Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 415: The sun (2)

The best case scenario of the meeting between the Emergo of Eden and the Empress of Renasia is that they would be betrothed and join in holy matrimony.

The worst case scenario?

Two of the most powerful force of the Human Continent would duke it out and brings about a war that would make the Conquest that Emperor Arial had undertook to subjugate the small states and the kingdoms of Zettel pale in comparison.

Renasia is not some small state that Eden could easy crush

Renasia is a tough bone to chew. 

And so is Eden.

If these two power duke it out, another period of war would cover the whole Human Continent and many more would die.

There is a hope for peace right now. Even in some temples, the devotees of the Sun God pray that the conclusion of the meeting would be favorable. 

There is a chance for an enduring peace.

How could people wanted to let go of that hope when it is so close to completion?

Rhyssa continue saying

'We both wish to be the sole ruler of this continent, to sit in the Anointed Crown. Our diplomacy does us good, but our hearts betray our words. I could see it in your eyes, my lord. That unbridled ambition, the fire, the passion. Such ferocity is hard to find. I have seen many men in my life, all try to flatter me most erroneously but none of them can compare to you. What good is flattery if their words are just wind, their will disappear when adversity test them? I do not wish to be put under youwhich I believe is also your wish not to be put under me. I do not insult your pride my lord, do not mortify mine. Let us put away the titles and fame and let us address ourselves as equal. Or are you not willing? If I call you Your Imperial Majesty wouldn't that be like me putting myself under, you?'

Arial said nothing, his eyes just look at Rhyssa. And then he said.

'I am willing. If they are people that could claim to be the equal of me, then I have no doubt that title could only refer to you. In martial arts you may not best me, but in statecraft and military tactics, I have long heard of the brave princes of the Sun.'

Rhyssa smiles and chuckles a bit

'Lord Arial flatters me too much.'

'The lady doth protest too much.' Arial said. 

After all, Arial acknowledge the stability of Great Renasia, her vision in a strong nation and people had created the current powerful Renasia

Arial then said

'However! There is one matter that begs the question. Why would you accept this invitation from my mother then, Lady Rhyssa if you do not wish to marry and put yourself under my authority? Let say you wish to marry me and then rule your region autonomously, then I have no problems with that. But if that is your intention, even without marriage we could still achieve that peace. Or do you want produce an heir? Are you pressured perhaps by the nobles in your court incessantly asking you to marry?'

'Humph. I do not see why a woman of my stature need marry at all.' Rhyssa said as she could not appear to eager. 

That is one of the things Isabelle taught her but it is clearly not like this. But of course Rhyssa did not know it

'Then why come?'

'My lord' she said, her lips forming a mischievous smile.

'The marriage of a Queen, my lord, is born of politics, not childish passion. Now shall we dance? The piercing eyes of the crowds are uncomfortable.' 

Arial was flustered. To reject would show her no face and he is not able to humiliate a woman of her beauty in a public setting. 

And he is also feeling uncomfortable being looked at by the crowds.

She holds out her hand and Arial reluctantly took it and slowly he leads her to the center of the ballroom.

The empress notices his nervousness.

And she leans on him and whispers to his ears

'For now, endure this, my lord.'

'I do not know how to dance' he said, and he added 'more accurately; I have forgotten what it's like to dance. My movements will be very dull.'

The empress bowed a little and said.

'Then let me lead you. First, bow' She said in a whispering tone. Arial smiles a little and he bows awkwardly to Rhyssa.

'It would be my pleasure then to dance with one of the great beauty of the continent.' Arial follows.

'The pleasure is all mine' Rhyssa whispered.

'Play the music' the Empress ordered. 

And the band was started into life and began playing the music while the crowds watch as they look upon the couple.

Perfect and magnificent. 

Noble and kingly. Arial and Rhyssa together dancing in the center of the ballroom, it was a magnificent sight. 

A handsome man and a beautiful woman. A perfect fit.

Rhyssa then whispers to Arial ears leaning to his shoulders which drew some encouragement from Kyle and Isabelle, Kyle cheering for his friend, Isabelle for hers.

'Right hand around' she leads again and Arial put up his right and moves in circle with Rhyssa, a near touch dance.

And he could see her eyes, her beautiful green eyes and her long blue hair featured prominently, like a fairy in those fairy tales of olds and his heart skipped a beat.

'You never told me you were the daughter of the King of Renasia' Arial suddenly said during their dance, his voice whispering to her ears.

'You never asked.' She replies, her heart beating fast, her cheeks reddened out of embarrassment and the tingly feeling she felt when she feels the breeze of Arial breath on her ears.

'Left hand around' she said and Arial follows.

'Now your background is revealed to me. The secret is out' Arial said.

'I have never meant to hide it from you.' She said and for a while there is silence as they keep dancing. Then Arial strike the next question.

'Are you really intending for this marriage my lady?'

'I am.'

'Why?'

'Hmm' she hums, smiles form on her mouth. 

'Well, my lord every woman has their secrets. It is not a good manner to ask a lady to reveal her most inner thoughts'

'I was only curious my lady.'

'Curious? Of me perhaps?'

'What. NoI don't mean it like that. I..I..mean-'

She chuckles. 'I know my lord. I know. I was only teasing.'

'It wouldn't be because I won in the battle all those years ago. Right?' Arial said, with a slight smile.

Rhyssa only smiles providing no answer.

'And perhaps you fall in love with me back then. My appearance may have won your heart but I must tel-'

'Aren't you presumptuous my lord?' Rhyssa said to Arial and Arial stop his words.

Both of them then dance in silent, their eyes stare at each other, trying to gauge each other hearts and mind.

After the music ended, Arial said thanks, and walked off, but Rhysa remains happy despite the lack of encouragement on Arial part.

The evening altogether passed pleasantly with many people making connections while the question of the betrothal is still up in the air.

By the time Arial is trying to leave the ball, Kyle has danced with Isabelle thrice, and she is given great recommendation by the other gentleman of the court.

Rhyssa on the other hand is very much happy at her friend fortune. She feels Isabelle pleasure and urge her to be more outgoing.

They all returned to their abodes with high sprits, Kyle and Isabelle especially. Arial with conflicted emotions, Rhyssa with her plots and motives.

And the ball ended that day, a connection is made, wheels of destiny moves again, as the moon wanes and the sun shines its light.

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