The elven kingdom of Everdawn was prosperous and peaceful. King Aimon Windglave is a tall imposing figure. His dark hair was streaked with silver and his face was etched with his years of wisdom. His dark eyes are piercing, and stern, and he commands each room he enters. Despite his age, he still carries himself with confidence and has the youth of a young man. His voice is tender as he speaks. “Now to those in attendance, I have reached a decision regarding my daughter’s future as well as the kingdoms.” A servant wearing a colorful cotton gown walks in carrying a stack of papers. They pass the documents around the table to the rest of the nobles. “These documents contain a request for my daughter’s hand. The Emperor of Veron has requested that the princess marry one of his people.”

Murmurs spread through the room. One of the nobles says, “Have you made this decision based on the increase in the Orcs’ aggression these past months?”

The King nods to the noble, “Yes. After the war with Veron, both of our countries suffered heavy casualties, including my beloved wife. I feel the need to accept this offer to maintain our peaceful relations with Veron. If the Orcs were to launch a full-scale invasion against our people, we do not have the necessary defenses.”

The king’s advisor, Alwin, was the next to speak. “What of your daughter, sire? She despises the humans after the death of the queen.” His body straightens as he continues, “She will not willingly go along with this marriage.”

King Aimon sighed deeply, “I know better than anybody about her feelings, but she has a duty to her people, and she will need to get over her personal feelings.”

One of the nobles, Sir Calid asks “What will become of the princess,” his eyes focus on King Aimon. He folds his hands and places them on the table. “Will she go to live with the human? Will the human be sent to live here?”

King Aimon considers the question before answering. “My daughter and her husband will be expected to split their time between both kingdoms. They will serve as ambassadors to their respective kingdoms.” King Aimon links his fingers together and his handsome features make him look more serious. “As such, this will promote goodwill and understanding between our two nations. They will be expected to live together and provide a united front against the orcs.” The meeting goes on for a bit longer before King Aimon dismisses the nobles and makes his way to his chambers.

In the kingdom of Veron, I wake up to my guild master standing before me smirking, “It seems the higher-ups have taken notice of you and your hard work.” Jonas Tines has been my guild master for eighteen years. He tosses a letter at me which I easily catch. Ever since I was reincarnated into this world, I have done my best to make a name for myself. Death herself had sent me to this kingdom and I planned on living my best life. This world was once at war, but after my birth, the kingdoms had agreed upon an uneasy truce. I didn’t know how the higher-ups in the capital managed such a feat, but I didn’t care. As long as it didn’t affect my life it didn’t matter. I open the letter and begin to read.

To Elliot Jewell, A ranked adventurer of the Firebird Guild. I, King Tobias Hartgrove, have heard of your many accomplishments as an adventurer for our Kingdom. With much consideration, we at the capital have decided that you are to be part of an alliance with the Kingdom of Everdawn. In the documents provided are the terms of the marriage contract we have drafted. This decision was not made lightly, we considered many people, but we believe that you have an exceptional amount of skill and power. The Elven people respect power and not the kind that comes with status.

I am shocked as I read the letter. I can see my guild master laughing against the wall as I fall to the floor. “They’ve got you nailed against the wall with this one Elliot!” His laughter echoes through the room. I ignore him for a moment and continue reading from the floor.

Some houses have not agreed, but this is an important matter concerning the Kingdom. Because you are not of noble birth you will face many challenges. You may face anything, even assassination attempts from those in my circle who do not wish for this contract to succeed. I implore you, Mr. Elliot, to accept this and present yourself to the capital as soon as possible.

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Damn it. I’m basically being ordered to do this; I think to myself, gritting my teeth. If I don’t do this there will be serious consequences. I’m nothing more than a political tool. I look to my guild master, “What should I do about my duties to the guild? I can’t just leave it undone.” I pick myself up off the floor and watch my guild master closely. “Can’t they just let one of those snobby noble brats marry her?”

