Aerin watched wearily as was her duty waiting for the Matriarch to appear; she wasn’t particularly impressed with Areiat peak as she felt Draakin cities were far more robust and organized, but she had to admit there was a charm to it.

Harpies were a notoriously uncooperative race, but that was due to their nature. Females would have many partners and they could reproduce with basically any race and still produce one hundred percent Harpy children. In fact the reason Harpies took slaves was to add them to the amount of breed able mates they had access. Males and females did this, but it was not common for males because the female to male ratio was nearly three to one.

At least this is how Princess Sila explained the issue to her.

Simply put their was never enough males to go around so the females would raid and take men from other races to procreate. They would also make them work as labors, but their reward was often breeding.

Aerin didn't know the details, but somehow they managed to keep the enslaved people in line as far as she was aware there was rarely slave rebellions among Harpy tribes.

This new Queen somehow brought the raids of her people to a halt. Why this happened or what her intentions were was a complete mystery, but she was eager to hear.

Espry Masyre came out “You may enter.”

The great hall was a ring with three layers of balconies vertically around it. The throne was much different than most; it was elevated by three meters and held up by three interlocking wood beams and an elegant mattress at the top.

Sika and Eun'he flanked Queen Cithri’s side while she took the rear. The aids stayed back near the entrance.

Aerin looked to see the Harpy Queen sitting upon her throne. With cascading brown hair that was adorned with colorful beaded jewels and a simple tan garment that did not suggest her station was as high as it suggested.

“Queen Cithri of the Draakin. I welcome you to my court and home.” The Queen did not bother with formalities matching her overall demeanor.

“Thank for the warm welcome. I must admit I was most surprised to hear from your envoys when you first took the throne. The previous Queen had always been…less than interested in negotiations.”

The Harpy Queen laughed “that foolish wench would have all of Harpy kind continue down a path of destruction. I am not so foolish as to think Harpy can continue to act as if no one can take our lands from us.”

Queen Cithri smiled as she had suspected that this Queen was a person of vision. “That is an interesting observation. Please let us get the formalities out of the way and we can have a more inconspicuous meeting.”

Aerin was shocked by how domineering Queen Cithri was. She had suggested a change in venue inside another's court as if it were her own.

“A fine idea.” Clapping her hands the great all began to clear out leaving only a few guards. Jumping down from her perch she glided down front of them. “I am Queen Serraye, and I look forward to our conversation.”

…

The table was set with many types of meats with some berries and nuts as well, but mainly meat. It seemed Harpy had a voracious appetite and the main food source was meats.

Aerin of course wasn't allowed to sit down, only Sila sat slightly behind her mother's chair.

The smell of the roast boar made her mouth water. What she wouldn't give for a taste.

“Queen Cithri. I won't pretend like my predecessors were competent nor am I going to pretend we have never provoked Draakin the past. What I am hoping is with my rule I can find a way to satiate my people while also moving us past our isolationist and hostile tendencies.” Serraye said, ripping a long strip of flesh from a bone.

“Harpies have a difficult lot. Your society is built around acquiring mates. How can we trust that you will be able to uphold any agreement and keep your people inline?”

Serraye sighed “This is where I must ask more from you than is warranted. I want to formalize the way we gain mates. The days where raiding brings many boons are over. The human kingdoms are increasingly organized and powerful and the local Katari werebeasts have become more elusive. And as you know we stopped attempting to raid Draakin lands a long fime ago. The cost benefit ratio was too high.”

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Cithri raised an eyebrow “You seem well informed of the world unlike many Harpies.”

Serraye smiled “you can tell? I am not originally a Harpy of Areiat Peak, but from the deep south. My tribe attempted to form a new nest only for it to be destroyed by a human army. As far as I am aware only I survived.”

Ripping off another strip of meat she paused. “I found as I traveled that all the other races were growing stronger and more organized. While we grew weak. What originally made us fearsome had merely become a nuisance in the eyes of those around us.”

Aerin could only nod at the Harpy’s observation while Areiat Peak was interesting she couldn't help but feel it lagged behind in most metrics.

“Then what do you propose we do about this?” Cithri responded popping a berry into her mouth.

