her will to see this little game through. She swirled the liquid in her chalices as she approached.

"So, you better ready yourself because," She smirked, and before the prince could obtain the large grail from her hands, the green-eyed princess suddenly raised the cup to her lips before downing both goblets in succession. As the liquid scorched her throat and almost immediately warmed the length of her back and her chest, Sulhana uttered out a shaky sigh before she opened her eyes in defiance at the prince. She waited until she could grip herself once more. Oh, she hoped there would be no mistakes in her preparations for this evening. "You're already two drinks behind."

The princess turned to the array of lights shining by the sea, and with a tilt of her head, she motioned for Gil to follow her to gaze out upon the ledge.

"Come, walk with me while we wait for the others to come," She grinned as she started walking to the stone railings, and as she passed by the curtain of vines and roses, she gave one of her cups to a passing servant. It was then that she heard twin bird-like calls that seemed to have echoed from the walls. Like two songs melded into one.

Vyarin and Jin have met, have they?

Looks like things were unfolding as she had envisioned for now. The pieces were moving, and only time would tell how their destiny would unfold. Eight had been gathered in Astalia today. Eight years had passed since the Empire had intensified their aggression against Astalia and her people.

"To just fly against the heavens, and just look at the world below without a care," Sulhana remarked to herself with a wistful look on her face as she stared out against the rolling waves. The stars looked down upon her in affirmation of her sorrow, and they, in turn, reminded her of the freedom she had lost long ago. "The things I would give..."

The Sahasian Alliance

---

The turmoil in her heart, raging like one of the great maelstroms off the coast of Astalia, calmed as Annalise's embrace held the fractured pieces of her heart together. Like she always did. The Light of Astalia, their sister was often called within the peasantry. And, how true that was. She shone like the sun, both in her appearance and her demeanor. Annalise was the reminder that no matter how dark the clouds may be that wafted over their lands from the Empire's gaze, the brightest light would always shine to vanquish the darkness. While the triad of sisters pursued their own ambitions-- Jin as a battle-maiden, Loreena as a mage, and her as the watchful eye-- the crown-princess had only concerned herself in working towards the benefit of Astalia. Annalise knew she would inherit the throne sooner or later, and her dear sister had prepared for it greatly. Sulhana often found the fragile princess buried in books within the castle's grand libraries as the midnight oil burned out from the lamps.

She may seem like a trophy, fit only to decorate a man's bed, but the spymaster knew just how much Annalise worked to keep their nation's diplomacy intact.

She was the light that allowed the flowers to grow within Astalia, and every light needs its shadow to keep the horrid things buried and unknown. And, Sulhana knew it was her role to make sure that her sister's radiance continued to shine without being tainted by the things darker than them.

Sulhana chuckled in relief, fingers retreating from the zither as Annalise wrapped her arms around the third princess. When Annalise pulled away, Sulhana stood from her seat before turning to face her elder sister.

"I greet the Light of Astalia," She bowed deeply then before snorting in laughter as Sulhana tucked a strand of raven hair from her face behind her ear. "Imagine the day you would force me to greet you as such, Lisse," She tilted her head as her laughter died down. Then, to Annalise's initial query, the spymaster grinned. "Who knows? Maybe I just wanted to steal away your suitors before they steal you away from us. A warrior, a brother, a braided son, and an elf," She shook her head. "They are as the whispers say."

When Annalise threw a somewhat rhetorical question in her direction, Sulhana sighed before turning to the dim halls that led to the courtyard, still barren of the suitors or their shadows.

"You and I both know how politics and court intrigue work," Sulhana began. "It may seem like an innocent invitation from a princess but I am willing to wager that those men understood that it was more of a... well, dare. An unofficial demand, if you would," She then continued, now looking at her sister before Sulhana's eyes landed on the blinded iris. A well-kept secret of their family. "To refuse the invitation carries a risk of damaging their nation's credibility in the eyes of Astalia and its allies, because why would you refuse the request of the party who just gave you the luxury of a royal bed and breakfast? As a man, it also carries the risk of whispers from their subjects. A man refusing the chance to meet their potential betrothed? What ever would the peasantry say? What would their own nations say?"

