As she began to read, her face remained impassive, but her eyes sharpened, absorbing every word.

"

To Lady Liv Aisha, Royal Diplomat of the Grand Alliance,

I regret to inform you of a sudden and unexpected development regarding the nation of Aropia.

As of last week, Aropia has ceased all exports of manna grass to the Grand Alliance. The suspension of this vital trade has already caused concern among the merchants and will inevitably impact our reserves.

Additionally, there have been reports of rapid changes within Aropia’s industrial system. Reliable sources confirm a significant restructuring of their production sectors, but the full scope and purpose of these changes remain unclear.

The motives of King Ren Canahy, who has already proven to be unpredictable, are shrouded in mystery.

Given the uncertainty of Aropia's intentions and the potential threat this poses to the stability of the Grand Alliance, I recommend a meeting with Her Majesty, Queen Valleria Aisha, to discuss an appropriate course of action.

Yours faithfully, Arian Kalorien, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Alliance.

"

Liv’s fingers tightened around the letter, the crisp edges of the parchment crinkling slightly.

Aropia, the once-weak and insignificant human nation that had always relied on manna grass exports to maintain even a semblance of stability, was now taking drastic actions under its new king.

King Ren Cannahy—he was a name that had started gaining momentum in the courts of the Grand Alliance ever since he fired all of Aropia’s senators, yet Liv had never seen him directly.

She wondered what Aropia, a land whose race was without natural magic and barely a presence in global affairs, would be plotting.

She folded the letter carefully, her thoughts racing. It wasn’t anger she felt—no, it was something more complicated. Intrigue, mixed with a cautious sense of warning. Whatever Ren Canahy was planning, he was playing a dangerous game by challenging the Grand Alliance.

Liv agreed that her sister needed to hear of this immediately.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

With a swift turn, Liv strode toward the double doors of her chamber, her blue eyes now hardened with determination.

She moved quickly through the palace’s grand hallways, her elegant footsteps echoing in the silence of the early morning. Servants bowed and quickly stepped aside as she passed, sensing the urgency in her stride.

As she approached the Queen's private quarters, two fairy guards, their translucent wings shimmering in the pale morning light, moved and the ornate doors before her opened magically.

The interior of Valleria’s chambers was as stunning as the queen herself—a space bathed in natural light, with soft drapes that billowed gently in the breeze and plants that seemed to grow and bloom in response to the queen’s presence.

Valleria was already awake, seated at a low table, sipping a cup of fairy tea.

Her delicate fairy features—slightly angular, with large, emerald-green eyes that held a wisdom beyond her years—brightened as her younger sister entered. The queen’s long, golden hair was braided with silver leaves, and her lavender wings were folded gently behind her.

“Liv,” Valleria said, her voice calm and welcoming, though a touch of curiosity slipped into her tone. “I wasn’t expecting you so early.”

Liv wasted no time, holding out the letter.

“This came from the Foreign Affairs Minister, Arion Thalorien. Aropia has halted manna grass exports. A revamp of their entire industrial system is also underway. We don't know what they’re planning, but it’s clear that the new king—this Ren Canahy—has no intention of letting Aropia remain a passive player.”

Valleria’s expression shifted, the calmness giving way to thoughtful concern as she accepted the letter. She scanned the contents quickly, her delicate brows furrowing ever so slightly.

When she finished, she set the parchment down with a soft sigh, her fingers lingering over the elegant signature of the Minister.

“So,” Valleria mused, her voice gentle but tinged with unease, “the Aropians have decided to make their move. Manna grass... that’s no small sacrifice for them. And this industrial shift... it is far too sudden to be without purpose.”

Liv nodded, her arms crossing over her chest. “The king of Aropia—Ren—is either very bold or very foolish. But either way, we need to know what he’s up to. Aropia has always been predictable, easy to manipulate through trade and pressure. This... changes things.”

Valleria’s eyes, reflecting the light like jewels, turned to meet her sister’s. “And what do you suggest we do, Liv? Diplomacy will be delicate now, with their economy already closing itself off. A misstep could provoke a conflict neither side wants.”

Liv's gaze was steady, her voice cool. “We must be prepared to act. The last thing the Grand Alliance needs is a nation of humans suddenly wielding the power they have never had before. If Aropia seeks to challenge us, we must be ready to remind them of their place.”

The queen was silent for a moment, considering. Then she nodded, her expression resolute. “Agreed. I’ll summon the legislature. This needs to be handled with care.”

Liv gave a curt nod, feeling a familiar rush of excitement rise in her chest. There was something about a challenge, about the unknown, that set her blood alight.

Whatever game Ren Canahy was playing, Liv Aisha was eager to see it play out.