The grand hall of Riverbend was bathed in the golden light of the evening sun
streaming through stained glass windows. Blue curtains swayed, symbolizing the
river that was the kingdom's emblem. Three days had passed since King Valoria's
birthday celebration in Caelora, yet the atmosphere here felt entirely
different.
King Alden of Riverbend sat on his throne—simple, yet dignified. His silver
hair draped over his shoulders, his face etched with lines of wisdom. He
listened calmly as an envoy from Solaris knelt before him.
The envoy wore a black mantle embroidered with golden suns. His voice was
deep and commanding.
"Your Majesty Alden, the Solaris Empire presents a formal proposal. Princess
Elara shall be wed to Prince Kael Draven Solaris. This union will strengthen
the bond between Solaris and Riverbend."
Alden tapped the armrest with his finger, weighing the words. Solaris was a
mighty power. To refuse them could mean danger. Yet Elara was still in Valoria.
He had not heard his daughter's thoughts.
"I shall consider this proposal," Alden replied slowly. "The final decision
will be given only after I speak with my daughter."
The envoy bowed and withdrew from the hall. The evening breeze drifted
through the windows, rustling the blue curtains. Alden closed his eyes for a
moment, feeling the heavy burden that was about to fall upon him.
[POV: Elara – Day 6]
The river carriage stopped at the palace dock. I hurried down, my heart
pounding ever since I heard that Solaris had come with a marriage proposal.
During the three-day journey home, only one face lingered in my mind: Arthur
Valoria.
His smile, his gaze as he danced with the people, the way he celebrated his
birthday—all of it replayed within me. I knew I could no longer keep these
feelings hidden.
I went straight to the hall. Father waited on his throne. I ran and knelt
before him.
"Father, I must speak. I… have fallen in love."
His eyes fixed on me. "With whom, Elara?"
My fingers clutched the edge of my gown, struggling to steady my trembling
voice.
"With a Valorian. I saw him with my own eyes. A king unlike any I have ever
known."
I drew a deep breath, then spoke more firmly.
"Arthur Valoria… he is not merely a young king. For two years he refused to
celebrate his birthdays, devoting himself only to duty. At eighteen, he
dismantled oppressive taxes, reorganized the military, reformed the laws. At
nineteen, he stood at the frontlines of war, facing cultists and defending his
nation. He sacrificed his celebrations for his people."
Tears welled, yet a smile formed on my lips.
"Only on his twentieth birthday did he allow a celebration—and even then, it
was not for himself but for his people. He sat alongside commoners, greeted
farmers, praised artisans, danced with nobles and foreign merchants. He
unveiled the innovation of carriages that connected cities with speed I had
never seen before. It was not merely a festival—it marked the birth of a new
Valoria."
I lowered my head, my voice quiet but unwavering.
"Father, I saw him… and I know I love him."
Alden studied me for a long moment, his face unreadable. Then he let out a
deep sigh.
"Elara… three days ago, the envoy of Solaris came. They seek your hand for
Prince Kael Draven Solaris."
I froze, my blood running cold. "I refuse. I will not marry Prince Kael. I
have already found the one I love. Father, let me choose my own path."
[POV: King Alden Riverbend]
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the choice before me. Solaris was vast,
and rejecting them could mean calamity. Yet how could I force Elara—my own
flesh and blood—into a marriage she did not want?
I looked into her eyes. They shone with conviction. She was no longer my
little girl. She had grown into a woman who knew her own heart.
"Elara," I said at last, "if that is your choice, then I shall refuse
Solaris."
She sobbed with relief and embraced me tightly. "Thank you, Father."
That very night, I wrote the official letter:
Riverbend rejects the marriage proposal with Prince Kael Draven Solaris, for
Princess Elara has already found the man she loves.
I did not name anyone. Let the reason remain simple—my daughter's personal
choice. But I knew this decision would send shockwaves across the continent.
[POV: Solaris – Solaris Palace]
The black hall of Solaris burned with the light of red torches. Bronze dragon
statues stood in every corner, as if watching all who entered.
Emperor Lucian Solaris sat upon his throne, his black robe trailing like
raven's wings. In his hand, the letter from Riverbend had already been crushed
into shreds.
"Refused…? They dare reject my son Kael Draven?"
Prince Kael stood beside him, his face flushed with fury.
"Father, this is an insult! They chose another man over me? Let me destroy
Riverbend!"
Lucian rose, his voice cold and lethal.
"Calm yourself, Kael. They did not name who this man is. They only said their
princess has chosen. That means there is mystery. And mystery… can be used."
He strode toward the massive map stretched across the wall. His finger
traced to Sunstones—the trade kingdom at the heart of the continent.
"Riverbend dares to refuse because they feel secure. But to press them, we need
logistics. Sunstones must bow. They control the trade nexus—every land route
and major river flows through their domain. If they open the way, Solaris
armies will march unhindered. If they refuse…" He smirked. "…that merchant city
will be reduced to ashes in war."
Lucian turned to his general.
"Send envoys to Sunstones. Tell them: submit… or perish."
The heavy steps of Solaris soldiers echoed out of the hall. That night, the
seed of a new war was sown.