Sulhana sighed in anticipation of the men's hostility towards her then. But, she needed to get them in one location to really allow her sisters to get to know their potential intended without the prying eyes of their father. A chance for her to gather whispers with her own ears.

"I can already tell that they dislike me, but you know that I will do what I must to make sure they are trustworthy," The princess looked up at the darkening skies then, her eyes glinting at the studded starlight now peeking from the curtain of night. "Love be damned, but I need to know if they are civilized enough that their hands are gentle and their words soothing on each of you when we finally part ways." Then, Sulhana turned to face Annalise as she placed her hands on her stomach. "And, if I ever see a mark on your face that belonged to them. Well, you know that your sister has ways."

Suddenly, a strange call, like a bird's, that seemed to originate from the many arches of the courtyard sang to Sulhana as the spymaster smiled.

"You asked me if I think they will come," She shrugged her shoulders before turning her head to the hallway opposite them. "Some of them are already here," Her green eyes focused on the dancing shadow and flame in the hall as the princes appeared.

The rumble of the seas crashed against the walls, and soon, the hazy sun vanished from the horizon, causing the torches to burn all the brighter. Over by the Astalian Bay, a thousand flaming lights burst anew. The distant Great Lighthouse of Altera shone in majestic splendor: massive yellow and red tongues of fire danced at its peak, guiding sailors home to the greatest bastion of freedom on Sahas.She waited until the princes had come up to them before she bowed her head in their direction. Her eyes quickly fell on the two nobles, observing every feature of their being. Looking for anything that might denote weakness. An errant twitch. A wrong look in their direction. More importantly, in Annalise's direction.

"I greet you, princes Gil and Erick," Sulhana replied. "My heart is soothed with your arrival, my lords. I was scared that my abrupt invitation meant that no one would arrive, you see," She chuckled, clenching her hands together in front of her chest. "I have a special show planned for us tonight, and I hope you all can find some semblance of peace after everything you have been through," She smiled at each man then. "You are safe within our walls. So, in the meantime, I hope you also get to let down your walls and just... have some merriment. We may not look like it, my lords, but my sisters and I know our way around a drink or two," Then, Sulhana offered a small laugh with a wave of her hand. "How do they say it? Ah," She bit her lip as if in thought. And, then, her eyes fell on them once more as she gave them a small wink. "Make sure we don't drink you under."

The Sahasian Alliance

---

The tip of her needle dug into the cloth, dragging the emerald thread beneath before it raised up again to cross over the initial strand. Over and over again, her fingers guided the needle as it stitched against the fabric and soon, the pattern of the spymaster's serpent shone against the gray antlers. Sulhana breathed out as she cut and tied the threads to keep the embroidery together. Her smooth hands caressed her work just as she looked up to return her attention to one of her handmaidens giving her the current pieces of news around Astalia. Rising food prices as scrupulous merchants started hoarding due to whispers of incoming war and growing unrest at the idea of the Empire treading their greaves over Astalian soil were commonplace within the recent weeks. The princess bit her lip in frustration then, leaning back against the mahogany seat. In front of her, as she sat just by the stone rails of the Court of Flowers where the seas crashed against the great seawalls of Astalia, the golden sun streaked red now against the azure sky in preparation for the incoming blanket of night.

"The Ivalan Duchy has been conquered a few days ago," Sulhana mumbled as her handmaidens continued on embroidering their fabrics. "The Ivalani duke has bent his knee to the Empire, and with it, the Gilthanians have secured themselves a noteworthy port town," She gritted her teeth then in anger. She had tried to lend aid to the Ivalani but their prideful nature and corrupt ways had all spelled their doom. The strings she pulled to eliminate their corrupt officials had amounted to nothing. Like the mythical Eternal Serpents, cutting the head of one only meant that the stump grew three more. And, by poisoning the decrepit Lord of the Treasury, his own sons inherited the duchy's finances and spent it all whoring and drinking until the duke could no longer pay the very guards that kept vigil over his walls.

