King Magnus immediately called for the Queen to join him in his private chambers. He held a golden scroll, sealed with the dragon and sun of the Imperial house.
"It is a proposal from the Southern Empire," Magnus said, his voice heavy with concern. "From Emperor Khavan Drako-Solari."
Khavan was a powerful ruler, only twenty-two years old, but his life had already been marked by war and tragedy. He had been married once before, at the age of seventeen, but his young wife had died shortly after. Since then, the Emperor had remained alone, focused only on his conquests.
The Empress Dowager, Khavan's mother, had heard the beautiful stories of our Elara—the 'Living Light' of Valerion. Seeking a s
trong alliance and a new Empress for her son, she had sent this letter. She requested that Elara travel to the South to meet the Emperor and discuss a union between their two great nations.
The emperor looked at queen as she stood silent he added we should let Elara know .Princess Elara is having a tea time with Alarica maid suddenly came running and informed. Her to visit the king .she heard an alliance has came and she stood up and went with Alaric.
King Magnus stood by the tall window, watching the sunset. When he heard Elara's soft footsteps, he didn't turn around immediately. He waited until she was standing near the large oak table where the golden letter lay open.
"Elara," the King began, his voice deep and calm. "You know that Valerion is strong, but a kingdom is only as safe as its friends."
He turned to look at her. His eyes, usually cold and sharp, softened just a little when they met hers. "A letter has come from the South. Emperor Khavan Drako-Solari seeks an alliance. His mother, the Empress Dowager, has heard of your grace. They have invited you to the Imperial City."
He walked closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Khavan is a powerful man, but he has known much sadness. He lost his first wife when he was very young. Now, they look to Valerion—and to you—to bring light back to their court."
He paused, looking for her reaction. "This would make our kingdoms the most powerful in the world. But I want to know... are you prepared to meet this Emperor? Are you ready to see if the stories of your heart can happen in the South?"
Elara looked at the golden seal for a long moment. She was no longer just a daughter; she was the Princess of Valerion. She looked up at King Magnus, her eyes steady and calm.
"I understand, Father," she said softly. "An alliance with the South would protect our people for generations. If Emperor Khavan is as powerful as they say, it is better to have him as an ally than an enemy."
She stepped forward, the soft glow of her skin brightening in the dim light of the study. "If my presence in the Southern court will bring peace to Valerion, then I am ready to go. I will meet the Emperor and represent our house with honor."
King Magnus felt a surge of pride. He saw that his daughter was not just a "living light," but a woman of great strength.
"Your wisdom outshines your beauty, Elara. I have raised a ruler, not just a princess."he King replied. "We will begin the preparations. You will travel with a full guard of our finest bronze-clad soldiers."
As she stepped out of the study, she found Alaric waiting for her in the shadows of the hallway. His expression was troubled, his brow furrowed with worry.
"Don't go, Elara," he said, his voice low and urgent. "The South is a world away, and this Emperor... he is a man forged in war. I have fought men like him; they do not know how to cherish something as precious as you."
Elara stopped and looked at him, her dark eyes softening. She reached out to touch his arm, her gaze steady.
"I have to go, Alaric," she replied gently. "I am eighteen now. Eventually, I must marry to secure the future of our house. Whether it is today or a year from now, my duty to Valerion remains the same. I would rather go now, while I can bring peace to our borders, than wait for a war to force my hand."
Alaric looked away, unable to argue with her logic, though his heart remained heavy. He knew she was right—she was no longer a child, but a woman ready to face her destiny.
The imperial carriage, sent by Emperor Khavan, arrived at the city gates escorted by a company of high-ranking knights. The Queen personally took charge of their arrival, ensuring the guests were well-fed and rested after their long journey from the South.
The next morning, the day of departure finally came. A heavy silence hung over the palace. The servants moved quietly, their eyes downcast, and even the palace guards seemed somber. Everyone was heartbroken to let go of their princess—the "Living Light" who had brought so much warmth to the halls of Valerion.
Elara stood at the palace steps, dressed for travel. She wore a dress of midnight blue silk, the color of the sky just before the stars appear. The deep hue contrasted perfectly with her dark hair and the luminous glow of her skin, making her look every bit the "Living Light" of the North.
At the base of the stairs, the Emperor's golden carriage waited. King Magnus and the Queen stood together, their faces masks of royal pride, though their eyes held a glimmer of sadness. Alaric stood a few paces back, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, watching the Southern knights with a wary gaze.
Elara hugged her mother tightly, then turned to her father. He leaned in and whispered so only she could hear, "Be the light they do not expect, Elara."
With a final nod to Alaric, she stepped into the carriage. As the wheels began to turn and the bronze gates of her home faded into the distance, Elara smoothed the blue silk of her skirt. She was no longer just a princess in a story; she was a woman stepping into the den of the Iron Sun.
The journey to the Empire would take about a week. As the carriage rolled along the dusty roads, Elara spent most of her time gazing out of the window. She watched as the world changed from the dark greens and greys of her home to the vibrant, sun-drenched colors of the Southern territories.
The knight in charge of the Imperial escort rode alongside her carriage. One afternoon, he pulled his horse closer and tipped his helmet politely.
"I am Mathew Bogein-Vance ,princess," he introduced himself. His voice was raspy but respectful. "The Empress Dowager has personally tasked me with ensuring your safety. We are honored to bring the Light of Valerion to our Golden City."
Inside the carriage, Elara's loyal maid, Anne, was constantly at her side. Anne moved with quiet efficiency, making sure Elara had cool water to drink and that her midnight blue dress remained pristine despite the dust of the road. While the knights provided protection, it was Anne who provided the comfort of home, sensing whenever Elara felt a flicker of nervousness about the life waiting for her at the end of the week.
The carriage stopped quietly. Sir Mathew Bogein-Vance knocked on the window and said, "We have arrived, Your Highness."
Elara looked out and saw a wall so tall it seemed to touch the sky. It was much bigger than the walls in her home. It took thirty minutes for the carriage to pass through the deep gates. When they finally came out the other side, the bright sun was so strong it blinded her for a moment.
When her eyes adjusted, she saw the beauty of the Empire. Everything was bright and golden. There were white buildings, green gardens, and beautiful fountains everywhere. It was a world of light.
The carriage finally stopped in front of a massive white castle. It was so large and bright that it sparkled in the sun.
As the door opened, Elara saw two long lines of servants standing in front of the entrance. They all bowed their heads at the same time to greet her.
"Welcome to the Golden Palace, Princess Elara," they said together.
At the top of the stairs, the servants moved aside to reveal a tall, elegant woman. She wore a crown of gold and a long silk dress. This was the Empress Dowager, Khavan's mother. She had been waiting a long time to see the girl from the North.
She looked down at Elara's midnight blue dress and smiled.
Elara stepped out of the carriage. She felt many eyes on her, but she kept her head high. She walked toward the Empress Dowager with grace.
When she reached the bottom of the steps, Elara gathered her midnight blue skirts and sank into a deep, slow curtsy. She bowed her head respectfully, her dark hair falling over her shoulder.