Eadric's pov
Geoffrey leaned forward, his dark eyes narrowing. "You really think your people will accept an alliance with the Blood Mages after all the bloodshed between us?"
I met his gaze steadily. "I'm not asking for acceptance overnight. This is about laying the foundation for a future where we're no longer tearing each other apart. We both know the truth now, Tristan's lies led to our division. He wanted us to destroy each other, and for years we played into his hands. That ends now."
He crossed his arms, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You sound more like Aria than the king I remember. What changed?"
"Aria opened my eyes," I admitted. "She helped me see that we've been fighting ghosts. If we continue down this path, neither of our people will survive the next decade. We can either cling to old grudges or forge a new path, one where both of our people can thrive."