There was no resistance left in Ivalan by the time the Empire's host laid siege to it.

"A rat indulges in the food inside a small jar, and eats until it bloats. And, by the time the hand returns to the jar, the vermin has found itself too fat to escape," She continued, turning her emerald gaze to the setting sun. "The Ivalani had made their decision, and I have no intention in following them to the grave. This is why, I must do what I must to ensure that these... men do not stab Astalia in the back when we least expect them."

"Do you think they will come, master?" The handmaiden inquired, knowing full well her mistress' preference to be called by such a title.

"I am unsure, but," The princess smirked as she stood up from her chair. "If they choose to attend or not to will allow me to know them a little bit more. As I always say, the worth of a man is in his first actions. Come, we have much to prepare for. Regardless, they should have received the invitations and instructions by now."

Sulhana turned to the final preparations to the courtyard. The most prominent feature of the court was a large half-ring, held up by pillars of marble, that spanned the entire courtyard. The mouth of the semi-circle faced the crystalline seas of Astalia, letting the setting sun reflect against the marbled pillars that towered over the long table stacked with various food and wine. Thick green vines hung from the half-ring, seemingly shrouding the inner circle in nature's veil as flowers of a myriad of colors bloomed around them. Torches were placed in various areas, letting the warm light radiate around the courtyard. Above, the stars of the sky began peeking into view, and soon, when the moon fully hung from the heavens, such starlight would display its full magnificence. The Constellation of the Stag floated directly above the Court of Flowers, and its cosmic radiance never ceased to amaze.

The seas pounding against the seawall was also a calming sound for the princess. The various birds sang their song as they passed above the court and into their homes in the trees. And, Sulhana wished that this could remain the same. But, war was marching on their walls and, unfortunately, this was the most plausible way to avoid it: marrying themselves off.

"Whisper into the ears of the peasantry and the knights," Sulhana instructed. "The Daughters of Astalia meeting their potential suitors beneath a starry, starry night in the Court of Flowers. The light of sun, star, and moon bore witness to these nobilities, and with them, an alliance against the Empire," She said. "Rumors, especially those that involve the monarchy, are often good distractors against the threat of war. People will be more likely to go early into their workshops to gossip regarding the possibility of royal marriages. Taverns will be much livelier with such whispers floating about," The princess turned to her group of handmaidens. "Rather than them talking about the fear of war, let their minds be occupied with the idea of four alliances and their naive princesses meeting their fated ones," Sulhana rolled her eyes then, her flesh prickling as she hugged herself tight. "I shudder at the thought, but tales of childish romance often inspire the blood to pound a heartly pyre. People will be more productive and all shall prosper."

"As you wish, master." With that, the handmaidens slipped into the darkness of the halls with a raise of Sulhana's hand.

With the bards she hired still absent, Sulhana tucked her hands behind her back as she sauntered over to the elevated platform in the middle of the courtyard where the instruments laid neatly in rows. There were flutes, lyres, and many more prepared for the musicians. And, she couldn't help but relieve her childhood memory of learning to play such instruments. It would be a tragedy though, that her first performance would be to play at her mother's yearly remembrance of her passing. She had died shortly after Jinayah's birth, and Sulhana wept at the idea that perhaps her youngest sister might have blamed herself for Tiana's passing. Sulhana had not exactly treated Jin well in their earlier days, but the third princess had learned to move beyond such tragic childishness.

No one was to blame but the cruel hand of destiny that sewed their mother's death into the tapestry of Astalia's fabric.

She sat down on a chair just in front of an ornate zither, and her hands fell against the strings. Memories flooded her eyes then, and each twitch of sadness ran down her mind to her arm, and into her fingers which moved in melancholy against the strings. For everything that she had gained, for everything that she had lost, and for everything that she had left...

