The journey to the capital of the Sea Kingdom was long and exhausting. Alex, along with her family, set off on their journey, accompanied by loyal servants. They left Savoyar Castle and headed towards the coast, where their ship awaited them to take them to the capital.
Along the way, they encountered various towns and settlements where people looked upon them with respect and admiration. Rumors of Alex losing her status as the Guardian of the rift had already spread, and many saw her as a potential royal relative.
The city welcomed them with majestic towers and palaces, and the streets were filled with people, noise, and an atmosphere of the upcoming celebration in honor of the annexation of the Borderlands.
Alex and her family arrived at the palace, where they were greeted rather coldly by the courtiers. The opulent halls and corridors, enveloped in an atmosphere of power and grandeur, felt alien to the de Savoyar family. Despite their aristocratic background, they had always lived simply and without extravagance, their main task being to ensure safety and survival rather than engage in court intrigues or empty splendor.
Finally, Alex and her family stood before the magnificent figure of King Christoph de Seen. He studied Alex intently with his dark eyes, and his gaze revealed restrained curiosity.
Christoph showed respect as he rose from his throne. "Welcome, de Savoyar family. I understand that you have undertaken such a journey for a reason. Please, tell me the purpose of your arrival," he said, addressing Alex and her parents.
Roger de Savoyar, Alex's father, spoke up. "Your Majesty, we received a letter and a decree from the King, informing us that Alessandra is no longer the Guardian of the rift due to its dormancy. We were summoned to the capital to hear further instructions," he explained, slightly bowing.
The Sea King listened attentively, his gaze shifting from Alex to her parents. "I understand that this must be difficult for you, de Savoyar family. The Guardian of the rift is a crucial role, and your daughter has fulfilled it with dignity," Christoph said with solidarity in his voice.
Alex, who had remained silent until this moment, finally decided to speak. "Your Majesty, I understand the King's decision, and I am ready to accept it. But I cannot simply abandon my destiny and become an ordinary girl in the kingdom. I want to continue serving the Sea Kingdom and fight for its safety," she said with determination in her voice.
The Sea King nodded. "Alessandra, I appreciate your loyalty and resolve. However, I have another proposal. I would like to send you to a boarding school for noble young ladies for five years. There, you will receive the finest education and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to become a desirable bride. Afterward, you will continue serving the kingdom as a member of the royal family, and through marriage, we will strengthen our power in the kingdom and ensure stability. Without the burden of the Guardian, you will fulfill a different mission, like all noble young ladies," he proposed, looking at Alex with hope.
Alex attentively listened to the Sea King's words but felt a mixture of emotions stirring in her heart. On one hand, she wanted to continue serving the kingdom and carry out important tasks. On the other hand, the King's offer entailed her future role as a bride and political game.
Alex took a deep breath and said with determination, "Your Majesty, I appreciate your offer and understand its significance. However, I do not want to be a bargaining chip in political games. I aspire for more; I want to be part of the actions that shape the future of the kingdom, not just as a bride, but actively involved."
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Christoph frowned but restrained his rising anger. "Alessandra, I understand your desires, but political stability and power are also crucial for the kingdom. You can become a strong ally by uniting the right families and strengthening our influence. Your actions can impact the fate of many people."
Alex clenched her fists tightly, feeling herself resist the pressure. "Your Majesty, I believe in true love and that marriage should be based on mutual respect and affinity, not just political interests. I want my future to be determined by my own actions and decisions, not just the status of a bride."
The Sea King looked at Alex with anger barely contained in his gaze. His Majesty couldn't believe that a girl who had spent most of her life in the forest would dare to argue with him, the King, in front of the courtiers. He was determined to put her in her place and remind her of her position in the royal hierarchy.
"You, Alessandra, show bravery, but do not forget that your actions have consequences for all of you," the King pronounced in a cold and menacing tone.
The King's words brought an unpleasant tension to Alex's parents. They understood the gravity of the situation and worried about the potential consequences that could arise from the monarch's anger. Worry and apprehension flickered in their eyes as their daughter provoked the King's wrath and dared to argue with him.
Alex felt the tension in the room and realized the seriousness of the situation. She knew that her actions had angered the monarch and violated the protocol of the royal court. A sense of regret filled her heart, but she was not willing to back down from her convictions.
"Your Majesty, I..."—she was about to apologize for the offense she had caused the King, but he stopped her with a gesture.
Christoph looked at Alex with a mix of anger and surprise. He realized that Alex was not as simple as he initially thought and decided to play a trick.
Christoph de Seen remained silent for a moment, weighing Alex's words. His anger started to shift into curiosity. In the end, he made a decision to use cunning to achieve his goals.
"Alessandra, you are indeed stubborn and resolute, and I want to test your strength and will in practice," the King announced, smiling at her. "I will take your arguments into consideration, but I will make my move. You will still go to the boarding school for noble young ladies to acquire the education and skills of a desirable bride. And as a punishment for your behavior, your parents will embark on a small sea voyage to the nearby islands. There, they can reflect upon and assess their actions."
Alex felt bitterness fill her heart. She realized that the King was using this move to placate her and involve her in his political games. She didn't want to be a pawn in the hands of royal authority, but her options were limited.
With some resistance, Alex replied, "Your Majesty, I accept your decision, but I ask that you not forget that I remain a person with my own thoughts and feelings. I hope that this time will help us understand our relationship and pave the way for mutual understanding."
The Sea King nodded, acknowledging Alex's words, but his gaze retained a sense of mystery. "Be assured, Alessandra, I will not forget your behavior, and I will find a way to achieve what I desire."
The visit ended unexpectedly. One way or another, Christoph obtained what he wanted by removing the Duke from his path and sending him into exile along with his wife. As for Alex, she was sent far away from home, imprisoned in the Boarding School. Apparently, Christoph believed that the secluded environment of the school and the separation would tame the stubborn girl, and when he brought her back to the court, she would be willing to do whatever His Majesty commanded to avoid his wrath.