Blades of Desire

King Alden leaned back in his chair, his expression growing serious. The warm air of the council chamber felt heavier as Abigail and Queen Alicia waited for him to speak. "Abigail," he began, his tone measured, "what I'm about to tell you will weigh heavily on you. But I trust in your strength and wisdom."

Abigail's gaze remained steady, though her fingers tightened slightly around the fabric of her gown. "What is it, Father?" The king exhaled as if the weight of the matter rested on his shoulders alone. "King Harold of Everia has requested our allegiance in the upcoming war against Marlenia." Abigail frowned. "A war? Why would Everia need our help? Their army is vast, and their resources are unmatched."

"It's not as simple as strength alone," Queen Alicia interjected softly. "Everia's borders have been under strain for years. Their strength is waning in some regions, and Marlenia is a cunning foe."

King Alden nodded. "Everia has been one of our greatest allies for decades. Their support has been invaluable; trade agreements, shared military intelligence, even food supplies during the harsh winters when our vests faltered." He paused, his brow furrowing. "If we refuse their call for aid now, all of that could come to an end. Eldrida would struggle to sustain itself without their backing."

Abigail listened in silence, the weight of the situation settling in her chest. "I understand the importance of their support," she said slowly. "But what exactly does King Harold expect from us? Soldiers? Resources?" King Alden exchanged a glance with Queen Alicia, whose face remained impassive but whose eyes betrayed a hint of worry. "King Harold has proposed something more permanent," Alden said carefully. "A union between our kingdoms."

Abigail blinked, her composure faltering for a moment. "A union? You mean..."

"Marriage," the queen said gently, her voice steady but kind. "He has asked for your hand, Abigail. To wed one of his sons." Abigail's heart sank, her breath catching in her throat. "Marriage?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

King Alden leaned forward, his expression earnest. "I wouldn't consider this if it weren't necessary. Eldrida cannot afford to lose Everia as an ally. By marrying into their royal family, you would solidify the bond between our kingdoms in a way that no treaty could." Abigail's thoughts raced, her mind filled with conflicting emotions. She had always known her duties as a princess might demand sacrifices, but she had hoped her marriage would be on her own or at least farther in the future.

"Who..." she began, her voice trembling slightly. "Who would I marry?"

"The choice would be yours," King Alden assured her. "Crown Prince Kaius or Prince Keiran, the twin sons of King Harold. Both are honourable, and either would make a fine match."

"Fine match," Abigail repeated, bitterness creeping into her tone. "Is that supposed to comfort me, Father?"

Queen Alicia reached out, placing a hand over Abigail's. "My dear, I know this is sudden, and it feels like a great burden. But you've always understood the responsibilities that come with your position. This marriage would not only secure Eldrida's future but also prevent countless lives from being lost in a prolonged war." Abigail stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the marble floor. "And what of my future? My choice?"

King Alden's expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "You would still have a choice, Abigail. Between the princes. But this is a matter of survival for our people. I would not ask this of you if there were another way."

Silence fell over the room, thick with tension. Abigail turned away, walking toward the tall windows that overlooked the palace gardens. Her reflection in the glass showed the weight of her turmoil. After a long moment, she spoke, her voice barely audible. "When would this... union take place?"

"The details are yet to be finalized," King Alden said. "But King Harold has requested a swift arrangement, given the urgency of the war." Abigail turned back to face her parents, her resolve hardening. "I need time to think."

"Of course," Queen Alicia said softly, her eyes filled with sympathy. King Alden nodded, his expression grave. "I wish it were not so, Abigail. But I trust you to do what is best for yourself and Eldrida. Without another word, Abigail excused herself, her mind swirling with thoughts as she left the council chamber.

*********************************************

"Father, why make such a significant decision without informing us first?" Prince Keiran questioned, his tone sharp but controlled.

They were gathered in the king's private chambers, an unusual setting for such discussions, especially at this hour. The king had summoned his sons late at night to inform them of his decision to ally with Eldrida and the marriage union that would soon solidify the alliance.

Prince Kaius, seated across from his brother, glanced at him before speaking. "Keiran, we need all the allies we can muster. This decision was necessary for the survival of our kingdom."

Keiran's jaw tightened, but he chose not to argue further. Instead, he sat back, listening intently as their father shifted the discussion to a more pressing matter.

"There was an attack last night," King Harold began, his expression grave. "An assassin infiltrated the palace. Thankfully, he was intercepted and neutralized before he could carry out his mission."

Both princes straightened in their seats, the weight of the revelation sinking in.

"When the assassin realized he was surrounded, he drew his sword and slit his own throat," the king continued, his voice tinged with unease. "He died instantly, taking any chance of interrogation with him."

Keiran frowned. "Do you believe Marlenia sent him?"

The king shook his head. "No, I don't think Marlenia is responsible. This feels more like an internal threat, a struggle for power within our own."

Kaius, who had been silently processing the information, finally spoke. "If that's true, we need to act swiftly. This isn't just an isolated incident. The number of spies and infiltrators within our ranks has been increasing. We must find a way to identify and root them out before they cause irreparable damage."

King Harold nodded, his face etched with concern. "You're right. The court has grown too unstable. We need vigilance now more than ever."

The room fell into a heavy silence, each of them lost in thought about the challenges ahead.

As they departed their father's chambers and strolled down the corridor, the princes engaged in a heartfelt conversation. The soft echo of their footsteps accompanied their discussion.

"Do you truly wish to marry now, Kaius?" Keiran asked his brother, his curiosity genuine.

Kaius's response was swift and resolute. "If it's necessary for the kingdom's sake, I'll do it." He attempted to sound convinced, as if sacrificing his personal desires was a familiar burden.

Keiran nodded thoughtfully. "I'm not ready for marriage yet, and besides, as the crown prince, you'll eventually need to produce an heir to secure the throne. It's likely you'll be the one marrying her." Keiran's tone was tinged with a mix of empathy and relief, grateful that he wasn't shouldering the same responsibilities as his brother.

Kaius turned to face Keiran, his expression introspective. "What if she chooses you instead? Father mentioned she'd have the option to select either of us. Would you be willing to make the sacrifice for Everia's sake?"

Keiran's gaze drifted, lost in thought as he pondered his brother's question. He recalled his promise to stand by Kaius's side and defeat their enemies. Sealing their potential alliance through marriage would be a significant step toward fulfilling that vow.

With renewed determination, Keiran met his brother's gaze. "Rest assured, brother, if I'm the one chosen to marry her, I won't hesitate or look back. We vowed to vanquish our foes at any cost, and that's precisely what I intend to do."