Upon your lap I did find peace, mother.
A warm hearth against the storm of winter.
Your touch reminds men of the gentle years
Before you parted, in sadness and tears.

She came in Spring, the dew of soft morning.
Warm it was upon her lips, and chilling.
Gentle her touches upon stream and stone.
When my mother woke and walked still alone.

She stayed in Summer, the sun fierce and red,
Danced with a king, and doom fell on her head.
Full she became, and as round as the sun.
A daughter then, and joy she thought she won.

Her lips sang the olden song in the ancient Astalian tongue: a story of a daughter's lament for the death of her mother. A melody sang in the olden days of the ancient mounts and when the Astalian seas still ravaged the land. And, yet, Sulhana wondered how a woman could sacrifice her body to a man. To throw one's life upon the breach, all in the name of raising a beloved. Maybe love did make people do stupid things, and she feared for the lives of her sisters. Loreena came to mind. It was no secret that she was the most amiable to this whole affair. But, perhaps, she should be more worried for Annalise. Any capable ruler would know that marrying the eldest ensured the greatest claim to the throne, and it would not be a surprise if all those men had set their sights on the crown-princess. Eager to force her to produce heirs in the name of succession.

The sudden spike of fury throbbed through her fingers, and the strings wobbled in their wake as she plucked at the zither.

Then, autumn, the falling leaves a warning
Pale grew her cheek, and cold. Her life waning.
Bitter her kiss in sorrow grew, like myrrh
Their dance a mistake, and fatal to her.

Upon your lap, I feel so cold, mother.
Winter's bite has come, and leave did father.
Opal eyes closed be my regrets and fears,
When you parted from us in frozen tears.

Sulhana looked up to the dimming horizon on the seas as the torches enflamed brighter at the coming darkness of the evening. The warm winds brushed softly against her and the princess sighed again, knowing well that those same waters might soon be filled with Gilthian sails. Alliances needed to be made, so perhaps, the only thing she could do now is wait for the right time to set a possible plan in action.

Her ledger dripped with the filth she undertook in the name of securing control and power. What was one more, if it meant ensuring her sisters' happiness?

The Sahasian Alliance

---

Alliances. Pacts formed by such a bond are strong indeed but Astalia will be torn apart by so many claimants that I fear for what will happen to its walls and bastions in the near future. Astalia's King will fade away soon, and from his grave shall soon rise the ambitious and the selfish while the voices of his daughters will be buried beneath the whims of men.

The third princess' thoughts were occupied by such grim ponderings that her mood soured in an instant when her father acknowledged her. Her mother jumping for joy at these developments couldn't be farther from the truth. But, the king was slowly becoming a broken man, the fragments of the benevolent ruler buried with the queen who he loved more than all the stars in the night sky. She felt sorrow for her father but the girl who had worked so hard to heal the forlorn monarch had given up on that endeavor many a winter moons ago. Sulhana had become a woman who now knew that every single one of her sisters needed to play a part to keep their land from being torn to pieces from enemies both within and beyond its borders. Her eldest sister, Annalise, was to become its face and maintain its reputation with her gentle hand in diplomacy. Loreena's role was to strengthen its might and reign with her magical awakening. Jinayah was to become its sword should the need arise, and to rally all of its people as proof that even a woman could lead when a man failed to do so.

Hers... was to become the web that would keep all the shadows together, the brighter their rule would become.

But, for now, she needed to slide between the sunbeams unnoticed. Her plan for a shared rule among her sisters would be kept hidden under the darkness of night lest the prying eyes of these suitors shatter years of her plotting. So, with a sigh, Sulhana settled down in her assigned seat with back straight and hands clasped firmly upon her lap. When her sisters started appearing within the hall, Sulhana greeted them warmly with a smile.

Her heart lightened at the sight of her better siblings, knowing that she must protect the innocence that each of them possessed from those that would do them harm.

