224 I have to refuse

Immediately, the room fell into a hushed silence, punctuated only by the clinking of silverware set down in surprise.

King Alistair looked thoughtfully at Calypso, then to Sylvia, and finally towards his own advisors. "Elder Calypso, that is quite the significant proposal. One that should not be considered lightly."

Elder Calypso chuckled softly, his scaly face alight with hidden machinations. "I agree, King Alistair. But what better way to bind the fates of our two realms? This union would not just be of two people, but of two nations—a unity that can lead us to an age of unprecedented cooperation."

Sylvia's heart rate sped up. What was this? What was this elder suggesting? Marriage? So her only worth was through marriage?

Did these people plan all of this beforehand? Did they think that she would be easy to manipulate and overwhelm if they cornered her alone without her family?