After Benjamin left, Audrey leaned back on the plush seat, a smile playing on her lips. Conversing with the young boy had been a truly unique experience that she couldn't wait to share with the king.
Soon, Harford returned to the waiting room. "Miss Audrey, the prince is ready to meet you. Allow me to escort you and your assistant."
Audrey nodded and followed Harford along with her assistant through the magnificent corridors of the palace. The sound of their footsteps echoed against the marble floors.
They arrived at a pair of towering double doors, adorned with carvings depicting wintry scenes and adorned with silver accents. Harford pulled one of the doors open, revealing the awe-inspiring sight of the throne hall. The coldness in the air seemed to intensify as they stepped into the vast space.
The throne hall exuded a stark and imposing beauty, mirroring the harsh environment outside. The high vaulted ceilings seemed to stretch endlessly into the frozen sky, their intricate ice patterns reflecting the ethereal light of flickering torches.
The walls were adorned with tapestries woven with silver threads, depicting scenes of icy landscapes and battles fought amidst the snow.
Audrey's gaze was drawn to the towering stained glass windows, their panes depicting frost-covered trees and swirling snowflakes. The natural light that filtered through cast an icy blue hue over the hall, creating an atmosphere of frigid elegance. The cold breeze that danced through the hall carried a sense of mystique and resilience.
At the end of the hall, a grand dais stood, draped in shimmering white fabric that resembled freshly fallen snow. On the dais stood the throne, a commanding structure made of ice and adorned with delicate icicles.
The throne seemed to emanate a chilling aura of authority, and there, seated upon it, was Prince Baldwin. His golden hair cascaded around his shoulders and his piercing red eyes captured the essence of power.
His attire, adorned with intricate embroidery of silver and sapphire, complemented the icy grandeur of the throne hall. A fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders, its pure white colour contrasting against the deep blue of his robes, adding an air of majesty to his appearance.
Beside Prince Baldwin, a man stood with an unwavering gaze, observing Audrey and her assistant's every move. Dressed in a sleek black uniform, adorned with silver accents that shimmered like icicles, he exuded an aura of authority and vigilance.
As Audrey and her assistant made their way down the hall, they couldn't help but feel the biting cold seep into their bones. Audrey immediately wrapped her cloak tightly around her.
"Welcome, guests from the south," Prince Baldwin spoke, his voice carrying an air of authority. "I believe this is the first formal contact between our nations."
Audrey took a step forward, a confident smile gracing her lips. "Indeed, Prince Baldwin. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Audrey Benett, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ryntum."
Prince Baldwin's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke again. "I must admit, Lady Audrey, it is unusual to see a noblewoman taking on such a significant role."
Audrey maintained her composure, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. "I understand your surprise, Your Highness. However, I am not of noble birth."
Baldwin's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But you have a family name," he remarked, a mix of confusion and curiosity evident in his voice.
Audrey smiled warmly, understanding his perplexity. "I apologize for any confusion, Your Highness. In Ryntum, our king has implemented a requirement stating that individuals who wish to be recognized as official citizens of the kingdom and obtain a citizenship certificate must possess a family name. And registering one entails a fee. Essentially, in Ryntum, you have two options; either pay for a family name or patiently await the king's decision to bestow one upon you, although the latter scenario is highly improbable."
Baldwin's surprise turned to intrigue as he leaned forward, captivated by Audrey's explanation. "So, anyone can have a family name in Ryntum, regardless of their birth or status?"
"Exactly!" Audrey nodded, meeting his gaze.
Baldwin's eyes widened slightly, processing the information. "I see... Your king has found a unique way of making money." he mused.
Audrey chuckled softly at Baldwin's remark. "One could say that, Your Highness."
Prince Baldwin nodded, "Very well, Lady Audrey. Let us proceed with our discussions and explore the possibilities of cooperation between our nations."
The atmosphere in the throne hall shifted and became more serious. The weight of their respective nations' fates hung in the balance as they prepared to engage in a crucial discussion.
Audrey took a deep breath and began speaking steadily, "As I mentioned in the letter before, Ryntum desires Barlia to cease its aggression in the south. We have successfully defeated your army and recaptured all the lost territories. Continuing the war will only lead to more devastation on your side."
Prince Baldwin's expression hardened, "Lady Audrey, while I understand your desire for peace, we cannot simply end the war without getting anything."
"Please think wisely, Your Highness. Ryntum has captured all of your generals and top officers and is extracting intelligence from them as we speak. As time goes on, it will do Barlia more harm than good."
"How about this," Prince Baldwin suggested, "Barlia would retreat to its pre-war border but, Ryntum would have to release the top officers without delay."
Audrey's brows furrowed as she considered the suggestion. The prince's words don't imply that Barlia agrees to stop the war.
Firmly, she responded, "Prince Baldwin, we acknowledge the importance of the captured officers to Barlia. However, their release can only be considered if both nations commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities. We cannot risk their expertise being used against us once again."
"Hmm, then... We, Barlia can cease all hostilities if you can guarantee one thing, that your kingdom would supply us with grains and agricultural products at base prices." said the prince.
"Prince Baldwin, I need to mention that agricultural products are still one of our major export. Having to supply them to you indefinitely is a loss on our side." Audrey responded, clearly not agreeing with the terms.
"Then, how about five years?" Prince Baldwin proposed.
The room fell silent. Audrey hesitated for a moment. Five years is still a long period of time but at least now, they had an expired time limit. She wants to press further, shortening the time but she's afraid that the prince would close all doors of peace negotiation.
After a moment of consideration, Audrey nods her head. "Very well, Prince Baldwin. Let's agree on the terms."
Visit freewe𝑏n(o)vel.𝑐𝘰𝑚 for the best novel reading experience