Her father never truly knew the price she paid to cultivate the seed of her whispers until its roots ran deep into the heart of Sahas. She bartered everything she could to obtain control over her spies: threats, promises, pleasure. All of it she sacrificed upon the altar of her father's rule. She had harmed many. Most more deserving than some, but it went without saying that the voices of those she wronged lulled her to sleep at night and greeted her at first light on the morrow. Sulhana knew that the hem of her dress dripped red with the tears of those she had harmed to realize her ambitions, and wherever she walked, the stains marred the ground in her wake. She was beyond redemption, this the third princess knew. However, just because she was adorned in the filth and muck, did not mean she would track the mud stains of her deeds to the parapets of Aeli. Her secrets, and all who would know them, would die with her, if need be.

A game of secrets. Yes, this would be the name of such a ploy. To know the secrets of each of these men who stood in front of them, all dressed in the cloths and colors of their cultures, so he could pull them by the strings and ensure that the Four Daughters of Astalia maintained their grip over the kingdom's power.

When Sulhana stood up, she beckoned to the shadows which prompted a large man to peer out until he stood in full view. The robes he wore were emblazoned with the spymaster's sigil: an ashen snake coiled around a pair of white antlers. His dark eyes were dull, cast down as if the vibrancy of life had escaped such a husk of a man. But, with a single wave of Sulhana's wrist, the man scurried off to her side as she walked down to the line of princes. The spymaster stopped a few respectable paces in front of them, and she offered a traditional curtsy as a sign of respect. Then, as she spoke, the man behind echoed her words fluently in the Prozydian Tongue. Her whispers had informed her of that the Tongue of Astalia was not so well spoken beyond the mountain ranges. It was better to come prepared to hopefully send a message that Astalia's web had latched on to the walls of their nations, and to tread carefully lest the spiders heard.

"As a member of the King's Council, allow me to also extend my greetings and my gratitude to you all for gracing our halls. We are honored to be hosts to such nobles. I am Sulhana, third princess of Astalia," Sulhana greeted them. She offered a small bow and a smile, clasping her hands in front of her waist as she looked up at them. "My lords, I am sure the journey has been hard. The sun harsh and the roads long," With a wave of her hand, the servants filed out with jugs of cooled water and golden chalices. "A little offering to relieve your thirst, should you need it."

Her eyes swept over the suitors, and she tried to study them and uncover whether the whispers were true. First, her eyes settled on the large man who easily dwarfed the spymaster of Astalia just as the woman looked up at him. The clothes he wore framed his well-toned physique. His clean-shaven appearance and his lone eye informed the princess that this man had known nothing but physical trials and manual labors his entire life. He was, in all fairness, easy on the eyes despite the telltale rag that covered one of his. His scar from the whispers. His armor, worn yet polished, indicated a time well spent on the field of battle. Her gaze wandered briefly to the protective iron, seeing a semblance of his story just within the small dents and chinks in the creases of his vambrace and even the plates on his chest. He was used to a lifetime of duty, it seems. A dog in the servitude of its owner.

"You must be the Prince of Princes and the First Lord of the League, Prince Vyarin, son of Zarrir of Prozdy. The military might of your people is known to Astalia, and your sense of duty is known to us, Prince Vyarin. Much like another dutiful sister of mine," She briefly glanced at Annalise with a chuckle.

Then, to the next prince, she turned to him and with a smile, the princess nodded to Alvaro. The elven people were always of fair appearance, almost enchanting and if Sulhana was any lesser woman, her eyes would shimmer with charmed endeavor. Her heart would pound with wanton desire at the sight of his fair complexion and his sharp jawline. The silvery shadows of his hair would have enmeshed her in a trance, threatening to unravel the naive princess of Astalia into a lovestruck dame. But, Sulhana was past such childishness, and such tales of love were better off locked away in a chest, never to be opened again.

