The atmosphere in the royal palace of Qalagon was quite light. It was dinner time and unlike other days, King Arin had a companion at the long dining table.
Crown Princess Maria Kareno of Vialand arrived at Qalagon in the evening and though the young King had offered to prepare a feast, the Crown Princess declined.
When the King of Vialand heard that the new King of Qalagon was willing to negotiate with them, he quickly sent his only daughter for the negotiation.
Vialand had many unique laws in comparison to other kingdoms and one was that females were allowed to inherit the throne. However, that's possible only if the current ruler had no male descendants. Based on that, Crown Princess Maria became the heiress to the throne as the only daughter of the King.
The Queen of Vialand passed away when the Princess was just one and the King refused to remarry due to his love for his late wife. So, Maria Kareno became the Crown Princess at the age of one. Now, she was 20.
"I hope you like the food here, Crown Princess," Arin Helev said to the young woman who was sitting on his right. "Your kingdom is known for its uniqueness in all aspects and I think that food will be no exception," he remarked.
Crown Princess Maria was quite a beauty and she was even more beautiful when she flashed a smile. "It's great, Your Majesty. To be honest, the foods here aren't much different from the ones in my kingdom."
"I'm glad to hear that," Arin said, slightly smiling out of courtesy. "I have been to Vialand just once and I don't get much chance to try your foods."
"You should come for a proper tour later," the Crown Princess suggested. "My kingdom might not be big as yours but we are second to none in terms of beauty and diversity."
"Isn't that expected of a wealthy kingdom like yours?" Arin Helev asked and said, "I will remember your advice, Crown Princess." He slightly raised a cup of wine towards her and took a sip and the Crown Princess followed suit.
"I wonder why Your Majesty is willing to trade with us," Crown Princess Maria spoke. "During your father's reign, he was never interested in a small kingdom like mine."
Arin Helev put down the cup of wine and shifted his gaze to the Vialand Crown Princess. "I want to concentrate on trading so that I could provide more security for my people," he replied. "And above all, I'm not my father, Crown Princess. I might be his son, but it doesn't mean that our views are the same."
"You have a point," Crown Princess Maria muttered and finally turned to him with a little smile. "You are frank and honest just like the rumors say, Your Majesty. And I admire honest people. It's rare, especially among us royals."
"I'm flattered, Your Highness. I also realized that the future Queen of Vialand is curious and cautious just like the rumors say," Arin Helev pointed out.
If any other small kingdoms were in the place of the Vialand Kingdom, they would be more than eager to negotiate with a vast and powerful kingdom as Qalagon. However, Crown Princess Maria could bring herself to ask him that question and even mentioned how his father was never interested in their kingdom!
That kind of courage was rare.
"We should know our enemy and know our allies even better," the Crown Princess stated. "I always believe in that statement."
"I understand," Arin Helev said and turned his body in her direction, becoming even more attentive. "Then you can take your time to know me even better, Crown Princess. I have nothing to hide. So, I'm okay with it."
Crown Princess Maria's smile was convincing for the first time during dinner. "I already know that you're a reliable person, Your Majesty. However, it won't be a bad idea to follow your advice during my short stay here."
No other ruler would be willing to work hard just to gain the trust of a Crown Princess from a small kingdom like hers and Maria Kareno knew that. It made her admire the King who was so thoughtful and open-minded despite his young age.
"I hope you won't disappoint then," Arin said with a little smile and they both continued with the dinner.
*
Once dinner was over, the King retreated to his chamber. Though he had many works to handle regarding the negotiation with the Vialand Kingdom, he didn't feel like working at all. As such, he stood near the window and spent his time admiring the glorious moon.
As it was rainy season, it rained for almost the whole day and that caused the delay of Crown Princess Maria's arrival. However, the night's atmosphere was very pleasant and clear.
While Arin's gaze was fixated on the sky, the young Master Enaerion made his way to him and knelt a few steps behind like he always did. "Your Majesty."
"Is there some news?" Arin Helev asked though he never broke his gaze on the sky.
"The problem is dealt now," the Master Enaerion informed the King. "The traitor was caught and killed."
Hearing the news, Arin Helev let out a breath which he didn't even know he was holding. "That's great," he remarked and narrowed his eyes.
She will surely be having a hard time right now but... he can't be there for her, like always.
Brushing off his thoughts, Arin Helev finally turned to the Master Enaerion. "Don't you have any questions?" he asked.
"That's not my job, Your Majesty," the young man quickly replied. "I'm in no position to question you."
The King looked at the Master Enaerion who never once lifted his head. Then he took a seat. "I think you deserve to know. You will surely wonder why I'm so invested in the matters of the Jerivians, the Masked Commander in exact."
The Master Enaerion maintained his silence and Arin continued. "I can't say the details but... I want you to know that she is someone precious to me. If things went well, she will become the Queen of this kingdom soon."
There was just the slightest reaction in the Master Enaerion's face but because his gaze still met the floor, the King didn't notice it.
"My father once told me that when I become the King, the Enaerions will become my wings. But he said that it's possible only if I trust them and if they did the same," the young King stated.
"For that trust to exist, we should know each other well. The way you were trained forbids you to question me and my orders. So, I think I should explain myself. At least, that's not forbidden," he added in a calm yet sincere voice.....
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