The Alliance Marriage Went Wrong

In the Jerivia Royal Palace, King Tobias Aventine was making his way to one chamber. When he entered, he glanced at his eldest son who was standing on the balcony, staring at the sky.

"Zaro."

Crown Prince Zaro Aventine quickly turned around when he heard his father's voice. He promptly walked to his father and bowed. "Father."

The King walked to the balcony and glanced up at the sky. Then he turned to his son who was standing beside him. "Are you thinking of Iria?"

Zaro nodded. "I wonder if she's doing well or if she had a hard time."

"Do you blame me for sending her away?" The King asked his son with a little smile.

The Crown Prince lowered his head. "I dare not."

"You should know that I make that decision for our kingdom. Besides, you have nothing to worried about. Iria will only be there for a few months and she will come back soon." King Tobias said, turning to his son.

Crown Prince Zaro fell silent and his eyes were glued to the floor. Then King Tobias spoke up again.

"Focus on making yourself stronger, Zaro. When Iria comes back, you can finally be a man and tell her how you feel."

Zaro Aventine darted his eyes to his father. "You know?"

King Tobias let out a laughter. "You are my son. Do you think I don't know how you feel?"

Crown Prince Zaro was quite embarrassed. "I wasn't sure if you would approve of it. That's why I never said anything."

"As long as you can win her heart, I don't have any reason to object." King Tobias said and took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air of the night. "Iria grew up before my eyes. I love her as much as I love my daughter. I taught her many things out of love. She's like a daughter to me. I would be more than satisfied if she becomes my daughter-in-law."

Crown Prince Zaro finally smiled in relief.

"But you should know that I have no intention to force her if you can't manage to win her heart. I won't force someone who is like a daughter to me." King Tobias said in a stern voice and Zaro nodded right away.

"I will keep that in mind, Father."

* * *

Iria Alewine was sitting on a chair in her chamber. It was quite late now but... the things that happened in the feast can't stop bothering her.

"What is your opinion on that incident, Rion?" She asked Rion who was standing a few steps away.

"What troubled you the most, Commander?" Rion asked her back.

"I don't think it's a big deal when the Crown Prince defends us. He agreed to the alliance marriage and maybe he felt responsible but... " She paused and turned to Rion. "I didn't expect him to went that far. However, the thing that troubled me the most is the King's calm demeanor."

"I understand what you think, Commander. It seems like the King was okay with anything that his son did." Rion remarked.

"Crown Prince Arin is more interesting than I thought. It would be great to know more about him." Iria simply said.

"What do you mean?" Rion asked.

"You will also admit that he is the most capable enemy we have ever fought. If we managed to know more about him, then... we will be able to make use of it once we face him again on the battlefield." Commander Iria explained.

* * *

The Next Day

One young man casually entered the Crown Prince's palace and then made his way to a huge chamber.

When he saw Crown Prince Arin who was sitting there, reading some books; he walked to him and placed his right hand on the book, preventing the Crown Prince from reading. "You should stop reading too much, Your Highness."

Crown Prince Arin sighed and glanced up at the man. "When did you return?"

"Just now. I came straight here."

Arin Helev brush away the man's hand and continued reading again but this time, the man took the book away.

"Hanson Lorin, do you only know how to bother me?" The Crown Prince asked with an annoyed face.

Hanson Lorin, one of the high-ranking Generals of the Royal Army slightly chuckled. "You're so cruel, Your Highness. I returned from my journey because I don't want to miss my best friend's wedding. You should at least show some gratitude."

"Do I ask you to return?" Arin simply said.

Hanson Lorin's eyes grew wide in disbelief. "How can you say that? If you were me, will you miss my wedding?"

Crown Prince Arin didn't even bother to reply and instead, he rose from his seat and push away his best friend. "You talk too much."

Hanson laughed. "I don't talk much. You talk less. That's why." He nodded once when he realized something. "Ah! I heard that you punished that troublemaker younger brother of mine last night. I truly wish that he learn some lesson from that." He sighed at the thought of his younger brother.

"He should learn from you." Crown Prince Arin remarked and turned around. Then he glanced at the dress which was hanged on one corner. He was supposed to wear that tomorrow at his wedding. "Hanson, do you think we will be able to wrap it up quietly?"

Hanson's eyes trailed in the direction where his friend was looking. Then his gaze landed on the wedding dress. "Don't worry, Arin. I will make sure that no one would cause trouble. It's your wedding, so it's my duty to ensure that it went smoothly."

The Crown Prince fell silent for a while before he said, "The Princess of Jerivia came here to fulfil the alliance marriage. That alone is praiseworthy but... she is not that safe. If anything happens to her, our Qalagon won't be able to bear the consequences."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I know what you are wary of. I will make sure that nothing happens to the Princess during the wedding. You can trust me." Hanson firmly said to the Crown Prince.....