Iria made her way to the chamber which she used as her working chamber as she was told that the guest from Jerivia was brought there.
When she finally reached there, she saw General Trevor Amari waiting for her and... apart from the Qalagon Royal Guards who brought the General there, the Captain of the Jerivian Royal Guards, Derin was there too.
As the Queen recognized the Captain as the right-hand man and most trusted guard of Zaro Aventine, she was reminded of the latter's death again, only to bring her torment.
Trevor Amari stood up when he saw Iria and the latter walked closer to him.
"It's been a while, General Trevor."
"It is, Your Majesty," the General said, nodding his head. Then he briefly glanced at Derin who bowed and walked out of the chamber.
"Leave us," the Queen commanded and all the Qalagon Royal Guards, including Elian, left the chamber. After that, Iria and General Trevor were the only ones in the chamber.
"Please have a seat," Iria promptly said and took a seat opposite the couch where the General sat before.
"Though I was expecting you, I don't know that it will be this soon," Iria Helev frankly said once they both settled. "It seems like you're still the same, General Trevor."
"I hate unanswered questions, Your Majesty. That's why... I want to hear the truth no matter what this time," Trevor Amari earnestly said.
The Qalagon Queen observed Trevor for a while and said, "Why is it necessary for you to know the story? King Tobias is death and so is Zaro Aventine. There's no use in talking about it now."
"You're not a Jerivian anymore and that's why you can think it that way, Your Majesty," Trevor Amari argued. "However, for a Jerivian like me, it's still a serious case." He briefly paused and said, "Please tell me the truth."
"I already told you that there is no use in digging the past," the Qalagon Queen uttered. "Jerivia should have peace and move on, General Trevor. I was born there and it was the kingdom which I used to bet my life to protect. So, if possible, I want to cause no harm. You should understand that."
Trevor Amari observed the former Commander and said, "It seems like the late King still has some place in your heart, Your Majesty. Though it's unexpected, I know you well and I understand. However, I don't know that you will try to protect his honor even after death."
"General Trevor -"
"But I also have many more questions, Your Majesty. I know that many things are still concealed," Trevor Amari continued before Iria could say anything more. "If your father, Commander Darien Alewine really died in the hands of the Qalagons, I don't think you will be the Queen of Qalagon today. Besides, the world still doesn't know how the Second Prince of Jerivia become the son of the late Commander Darien."
Though Iria was surprised by what General Trevor said, she didn't show anything.
"I can see that you're still curious and intelligent as before, General Trevor," she responded. "However, I have no intention to talk about the past. Now, I prefer to put everything behind and walk forward." She met the General's gaze and added, "Why don't we focus more on the peace that I mention? It will be a good thing if we can make the deal soon."
Hearing the Queen, Trevor Amari briefly narrowed his eyes and said, "That's one of my main reasons for coming here, Your Majesty. To meet you and the King so that we can discuss a peace deal."
Iria Helev slightly raised a brow. A military officer was here to discuss a peace agreement?
That's mostly done by officials and royals!
Seeing the reaction on her face, Trevor Amari reluctantly said, "I don't come here as a General but... as the King of the Jerivians." He looked at the expression on the Qalagon Queen's face and added, "I know it's shocking but I'm now the King of Jerivia, Your Majesty."
What's the meaning of this? Iria didn't understand at all!
If General Trevor was now the King of Jerivia...
"What about Athena?" she promptly asked. "Did she return to Nathania?"
Trevor Amari shook his head. "I don't know where Her Majesty is right now. All I only know is that she is not in Nathania or Jerivia." He made a deliberate pause and added, "Her Majesty refused to rule despite the pleas of the officials. The fact that I ended up taking over the throne is still a miracle to me. I never once thought of this."
It seemed like General Trevor was really the King of Jerivia now and Iria Helev finds it hard to believe it!
How did it happen?!
She indeed thought about the possibility of Jerivia selecting a new King but... General Trevor Amari?
This was totally unexpected!
The Qalagon Queen recalled how the Captain of the Jerivian Royal Guards came with Trevor and even bowed when the latter gestured him to leave. Why did she have no suspicion when she saw that?!
"Prime Minister Dallas was the strongest candidate to become the King when Her Majesty refused to rule," Trevor started explaining. "But he refused, citing his old age and his lack of an heir. Next was my father but he struggled with poor health these days and he refused too. However... Her Majesty wasn't okay with appointing other officials as the late King never trusted them enough. Then the Prime Minister supported me to become the new King."
The expression on Trevor's face proved how uncomfortable he was with his new role. Well, all he ever did was lead the army and fight wars. He never thought of administrating a province, let alone ruling a kingdom!
"Her Majesty approved the Prime Minister's suggestion and though my father was feeling reluctant because of my lack of experience in administration, the court ended up approving it," Trevor Amari continued. "It's been two weeks and I still struggle to adapt.. However, I come here myself because of the questions I have for you and to show that Jerivia is serious about forming an alliance."
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