"Prince Alvaro of Lorien. The elves have always proven good friends to Astalia and to all the lands that still remain defiant of the Empire, and I hope we remain allies in the futures to come."

The third prince grabbed her attention though, and it wasn't to his gruff appearance nor his towering stature that her words eluded her. No. Rather, it was with genuine curiosity that Sulhana paused before addressing the orcish prince. Orcs were not unheard of in Sahas, but they were a rare sight. They were feared for the tales of savagery they committed. But, the whispers she obtained from the land of Afdan were nothing short of interesting. They spoke tales of civilized orcish hordes intermingling with humans, dwarves, and elves. They spoke of a gentle prince of the Jalalid dynasty that ruled the kingdom. They spoke of a prince with a white mark on his right eye. They spoke of Gil. The orc in front of her proved quite different to how she initially imagined the whispers to be.

"Prince Gil, son of Dumag," Sulhana greeted him with a grin accompanied by a relieved sigh. "Your people are known to us. Your braid, my lord," Sulhana chuckled as she smiled up at him. "A comforting sight. You must command the respect of your people."

Lastly, her attention turned to the last prince. Prince Erick of Jord. A man who had fought against the Empire time and time again. He and his brothers had paid the price of such conflict. A thousand times did the Empire slam against their walls, and a thousand times they repelled them. Her heart ached in a subtle pang of empathy for she knew the sorrow they endured as whispers from Jord flooded her desk. The princess dispelled the forlorn expression on her face as she looked up at the man. Much like Vyarin, Erick's scars were a tapestry of his past. A glimpse into the tragedies that Jorda endured in retaliation of the Empire's conquests. She seemed to read melancholy from his hazel eyes, and she felt a sense of respect at how he could still wake up and look tidy in the morning. If she had lost Annalise or any of her sisters, Sulhana couldn't even imagine how her wrath would spill.

"Prince Erick, son of King Henrick of Jorda," Sulhana began as she smiled up at him. "Your people have been the bulwark that kept Astalia's enemies at bay. For years, your people have manned the walls of the north and many have paid the ultimate toll," As she took a step back, Sulhana continued. "Prince Andor was a good man. I have no doubt you will be one as well."

The spymaster stepped up on the platform before turning once more to give an announcement to the princes.

"My father and I have arranged these but you and your retinue have been provided with grand chambers to rest your head in at night. Your men are a part of you as you are of them, and I imagine that a commander's worth can only be measured by the respect he commands. Your needs will be attended to by our servants, and food shall be abundant while you are here. I promise you: your backs shall never be cold and your stomachs shall never be empty while here in Astalia," Then, Sulhana cleared her throat. "To my sisters and to the princes, after you have finished resting, I have organized a little... gathering within the Court of Flowers. The courtyard by the sea. Just a simple time for all of us to chat, away from our good father's prying eyes," She chuckled playfully in King Harold's direction. "There will be wine, tea, cakes, and a lot more delicacies I have tried to purchase from each of your lands. My handmaids will give you the invitations and will direct you to the Court when you are ready."

She walked towards her sisters then, a mischievous look of pleading dancing between her eyes.

"Oh, I do hope my sisters can come," She spoke to them quietly with hands clasped in front of her chest. "We haven't spoken much after father's announcement, and I do sorely miss our little chats."

Then, Sulhana turned again to the princes as her puppet sprang to her side in anticipation of her words. And, as soon as Sulhana ceased speaking, he would walk off into the shadows of the castle halls, waiting to be used again.

"My lords, it is indeed a pleasure to finally see you with my own eyes--"

And, not just with eyes I own...

"-- And, I look forward to you accepting my invitation," She turned to her father with a deep bow. "If my presence is no longer needed, father, I shall be off now and prepare the courtyard."

After all, she didn't need to be in the room to hear. King Harold knew this well. The faintest whisper would, one way or another, land on her doorstep under the cover of night. And, should her father see the smile on her face, he would know that she knew as well.

