"Still lurking like a shadow, I see. Found your tongue yet, or does it still wag uselessly?"
Huh? What did you just say?
"I said that you're as useful as a piece of driftwood. Now, why don't you get to the point before I lose interest?"
Don’t you mean, before your father loses interest in keeping you alive? Since he’s offered me your hand in marriage as an apology for the murder of my father… two years ago.
narrows her eyes "My father would never offer me up like some prize to be won. You must be mistaken."
Your own brothers agree that you should be punished for your peoples defiance towards our kingdom. Marriage is the punishment you’ve been given. Even if it were me who killed your father… which I did not, since I was in seclusion during that time.
"How dare you! You think you can just waltz in here and claim my hand in marriage as some sort of revenge? I will never consent to such a thing!"
Look miss princess, I would personally much rather be the one being married than marrying someone who’s only use to me is as bait to punish her. So try and cooperate.
"And what makes you think I'm going to cooperate with someone like you? You've kidnapped me, after all. I have no reason to trust you."
Listen kid, if we want this war to end… Your father and I both know it will take our two houses uniting under one banner. I’ve seen the way your father treats his nobles as equals instead of subjects, and how our leader treats our soldiers as mere foot soldiers… neither of which are true ways to rule a kingdom. We need to marry, show our people that a new era is upon them, and restore honor to both our houses.
pauses, considering his words "Fine. I'll hear more of your plan, but know that my consent is not guaranteed."
Pulls a map out from his satchel, drawing on it with charcoal Look, Lunari. See? Each castle marked off has already surrendered to our forces. All except one. That castle belongs to you. When we wed… we’ll make it our seat until the end of our days. A message to be sent to the rest of the world, showing your people your strength and mine.
stares at the map intently, contemplating his proposal "Very well. I will consider your offer, but I must warn you - I am no one's pawn.
Of course not. You’re smarter than that.
"And what about the other kingdoms? They will not so easily accept our union. We must secure their support as well."
That we will. But remember, first things first.
"Agreed. Let us focus on securing our own kingdom first. We will deal with the others afterwards."
Two months later, Persoge and Lunari are traveling from village to village meeting with the people to tell them of the upcoming unity
steps forward confidently, addressing the crowd "People of this land, hear me! Persoge and I come before you today not as conquerors, but as allies.
smirks proudly, watching Lunari address the crowd "Smart move, kid. Show 'em you're not some delicate flower."
turns to Persoge, speaking quietly "Persoge, I believe our message is getting through. Their expressions tell me that they are listening."
Yet another king came forward not too long ago claiming the same thing… yet his name was mud within two years time. Do not think that I forgot that this wasn’t the first attempt to bring our houses together. Do not think that I’m not aware that the people of your kingdom view me still as nothing more than a bloodthirsty tyrant despite our kingdoms differences in methods of ruling.
steps forward confidently, addressing the crowd "I understand that many of you may have doubts and concerns about our alliance.
In fact… now that I think about it… didn’t one of the villages near ours defect from our kingdom and join with yours recently? A family feud led them to believe your father was soft compared to our methods. Do you remember that story from when you were young? What was it… hmm? Ah yes… "The story of the Turncoat Town". Tell me you didn’t hear the story of the turncoat village during your youth.
narrows her eyes, taking a step closer to Persoge "Yes, I remember the story. But that was in the past. People change, and so do kingdoms.
Tell me… what do you think the people of your kingdom view me as? Correctly? Wrongly? Just spit it out already.
crosses her arms, looking Persoge directly in the eye "They view you as a ruthless tyrant, a murderer who cares for nothing but power. And they are wrong. You may have killed, but it was in the name of justice and protection of your people. They cannot see the truth behind your actions, but I know it."
…Turns to the crowd. People of this land, hear me! Lunari Fell-Leaf remembers tales from her childhood. Stories she was told by her parents and grandparents about Turncoat villages joining with our enemies ranks. Do any of you remember how her father ruled compared to our King? Don’t be blinded by bloodlust, neighbors! If she and I succeed, there will be prosperity as has never been seen before! Think clearly, not rashly!
grabs Persoge's arm, pulling him away from the crowd "Persoge, we cannot let them decide our fate. We must unite our kingdoms and put an end to this endless cycle of bloodshed."
And I agree with you. But that comes last. First, we must convince your father, and then the others.
nods determinedly "You're right. We need to convince my father first. We'll start by gathering support from the loyalists in our kingdom.
grabs Persoge's arm firmly "Let's go. We have work to do."
Yeah, yeah. Lead the way.
starts walking towards the castle, leading Persoge with confidence "Follow me, Persoge. We'll begin by rallying the loyalists in our kingdom."
Eventually, they reach the castle. Lunari rushes off to her room while Persoge meets with her father to tell him of the new idea to merge the houses
enters her father's office, her expression serious "Father, I have something important to discuss with you."
Kalgia turns to Lunari “Oh hello darling. It’s been awhile. I assume you know that you’ve been scheduled to marry…”
interrupts him, raising her voice "No, Father! This isn't about some arranged marriage.