Alex.

When King Frederick's mages arrived in Savoyar, they encountered an unexpected turn of events. Instead of facing resistance and battle, they were met with political maneuvers and diplomatic maneuvers.

Sebastian, realizing that an attack could lead to serious consequences and the beginning of open war, decided to use his intellect and strategic approach. He reached out to King Morey, conveying information about his claims to the throne of de Forest and asking for support.

King Morey, carefully studying the situation, decided not to engage in direct conflict with the neighboring kingdom. He understood that supporting Sebastian could be dangerous for his own kingdom. Instead, he offered Sebastian assistance in a covert and diplomatic manner.

Morey's kingdom's support included providing intelligence, covert contacts, and resources that would help Sebastian achieve his goal. King Morey also expressed his displeasure with King Frederick's authoritarian methods and determination in pursuing Sebastian.

This alliance with the kingdom of Morey gave Sebastian new hope and strength. Now he had support and resources to fight for his claims to the throne. He began to develop plans using the information received and prepared individuals to strengthen his position and resist King Frederick.

Thus, the arrival of King Frederick's mages, who encountered a diplomatic mission from Morey on Savoyar's territory, did not lead to immediate conflict and battle. Instead, they faced clever maneuvers and a complex political situation that required strategic thinking and diplomatic skill. War was postponed indefinitely, but tension and intrigue only intensified, leading to an inevitable clash between the two kings.

Over the next two years, Sebastian and I found a balance between our passion at night and our political duties during the day. We were cautious and discreet to avoid suspicion and the disclosure of our romance. At the same time, we actively engaged in political affairs, gathering allies around Sebastian.

Finding allies turned out to be easier than we thought. King Frederick's policies, characterized by isolationism and aggression towards neighboring kingdoms, had long been causing concern. Against this backdrop, young and wise Sebastian, offering favorable terms of cooperation, simplification of diplomatic issues, and exchange of de Forest's resources, became a more attractive candidate for the throne.

We used diplomatic efforts to persuade neighboring kingdoms to join our side. Some of them, realizing the prospects of cooperation with the future ruler of de Forest, provided us with support in the form of resources or squads of mages. Others, sharing our views on policy and the desire to establish peaceful relations, joined our alliance through diplomatic means.

We carefully planned meetings, conducted negotiations, and concluded agreements, aiming to create a strong alliance capable of supporting Sebastian in his claims to the throne. Savoyar became the center of diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms. The staff of servants was expanded, and Sam was very helpful to us, as diplomats and representatives of kingdoms did not leave the castle.

Over two years, we built a settlement and, with the help of Drow artifacts, erected a defensive wall around its perimeter and the castle. Breakthroughs occurred rarely, as if the rift after the energy bursts during our attacks had calmed down.

Savoyar gracefully survived two grand receptions in honor of my twentieth and twenty-first birthdays. At the balls, I felt like a queen, although we had not officially announced our relationship with Sebastian. He always kept me by his side, stating that I was his main ally and support. Diplomats had hinted to us several times that it was time to at least officially announce the engagement, but we were not yet ready to challenge the subdued de Forest. At least, that's what I thought.

The next major reception we decided to organize in honor of the visit of the Elven King, who was invited to Christopher's anniversary. After a magnificent ball in the capital of Morey, the Elven King expressed a desire to visit Savoyar.

The whole castle came to life, as Eledron was our main ally after Christopher, and his influence and support helped many less influential kings to conclude preliminary agreements with Sebastian. In addition, thanks to this alliance, we gained access to many rare resources.

The morning of the reception, as always, was chaotic. Christopher sent me another royal dress. I don't know why, but he always chose outfits for receptions. Sebastian initially tried to object, but in the end, he admitted that Christopher had impeccable taste in women's fashion. Laughing each time I accepted the splendid gifts from the king, he jokingly remarked that he had so many favorites that he even showed impeccable taste in women's dresses.

For the reception of the Elven King, I chose a magnificent dress made of delicate silk, adorned with embroidery of silver threads, creating elegant patterns of flowers and branches. The dress had a corset decorated with precious stones that sparkled in the light, and a flared skirt that emphasized femininity and gave it an airy feel with every step.

The color of the dress was a light peach shade, making the look more romantic. The transparent long sleeves of the dress were adorned with delicate lace inserts, adding gentleness to the ensemble. Wavy hair, meticulously styled by Christie, my faithful assistant, was neatly gathered into an elegant hairstyle, and a diamond teardrop sparkled on my neck, a gift from Sebastian.

In this dress, I felt like a real princess, ready to meet the Elven King with dignity and charm.

The reception in honor of the Elven King was filled with amazing moments and fruitful encounters. Sebastian and I greeted the king according to protocol and expressed gratitude for his visit to Savoyar.

After the greeting, the guests gathered at the table, where an exquisite dinner was served. At the table, they not only enjoyed the fine dishes but also paid attention to their diplomatic interests, engaging in informal conversations and discussing current issues.

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After dinner, everyone was invited to the ballroom, where guests could enjoy light refreshments and engage in closer conversation during the dance. Sebastian managed to allocate only one dance for us together. Throughout the evening, someone from the guests or Eledron's entourage engaged him in political discussions, seeking to learn his opinion on various matters. I watched him and saw a king before me. Sebastian behaved superbly and naturally during all social events; his manners were impeccable. As described to me by Christopher, the rumors that reached him, Sebastian impressed diplomats, and more and more kingdoms sought to side with him and support his claim to the throne.

During the dance with Eledron, the king also expressed his support for us in the current situation. But towards the end, for some reason, he added that regardless of the situation and our relationship with Sebastian or other kingdoms, personally, I could always count on his support and protection in the elven kingdom. It was pleasant, but there was something in his words that alerted me; there was some hint or unfinished thought. Eledron expressed hope that in the future, when Sebastian takes the throne, I will be able to visit his kingdom and meet with my mother.