Jonas shakes his head quietly, “Your duties here are still going to be here when you get back, but we both know that” he points to the contract, “is going to be a shit storm if you reject it. Hell for all we know if you don’t accept it one of those idiots in the houses may find it as an insult and it may start another war. Shit, one of the nobles may even try to force themselves onto the girl.” He steps toward me and continues, “If word gets out that something happened to her or that you rejected her it could be very bad. You know your hands are tied, and the King knows it too.” My eyes widen. “Do your best and go to the capital. We’ll sort out your work later.”

Misfortune brings luck, I think to myself and say sighing, “I hate you so much right now, but you’re right.” I release the breath that I had been holding in. I walk to the door, and turn around short, “You know it will be a while before I can get to the capital. Hold down the fort Master. I’ll get back when I can.”

Jonas smiles. “Just come back in one piece.” He then pulls me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around him and hope I’ll see him again.

Back at Everdawn Castle King Aimon is preparing to break the news to his daughter, Princess Kaomi. She is stunning to behold. She is shorter than most elves standing only five-foot-one-inches tall. Her slender frame is adorned with an elegant gown that flows gracefully around her. Her long sliver-blue hair is braided and pinned up with jewels. Her hair frames her heart-shaped face perfectly. Her emerald eyes sparkle with intensity and her full lips curve into a stern frown.

Her pointed ears, a mark of her elven heritage, were hidden behind her long hair. “You cannot be serious. Father!” Her voice trembles with anger, “You would have me wed a human! A human!” She throws her hands in the air in disbelief. “This is an insult to our lineage. To our kingdom!” She yells loudly.

“Kaomi, my child,” King Aimon said gently, “You must understand I am doing this for the good of the kingdom. This marriage will serve to strengthen our people.” His voice was firm yet compassionate. “You will be the queen of a united Everdawn. The human offspring you will carry one day will have both races coursing through their veins. A power that none has had before.”

“But father, how can you expect me to love a human? Our bloodlines… our very existences are like night and day. I cannot bear the thought of my children being half-human.” Her eyes narrow as she rolls her tongue over her teeth. “What of our traditions? This marriage will sully our lineage.” Kaomi pleads with her father. Her anger causes her eyes to well up with tears as she struggles to accept the reality of the situation. Her father had already decided for her.

“Kaomi. My child. The orcs are a growing threat to our kingdom, and we must unite with the humans to stand against them. This marriage, as painful as it seems, must work out. The orcs may overtake our lands and destroy our way of life. It is a sacrifice we must make for the good of our people.” King Aimon’s face softens and his eyes fill with concern.

“Father, surely there is another way. Can’t there be another solution that doesn’t involve me marrying a human?” Kaomi’s voice is filled with desperation as she tries to cling to any hope there is. “What if I was to marry another elf? Somebody worthy of our bloodline and traditions?”

King Aimon shakes his head, “It wouldn’t work. Yes, our traditions would still be intact, but we would not have the alliance with King Tobias.” His guilt is replaced by his own desperation. “We need this alliance to face the orcs’ growing aggression toward our kingdom. This marriage is meant to solidify that. How many more of our people must die? Pretty words on pieces of paper won’t cut it anymore, Kaomi.”

Kaomi leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Some time passes before Alwin steps into the chambers. “How did the talk go with your highness?” For the first time in a very long time, Alwin can see the king’s age shows on his face.

“She hates me. I know it.” King Aimon looks down at the floor. “I’m sorry. She’ll go through with it once she calms down a bit. She’ll realize the situation and do the right thing. But I feel I’ve lost my daughter by protecting my people.” He looks at Alwin with a serious look on his face. “Alwin, did I do the right thing? Was agreeing to this marriage really the right decision?”

“You did what anybody in your position would do, sire. It was an extremely difficult choice. She has always wanted to be queen. This is what it means to be a ruler. She will understand. Her mother, bless her soul, had to make difficult decisions as well. She is your daughter, your blood flows through her veins.” He places a hand on King Aimon’s shoulder. “She will take on this challenge and overcome it?” Alwin’s eyes linger on the princess’ door. “She just needs some time, sire. Her anger will subside. And for her to make the right choice. For both her and the people.”

King Aimon looks past Alwin to the door. “I can only hope you’re right Alwin. I can only hope.”