Serraye looked at Cithri as if trying to read her. “Three things. First I need Draakin to open their lands to the Harpy of Areiat Peak. Second, a mutual defense treaty will be signed. We are quite proficient at clearing out goblin tribes and we will patrol annually with raids to protect your outlying villages.”

Queen Cithri smiled “An interesting proposal, but why open our lands to Harpy? Surely there is another motive.”

“I need Harpy to experience more of the major cities of the other races. If I can open a Harpy quarter in your capital it will do a lot in helping shift our attitudes.”

Queen Cithri nodded slowly as if considering it. “I think I can sell that to my husband, but you mentioned three things.”

“Queen Cithri, you may be aware I am soon to be twenty this year and have not found a mate yet. To be an example to my people I intend on taking only one mate. My proposal is you allow me to formally marry one of your son's.”

As the words left her lips Aerin and Sila coughed as if choking on non-existent food. Aerin glanced at Eun’he whose normally stone face was filled with surprise.

“Hehehe!” Queen Cithri let out a hearty almost giggle which was out of norm for her. “Queen Serraye. I must say you are as bold as my sources suggested. To ask a mother to marry a son to you is most brave of you. The problem is several fold: Draakin is not Matriarchal by nature and therefore I cannot force either of my son's into marriage with you even if I desired. Furthermore, my eldest son is set to take the throne while my youngest son is spoken for.”

Queen Cithri’s eyes shot over to Eun’he as she spoke the last words. Aerin immediately sensed the tension.

“However, I think there maybe a solution, but I would need to ask his opinion first. I have an adopted nephew from my late brother who maybe willing. In fact. He is here with the rest of my guard at the entrance to the Peak.”

This again caused all three of the guards to cough again.

…

Aerin could not believe how bold Queen Cithri was after their meal they were brought to their chamber.

The Queen immediately wore less formal attire and lounged on the silk mat provided.

“Who would have believed the young Harpy Matriarch would be so bold. I like her.”

Sila stepped forward “Mother you cannot be entertaining marrying off Qilin!”

“And what if I am?” Cithri said in a slightly more serious tone “this is the price for purchasing peace on our Northern frontier and even your father would consider it. However, if it were him he would have given your youngest brother.”

Sila's jaw hung open for a moment. “How could father consider that?!?”

Aerin could feel the air in the room grow heavy she glanced at Eun'he who didn't look at either only down and away from the two arguing figures.

“As far as your father is concerned your youngest brother is single. Not in line with the throne and a bit over enthusiastic and excitable. He is not aware that he has a lover.”

Cithri’s gaze landed again on Eun'he who continued to look away from the Queen.

Sila looked between the two as realization dawned on her “wait…my brother…and Guard Eun'he?”

“Eun'he! When…where!” Sila rose her voice taking a step towards her subordinate.

“Oh don't worry I knew the moment your incessant brother kept visiting me anytime guard Eun'he was on shift. I suspect it happened when he took you and Qilin on a trip to Dragontooth city. Am I wrong?”

Aerin couldn't believe what was happening in front of her Eun'he was Ice cold to all those around her. Though she had never met the younger Prince face to face she knew of his nature which was polar opposite of Eun'he.

The question lingered in the air Eun'he bite her lip clearly conflicted.

Sila stood there, her face drifting between amazement and rage.

“Well if it isn't true then I suppose I could marry him off.”

At that moment Eun'he collapsed to her knees “forgive me my Queen! Forgive me Princess…I have betrayed your trust.”

Silandra’s face filled with rage “Eun'he I will be stripping you of your title and you will receive public lashing.”

“Silandra darling calm down. If there's anyone who needs a lashing it is your brother. You know his personality. I doubt any girl could withstand his charm for long. Besides…there is no uncooking rice.” Cithri defused the situation.

“Guard Eun'he. You will finish your duty here and when we get back you and my son will appear before me. We will not discuss this further is that understood Silandra?”

Aerin looked over at Sila who was still fuming, but nodded nonetheless.

“Good. Now when is Qilin going to get here?”

“Tomorrow morning Milady.” Aerin spoke up.

“Thank you, let us rest for now. Silandra stay with me awhile longer you will take the first shift and then you Eun'he.”