Closer to the end of the evening, Sebastian decided to give a speech and express gratitude to all present, especially to King Eledron, for attending the ball and the support they provide to him and Savoyar. At the end of his speech, he announced that he wanted to make an important statement using the presence of diplomats from different countries. Sebastian caught my attention and enticingly waved his hand, inviting me closer.

Taking my hand, Sebastian said, "Dear guests, today I would like to share with you important news. With deepest love and devotion, I officially announce our engagement with Alexandra de Savoyar. She is not only my main ally and support but also the most precious treasure in my life. Thank you all for your support and the joy you share with us on this special evening."

For a few moments, the whole hall froze in anticipation, as if time had stopped. Then waves of applause swept through the hall, filling it with energy and joy. All the guests rushed to us with Sebastian, expressing their wishes and congratulations, and I, unable to believe what had just happened, smiled and accepted congratulations. In my mind, millions of thoughts raced, but in my memory, there were still Sebastian's eyes, in which at the moment of his speech, all the lights of the ballroom were reflected, which could not overshadow the ocean of love that I saw at that moment.

In response to the question about the wedding date, Sebastian smiled and said that he would marry me tomorrow, but to organize the most magical day in our lives, time is needed. Therefore, the wedding, or rather, the reception in honor of our union, will take place a month after my 22nd birthday.

That evening, we never managed to be alone. Sebastian did not dare to enter my room, although I was already officially his fiancée. Instead, he escorted me to the door and promised to make up for all the missed opportunities when the delegation from the Elven Kingdom leaves Savoyar. All delegates left the castle only a week later, and throughout this period, we entertained the guests.

The elves were impressed by the Drow artifacts we used to protect the territory from monsters from the rift, and the week was filled with enthusiastic conversations and exchanges of impressions. Before leaving, King Eledron, in honor of our engagement, presented me with a pendant with the Tear of the Elf. He strongly recommended that I always carry it with me and never part with it under any circumstances.

The Tear of the Elf is a magical potion that legends circulate in the elven kingdom. This elixir was a rarity and a sacred artifact of the elven people. It is available only to the royal family and high-born elves close to the king.

The Tear of the Elf possesses unique properties and is considered the most precious gift. Just one drop of this elixir is capable of healing any creature from the most severe and deadly diseases and injuries.

Late in the evening, when the last delegations dispersed and only the diplomats remained in the castle, temporarily arranging their stay in Savoyar, presumably to avoid surprises from de Forest and ensuring fragile peace with their presence, Sebastian found a way to enter my room.

The special atmosphere around the castle created a sense of seclusion and mystery. The light from the single candle flickered gently on the walls, casting shadows that seemed to harbor my thoughts and emotions.

The door to the adjacent room quietly opened, and there appeared Sebastian. The gaze of his deep blue eyes was filled with passion and determination. In his presence, I felt a mixture of excitement and calmness, realizing that this night was ours. Lately, each of them had been special to me, as if it could be the last. I often talked about this strange inner premonition to Sebastian, and in response, he hugged me and led me into a sweet kiss.

Sebastian approached me and, turning his back, pressed me to his chest. "I've missed you terribly, my wife," he whispered, kissing my neck and shoulders. "I can't believe that soon the door to this room will be open to me at all times," he turned me to face him and covered my lips with his. "Sebastian," I interrupted the kiss before we drowned in each other, I wanted to ask the question that had been bothering me since the engagement day. "Are you sure we're ready? With the engagement and the announcement of the wedding date, you've practically stirred up a sleeping tiger," I was very eager for our relationship to finally become official, but the silence from de Forest was worrying.

"Absolutely, my love. We've waited long enough, and we already have enough allies," Sebastian began unfastening my dress and, taking it off, laid me on the bed. "No more talk, my joy. Until dawn, I want to hear only your sweet moans and my name when you climax for me," he hovered over me, his hands roaming my body, and his lips drinking my breath and capturing the moans of pleasure that couldn't be held back.

Sebastian entered me slowly, as if giving me the opportunity to feel every centimeter inside, he kissed me, and the more passionate the kisses became, the faster and stronger he penetrated. My body was on fire, each time it seemed to me that it was impossible to experience more intense sensations, and each time he showed me a new height of pleasure.

As Sebastian had said, until morning, the only sounds I managed to make were light moans and his name when we merged in ecstasy.

In the morning, letters and postcards began to come to us, news of our engagement spread across the continent and neighboring kingdoms like an echo in the ballroom. Christoph expressed his indignation that he missed our engagement, and Sebastian did not warn him in advance that he would make an important announcement. Somehow, we managed to convince him that nothing was planned, and the decision was made spontaneously.

Days whirled in a whirlwind of organizational matters, and a few breakthroughs were added. After the first of them, Sebastian made me believe that my reaction had become too slow, and now instead of the already rare morning moments of passion, we had training sessions every morning.

So, in the hustle and bustle of pre-wedding cares, almost a year passed, and there was one month left until my birthday when news came from de Forest.

We received a letter from one of the most influential merchants in the kingdom and a member of the Council. The Council in the Forest Kingdom could not directly influence the king's decisions, but some issues were discussed with them to maintain the stability of the kingdom.

Advisor Murray wrote to Sebastian that the king was ill and in very bad condition, and the power was actually in the hands of Count Lindwood. All members of the council are concerned about this situation, especially against the backdrop of rumors that Sebastian has gathered allies. Murray reported that due to the situation and the king's condition, the prince needs to come to de Forest and claim the throne.