One month after the battle between Jai and Farouk.
In Litinhn, the capital of Omi, a young woman walked through the palace halls, flanked by two guards trailing behind her. Everyone bowed slightly as the young beauty made her way across the halls with a regal air. Princess Lena moved with grace and confidence, her every step drawing admiration. Her gown was a masterpiece of artistry, made of flowing silk the color of twilight, embroidered with intricate silver patterns that shimmered with every movement. Around her neck hung a delicate chain of diamonds, and her wrists bore golden bracelets adorned with sapphires. A diadem of silver and pearls crowned her cascading dark hair, emphasizing her royal presence.
Behind her were her personal guards: a young boy named Gor Kindel and a seasoned knight, Sir Henry Laxe. Both wore the royal knight uniforms of Omi—dark cloaks trimmed with gold, their swords glinting at their sides.
Gor, walking just behind her, cast a concerned glance at the princess. For some reason, she seemed uneasy. Nervous energy radiated from her in subtle gestures—the slight clench of her fingers and the way her gaze flickered uncertainly.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Gor asked softly.
Princess Lena turned her head slightly, her voice calm but distant. "Yes."
Though unconvinced, Gor decided not to press further. Politics was a complex web he preferred not to get tangled in. He simply followed her in silence.
The three of them finally arrived at an imposing door guarded by two sentries. As the doors creaked open, an attendant's voice echoed through the grand hall.
"Princess Starieth Lena Litinhn…"
The princess stepped into the throne room, her head held high. The chamber was filled with members of the King's court, nobles, and advisors, all of whom turned their attention to her entrance. She walked with practiced majesty toward the throne, where the King and Queen sat in regal splendor. At the base of the dais, she bowed low.
"Your Majesties," she said respectfully.
"Rise, my love," her father, the King, said warmly.
Princess Lena straightened and met the gaze of her parents. Her father, King Stefan Litinhn, was a commanding figure with graying hair and piercing blue eyes. Her mother, the Queen, radiated grace and strength beside him. Despite their reassuring presence, Lena felt a knot of unease tighten in her chest.
Once the formalities were complete, the King addressed the court. His deep, authoritative voice carried effortlessly across the room.
"I believe we are all aware of the situation in Wize," he began. "With the aid of our forces, King Jai has solidified his claim to the throne and defeated those who opposed him and their allies in Eru."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the court, but the King raised a hand for silence.
"I know there were debates and doubts about allying with a king who usurped the throne. But now, the results speak for themselves. In exchange for our support, we have secured exclusive rights to mine high-value crystals in a region of Bintan, alongside other rewards. This alliance has already borne fruit."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in.
"However, there is more work to be done. The nation of Eru, as you all know, has wronged us gravely. Their spies and assassins once infiltrated our land, intending to kidnap my wife and daughter—your Queen and your Princess—and to destroy the future of this kingdom. Such an act cannot go unanswered."
Lena's heart sank as her father's voice grew stronger, filled with resolve.
"That is why Generals Laxe and Atilah were tasked with destroying the island that Eru used as a base for their spies. Both generals have successfully completed their mission."
The court erupted in murmurs once more, but the King raised his hand again, commanding silence.
"With the alliance of the rebels in Wize and the assassination attempt on my family, we can no longer turn a blind eye. We will launch a joint attack on Eru, and we will bring that nation to its knees!"
The court broke into louder whispers. Lena's unease deepened. Her father was not one to wage war without reason, but this declaration was filled with determination and ambition she had rarely seen in him.
As the murmuring continued, the King raised his hands once more, silencing the room.
"This alliance with King Jai and Wize is a step toward an era of peace and prosperity for our nation. But I know that such rewards come with a price. War is a bitter medicine, yet it is often necessary. Together with our allies, we will triumph."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the room.
"To solidify this alliance, there must be more than mere words. A marriage will unite our nations and secure the future of this continent. My daughter will be wedded to King Jai."
Lena's breath caught as the announcement echoed through the hall. Though she had always known this day would come—when her position as the only child of Omi's monarch would require a political union—she still wasn't prepared for the reality of it.
She bit her lip, her thoughts racing. Her parents had always promised her the freedom to choose her partner, provided it was a reasonable and advantageous match. But the situation had changed. This was no longer about personal choice—it was about strategy, power, and the future of their nation.
If they succeeded in conquering Eru, Omi and Wize would not only prosper but also unite to form the closest thing to the Moraketh Empire, which had ruled the continent two centuries ago. Her marriage to Jai would bring unprecedented influence and power, enabling her to extend her charitable works far beyond the borders of Omi.
It was a future filled with possibilities—but at what cost?
Lena's unease deepened. Something told her this was not as simple or as promising as her father envisioned.