66 Chapter 66: Conditions
"Save you...? And why would I do that?" I said with an amused smile.
"If you save us you can have the crystal as well as the alliance, and..." Lookng the other with a almost angry expression, she continued. "Y-you can have m-me too..."
"I think you are having the wrong idea Lara, I am not interested in you, not even a little bit. You aren't worthy of being with me after all, the one who will rule the world..." Taking a pause to look at her expression, she was truly shocked.
She was a woman desired by every man she encoutered or saw her, she was used to those looks filled with lust and greed that she would receive from every other man, except her father.
But at the same time this greatly pumped her ego, feeling superior from everyone, that there is no one even close to her in terms of beauty, that she will never be rejected, and that all men are simple and the same, that she could play with them like a ring in her finger.
BUT.
This man in front of her just rejected her. 'He said he wasn't interrested in me, im not worthy of him...?" Looking at the maid next to him, she was flabergasted, the first woman in her whole life that is more attractive than her.
'So this is why...? He already have more beautiful women than I am, then... Then... THEN HOW CAN I SAVE MY KINGDOM...' As tears were about to fall down her face, I spoke.
"But! I can always help you, under two conditions. But before we go any furthur, let me read that letter to know what is going on." Still silent, she just handed me the piece of paper, and I started reading it.
Dearest Princess Lara,
It is with a heavy heart and trembling quill that I bear the burden of delivering the gravest news to your grace. The halls of our glorious kingdom are now haunted by a malevolence that strikes at the very core of our lineage.
In the darkest hours, your brother, once a prince of noble stature, has succumbed to the shadows that whisper of ambition and betrayal. Regrettably, his hand bore the weight of treachery, and our beloved king, your father, has fallen victim to a plague of his design.
He had managed to control monsters coming from the eastern-north of Mariol forest, known now as Nouflex city, to be exact from the desert there. Those monster bear a plague wich killed your father without any resistance.
A monstrous malady, unleashed upon our people with a cruelty beyond measure, now courses through the veins of the kingdom. The once thriving land is now a canvas of suffering, as the plague claims innocent lives in its relentless grasp.
The whispers in the court speak of a darkness that fueled this heinous act an insatiable thirst for power that drove your brother to unspeakable deeds. The throne, stained with the blood of kin, stands vacant, and the realm is left teetering on the precipice of despair.
Princess Lara, though the tempest of sorrow may threaten to engulf you, the kingdom looks to you as a beacon of hope. As the rightful heir, the burden of redemption rests upon your shoulders. May you find the strength to confront the shadows that now shroud our once proud dynasty.
With deepest condolences and unwavering loyalty,
[Official Seal of the Kingdom]
'Oh, it's from that desert we noticed that day! So this is why Diablo said that it is better to ignore them huh? He's really incredible.'
"Hoho, quite unexpected Lara huh?" I said with a grin. "But I love the unexpected! It seems the threads of fate have woven a tapestry of tragedy." I continued with sarcasm and a lightly mocking tone
Princess Lara replied, ignoring my disrespect. "King Nouflex, I implore you, my kingdom is in ruins, my father has been slain, and our people suffer. I beg for your aid in this time of desperation.
Leaning forward, I fixed her eyes with a piercing gaze. "Princess Lara, desperation often begets opportunity. I am willing to offer my assistance, but my help comes at a cost one that you may find demanding." I crossed my legs with a smile.
A little bit hesitant, but determinated, Lara said. "I am willing to negotiate, Your Majesty. Please, what are your conditions?"
Closing my eyes, I shook my head. "No no no little Lara, your getting the wrong idea again. In the presence of the Dragon Monarch, you dont negociate. You hear, endure and accept in silence."
"Y-yes..." She didn't have a choice but to accept.
Leaning back, steepling fingers I started. "Firstly, once I intervene and restore order to your kingdom, Carabiana will become mine. A rightful addition to my realm."
Princess Lara shocked, tried to respond. "Your Majesty, I understand the need for compensation, but to annex an entire kingdom..?
Smirking, I replied. "I Understand this, Lara. I am not one to be trifled with. My power and influence extend far beyond these walls. Your kingdom's survival depends on my benevolence."
Princess Lara nervously said. "Surely there must be another way, a compromise?"
Leaning in again, I drank a sip from the cup of tea on the table. "There is no compromise. My terms are clear. Your choices are simple, accept my conditions or face the inevitable consequences.
As Princess Lara bowed in reluctant submission, her outward composure masked the tempest raging within. The weight of her kingdom's fate, now is between her hands.
In the sanctum of her thoughts, turmoil unfolded. Images of Carabiana, once a realm of magic and prosperity, flashed before her mind's eye, juxtaposed with the looming shadows of Nouflex's domain. She felt the weight of a crown she hadn't chosen, a destiny imposed by the merciless dance of circumstance.
Lara's mind churned with conflicting emotions—grief for her fallen father, rage at the injustice of his death and her brother's betrayal, and the bitter taste of submission to a ruler whose motives were as enigmatic as the night. A knot tightened in her chest as she grappled with the sacrifice demanded, the surrender of her kingdom for its salvation.
Yet, amid the storm of despair, a flicker of determination ignited. She would play the pawn for now, masking her true intentions like a hidden flame. The ink of her acquiescence on this unholy pact would not seal her spirit's resistance.
As Lara lifted her eyes to meet my gaze, a glint of defiance shimmered in the depths.
Princess Lara finaly resigned. "Very well, King Nouflex. If it means saving my people, I will agree to your terms."
My smirk growing wider, I replied. "Wise decision, Princess. Now let me tell you the second condition."
--NOTE--
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