Delete Accidental Double Post

Hello, I accidentally double posted due to internet problems :((

Can I have the double post deleted, please?

roleplayerguild.com/posts/5306425

Just the post. The thread is not mine.

Thanks you!

The Sahasian Alliance

---

Knowledge and information were twin crowns of rulership. They enabled a queen to understand the complexities of a diplomatic situation. It allowed them to maneuver through a military crisis. And, perhaps, most important of all, such knowledge made a leader accept when their hands were tied and that they had to swim with the tide or risk being drowned by the storms.

Sulhana prided herself in her vast roots of information giving her whispers that no other royal ear had heard before the princess let it slip from her lips. But, now, those same voices spoke nothing but the four foreign princes who had come to take away Astalia's daughters and take her resources as their own. Naive girls dreamed of being swept off their feet by dashing princes with brilliant smiles that threaten to make their hearts pound in flustered admiration. But, dreams were for ignorant girls, unknowing of the truth behind noble marriages. And, Sulhana had awakened from her slumber a long, long time ago.

She could not see these men as protectors nor liberators. No. All she saw were iron shackles, eager to clip at her and her sisters' heels. To drag them down from their pedestals and make them tragic baby mills of inept scions.

Knowledge was indeed a crown, Sulhana thought. Now, she wept at the irony that although she had been schooled and bred for this, she found such a circlet heavy on the heart though light upon the head.

The Princess of Whispers rose from her rosewater bath then, the water trickling down her slender frame as she looked out at the nearby window where the procession of the princes thundered her fears into reality. The handmaids gathered to her side quickly to wrap her in cloths before she stepped out of the bath and into her chamber room. There, she stood in front of the large mirror. Before long, she had been dressed in a form-fitting, dark blue dress which was fastened at the collar with a golden buckle with the sleeves falling down to her wrists. At her waist, there tied was a lengthy cloth band of white and black with the crest of the stag embroidered upon it, a symbol of Astalia's spymaster. Her emerald orbs gazed at her reflection: a deteriorating king's offering with thick raven locks braided neatly hidden beneath a translucent white silk veil. A circlet of the silver moon wound around her head to fasten the veil on tight.

Sulhana gritted at her image whilst she tapped at the onyx band on her ring finger, fury simmering at how small she looked as compared to her sisters. She was barely five-foot-six. But, perhaps, it was for the best. After all, looks can be deceiving. The third princess was a spider; she was barely noticeable as she spun her webs. However, once the threads tightened, oh... the prey she could catch.

Soon, the scent of lavender wafted in her wake as Sulhana made her way through the cold halls of the Astalian Palace towards the grand chamber where their guests would meet with her father. Men... who, without a doubt, would have only seen the four sisters as nothing more than bargaining tools used to further their ambitions. Her thoughts dwelled on Annalise, her dear eldest sister, who had the strongest claim to the throne. No doubt those princes would have set their sights on her in an effort to secure Astalian lands as their own once the king faded from this world.

I will protect her. I will protect them all.

With a trembled sigh leaving her lips, the girl lifted her head from the harrowing thoughts as she looked straight ahead at the double-doors leading to the grand hall. Emotions faded from her visage, all worries and smiles seeping out into the recesses of her heart when the guards opened the path for her. Sulhana sauntered softly over to where her father, King Harold, sat upon his gold-enshrined throne. Each step closer sent visions of a once-warm father stabbing at her heart, causing Sulhana to bite her lower lip in frustration. But, when she set her gaze on him, she was reminded of the cruel reality that the beloved king of Astalia was no longer the same man when their mother was still alive. That warm father figure was gone, replaced by the ghost of a man in shambles.

"I greet the Sun and Moon of Astalia," Sulhana greeted her father as she bowed deeply in his direction. "I greet you, father, on this memorable day when we forge alliances with the sovereign nations around us," The princess offered a smile despite the cold pang in her heart which forked out and ran through every limb of her being. "Mother would have loved to see this day."