Chapter 224 I have to refuse
Immediately, the room fell into a hushed silence, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware set down in surprise.
King Alistair looked thoughtfully at Calypso, then to Sylvia, and finally towards his own advisors. "Elder Calypso, that is quite the significant proposal. One that should not be considered lightly."
Elder Calypso chuckled softly, his scaly face alight with hidden machinations. "I agree, King Alistair. But what better way to bind the fates of our two realms? This union would not just be of two people, but of two nations—a unity that can lead us to an age of unprecedented cooperation."
Sylvia's heart rate sped up. What was this? What was this elder suggesting? Marriage? So her only worth was through marriage?
Did these people plan all of this beforehand? Did they think that she would be easy to manipulate and overwhelm if they cornered her alone without her family?
She felt anger bubbling up inside her as the situation was getting out of her hands very fast.
The finely crafted wine glass in her hands shattered as the vein on her forehead throbbed. She was about to burst out in anger when suddenly the King spoke in an unexpected tone.
King Alistair, whom Sylvia currently had a very low opinion of, gave a rueful smile. He directly looked at Sylvia, straight into her eyes and broke into an apologetic smile.
"Ahem. My princess, I am sure you have your reasons for suggesting this proposal. However, I must decline."
Hmmm? Sylvia raised a brow.
Elder Calypso also looked taken aback.
"Please don't misunderstand, Elder Calypso," King Alistair continued, his voice firm yet respectful. "Your proposal, while indeed grand and symbolic, overlooks one crucial factor – the personal choice and happiness of those involved."
"A union, especially one of such significance, cannot be based solely on political convenience. It must be rooted in genuine affection and mutual respect."
Sylvia's anger subsided, replaced by a flicker of respect for King Alistair. His response was unexpected, considering the weight of political gains at stake.
Roman's face turned unsightly. He did not even react to the marriage proposal. However, now his face became grave. His instincts told him that something was amiss.
And then the King continued...
King Alistair turned to Sylvia, his expression earnest. "Princess Sylvia, you are a leader in your own right, with visions for your realm that extend beyond the confines of a marriage alliance."
"Your role in forging peace and cooperation between our realms should not be overshadowed by a hastily arranged union."
Sylvia nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, King Alistair. I appreciate your understanding." Her anger also completely melted.
"Would it be possible for the Princess and the emissary to stay for a few days so that we could get to know each other better?" King Alistair continued, his tone suggesting genuine interest in building rapport.
"It's important for us to understand each other's cultures and values if we are to forge a lasting alliance."
Sylvia hesitated. At first, she wanted to openly turn down and reject the idea but doing so might result in more harm than good. It would be better to spend some days and then politely refuse this whole alliance and continue with the peace talks.
It was normal for people to suggest something like this when talking about alliances between two Kingdoms so she did not want to overreact.
With her simmering down the rest of the dinner went smoothly. King Alistair arranged for everything and took care of every small detail rolling out the red carpet for Sylvia and all of the members of the emissary, treating them only to the finest accommodation and cuisine.
The next few days went by smoothly. Sylvia met with various court members of the Kingdom and talked about their issues and how the beast kingdom could help them out with some of their problems. They were making very good progress.
Soon it was the last day of their stay. Sylvia felt a little restless and she couldn't sleep at night. She chalked it to having a big confrontation the next day. She got out of her room to take a stroll outside when she noticed a familiar face.
Roman was once again standing outside her chamber, silently guarding her. He had done this every night for the past few days they had stayed here. Sylvia couldn't help but smile warmly at the man. What a stubborn person!
"You still think that something is off?" Slyvia walked over to the man, whose lithe and slender figure was illuminated by the moonlight. He looked like he was not even real, just like how she had seen him for the very first time.
For some reason, the past churned in her memories as she started remembering bitter things. She did not want to remember those things. She snapped out of it to make small talk with Roman.
Roman ruffled his hair awkwardly, not expecting to talk to Sylvia at this hour, that too one-on-one. He was not much of a talker so he did not have anything to discuss with her.
"Are you satisfied now?" He asked.
Sylvia laughed lightly. "A little, maybe?"
"Heh. You fought with your father a lot for this and you are only satisfied a little?"
Seeing Roman tease her, Sylvia gently shook her head. "You wouldn't understand."
Roman turned serious for a moment. "You are right. I wouldn't understand. I have grown up with blood and carnage so I don't understand these peace talks. I still don't think they work. That's why I am standing here."
"Thank you." Sylvia smiled.
She was about to head back in but Roman suddenly tugged at her hand. Holding her slender hand in his hand, he looked into her eyes. "Tomorrow... I have something I need to discuss with you." He started.
Sylvia's eyes widened. "What-" She responded when suddenly the two of them snapped to turn their heads towards East at the same time. Both their expressions turned grave immediately.
"Roman!" Sylvia gasped and the wolf's eyes narrowed with palpable killing intent.
Demons!
And there were so many of them!
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel