As the luncheon progressed, the air grew heavier with unspoken tension. Gwen’s poised demeanor didn’t waver as she was asked to sit beside Prince Granium, though her mind raced. She stole a glance at Thiasus, who looked distant, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the ornate tapestries adorning the walls.
  Granium leaned closer, his voice low enough that only Gwen could hear. “You’re far more silent than I expected for someone called the Sunshine of Mandre.”
  Gwen tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. “And you’re far bolder than I expected for someone hoping to win my favor.”
  Granium chuckled softly, his fingers lightly drumming on the table. “A queen must have strength, intelligence, and a sense of humor. I see the first two clearly; I’m searching for the third.”
  She arched a brow. “And what of the king-to-be? Does he have the patience to find what he seeks?”
  Before Granium could respond, King Thanium raised his cup, signaling the formal toast. The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
  “To unity,” King Thanium began, his voice commanding. “This union marks the strengthening of the ties between the North and the South. Together, Mandre will stand unshaken.”
  A chorus of agreement echoed through the room as the royals raised their goblets. Gwen’s hand remained steady as she lifted hers, though her heart felt heavy.
  After the toast, King Gondola addressed her directly. “Princess Gwenia, I’ve heard much of your wisdom and grace. My people are eager to welcome you as their future queen. Do you have any words for us?”
  Gwen stood, her movements fluid and graceful. Her eyes met those of the southern royals, then her father’s. “I am honored by the faith placed in me,” she began, her voice calm yet firm. “But I must remind everyone here that a true union is built on mutual respect and understanding. I will give my all to the South, just as I do for the North, but I expect the same in return.”
  King Gondola nodded approvingly, but Prince Granium’s expression tightened for a brief moment before he masked it with a smile.
  “Well said,” Gondola declared. “The South will be fortunate to have a queen with such conviction.”
  As Gwen went to take a seat beside her brother, Thiasus leaned toward her. “You’ve made quite the impression.”
  Gwen sighed softly. “I meant every word, Thiasus. If Granium can’t accept that, then this alliance will crumble before it begins.”
  “You’re stronger than they give you credit for,” Thiasus said, his tone both proud and somber. “But be careful. The South may not take kindly to being challenged, you know how much they want to upper power to be given to them.”
  As the luncheon drew to a close, the royal families moved to a smaller chamber to discuss wedding preparations. Gwen excused herself, stepping out into the palace gardens for a moment of solitude.
  She was admiring the winter blooms when Granium joined her, his hands clasped behind his back. “You surprise me, Princess.”
  “How so?” she asked, not looking at him.
  “You speak as if you already know the weight of ruling,” he replied. “Yet you’ve never set foot in the South.”
  Gwen turned to face him, her gaze steady. “I may not know your lands, but I know people. Respect isn’t demanded, Granium; it’s earned. If you wish for a successful reign, you’d do well to remember that.”
  His lips quirked into a half-smile. “And if I say I find your defiance… intriguing?”
  “Then I’d say we have a long road ahead, I hope you remember when we were just fourteen, you came to the northern ball party, you met the girl that was betrothed to you, knowing she’s older you still tell her she won’t be the only woman you will marry. That day I made my mind Granium” she replied coolly, brushing past him and returning to the palace.
  Inside the private chamber, King Thanium, King Gondola, and their advisors sat discussing the details of the union.
  “The wedding should take place within the month,” Thanium proposed.
  Gondola nodded. “Agreed. It will symbolize our unity before the seasons change. We can hold it in the South to mark Gwen’s arrival.”
  Thiasus frowned but said nothing.
  “Does this timeline work for you, Gwenia?” Thanium asked as she reentered the room.
  Gwen hesitated before nodding. “It does, Father. But I have one request: I wish for Thiasus to escort me to the South.”
  The room fell silent. King Thanium’s brow furrowed. “That’s unnecessary. The South will send an entourage to receive you.”
  “It’s not about necessity,” Gwen countered. “It’s about unity. If this alliance is to succeed, it must be clear that the North fully supports it. Thiasus’ presence would send that message, he’s our future king father.”
  Gondola stroked his beard thoughtfully. “She has a point, king Thanium. What say you, Prince Thiasus?”
  Thiasus straightened, his face unreadable. “If my father wills it, I’ll go.”
  Thanium nodded reluctantly. “Very well. The prince will accompany you.”
 “Then the wedding date will be four days from now and that’s the Mandarían market day” king Thanium added for everyone to nod their heads.
 “My people will be here in two days time, that includes the queen of the south” King Gondola added for king Thanium to nod then looked at his wife.
 “You’ve been silent all through Mena” he said for Queen Sanya to smile.
 “My opinion was never asked” she whispered for king Thanium to sigh.
 “I should take my leave” thiasus bow then left while Gwen looked at him.
  Her expression softened as she glanced at her brother. I hope this gives you the strength you need, Thiasus, she thought.
  Inside Thiasus chambers, Adeya breast feed her daughter after their bath, she put her to sleep and eat her food while hoping for Thiasus to come back and that moment the door open and Thiasus walked in.
  “Thi” she happily stood up and rushed towards him hugging him.
  “You look very excited” he said for Adeya to nod.
  “Guess what?” She said for Thiasus to look at her, I can’t guess anything right now.” He said for Adeya to smile.
  “Rhia woke up” she said for Thiasus to gasped.
  “Oh my goodness,” he said rushing to his daughter crib.
  “She’s sleeping again” she said for Thiasus to smile.
  “Thank the Gods of Mandre” he said then turn to Adeya.
  “We will be going to the south with Gwen after her wedding, I need to see the environment she will be spending the rest of her life” he said for Adeya to frown.
  “Thi, we are in verge of survival, we can’t travel..
  “I can’t say no to my father Adeya. If I do he will think it’s because of you. 
  “When is the wedding?” She ask cutting in for Thiasus to sigh.
  “The manderian royal market day, it’s four days from today” he said for Adeya to sigh.
  “I hope everything is fine.” She whispered but the truth is everything is far from fine as they will be passing through the forest and Thiasus body is still vulnerable for possession….