The Eternal Alliance (rskde & DelightfulRevenge)

[Risky]

The kingdoms of Athara and Othon have been at war for the last two hundred years.

It is a conflict that has been passed down by generations of royal blood dating back before most could remember. The magic and other wonders of the world that they lived in could not stop them from giving in to the most primal of human urges, countless raids on each other's borders, several formal battles ending in stalemates or enough bloodshed to sate their desires.

Recently however, both kingdoms had fallen under the tyranny of Orcish tribes on their borders, the green monsters having migrated from the South in search of new lands to wreak havoc over. The two injured kingdoms were a perfect target, powerful in their own right but nowhere near enough to quell the Orcs that began to raid their villages. It was only a matter of time before the Orcs would make it to each respective kingdom and try to slaughter all who lived within the walls.

With this new threat on the horizon, a truce was called between the two kingdoms, and a meeting held between its rulers, though neither side wanted to look each other in the eye it was quite obvious that something needed to be done about the threat to the South.

Prince Venarus of Athara had been waiting for his parents to return from that same meeting, pacing back and forth and the courtroom with a worried expression on his face. No advisor had been able to ease his nerves, they had gone to Othon to discuss an alliance between the two kingdoms, and really that only meant one thing. He was the eldest of his siblings, next in line to inherit Athara once his parents passed away, and that meant that he was very eligible for a marriage for an alliance, he had yet to be betrothed despite being twenty years old now.

Standing at 5'11", Ven had an athletic frame training by consistent practice of swordsmanship, Athara's leadership caste had become famed warriors throughout their generations of fighting wars, he had been expected to seize the mantle when he became King. He had a pair of hazel-green eyes and brown hair that shined slightly gold when the light hit it the right way. He always wore a longsword on his hip, one that had been given to him when he had reached sixteen, the age that allowed him to inherit the throne when his parents inevitably passed away. He wore a tunic and trousers that were made of fine silks and leather, he refused to wear any sort of circlet or crown unless they were attending a formal event of some sorts, so his head remained barren.

Despite being groomed for this duty, he still didn't feel that it was something he was ready for, he would much rather be on the front lines with the knights that had trained him instead of staying safe within the walls of their grand castle. But his parents wanted to keep their heir intact, scolding him for wanting war and wanting to experience bloodshed, even though they had hypocritically continued their war against Othon. Ven could see in the eyes of their knights and vassals that they wanted the war to go on, that they wanted the sport of going out to fight against a historic enemy, but these Orcs had changed everything.

Part of him couldn't believe that his parents would even try to go to Othon to talk to them, he doubted that they would listen to reason considering that they too had continued this war since before any of them had inherited this land.

"Pacing isn't very kingly." A soft voice reminded him from across the court, earning a turn of his head to see who had spoken up to him, the rest of the counsel that occupied these chambers look up as well, wondering who had dared to interrupt.

It was Palome, the court mage who had spoken up to him, earning a smile from the prince, who didn't really enjoy enforcing the iron fist that his parents kept over their council.

"You're right, I should stop." He sighed while rubbing the back of his head, stopping in place in front of the two thrones that occupied the room, his eyes looking over them. Was he really ready to inherit the kingdom that his family had built generations ago? It all seemed like such a huge responsibility. His thoughts are interrupted by the sounds of the doors to the room opening loudly.

"Presenting King Rathan and Queen Kathy of Athara!" An official called from within the barrier of the doors, the attention of all who stood in the chambers snapping towards the two who now entered it, all of their heads bowing in respect for a few moments before they were allowed to look up.

"Your highnesses, I trust that the meeting went well?" Ven gave them a soft smile, but they didn't seem in the mood for jokes.

"You're to marry the eldest of Othon's royal bloodline in two months time, Ven." His father tells him, the words seeming to stop his heart for a few moments. "And you are to live with one another to get over whatever sort of qualms you may have over this arrangement."

"Don't even try to fight this." His mother said, lowly, causing Venarus to nod before bowing to them and to briskly walk out of the room.

 

[DelightfulRevenge]

The decision has been battling every person's mind since the recent conference. For generations, Othon has only encounter war with Athara, but to address peace was a trending talk.

Others stood outside, waiting patiently while on the verge of their seats, leaning far as if they were about to fall off. It was apparent the whole kingdom of Othon wanted to know, like a ticking time bomb if some can say. Across the court, the rooms whispered of the rulers who were occupied for the entire day.

With the day almost gone, the doors flung open, small murmurs within the throne room falling silent as everyone stared with desperation. The room tensed as the king spoke, "We have agreed to merge with Athara," The King of Othon announced, "Today we will cease all bloodshed with the enemy and renew them with loyalty. Our daughter, Princess Caerellia, will be wed to their oldest son, Prince Venarus! Praise as they may be the beginning of new promises!" It sounded promising, but it was evident the rulers were unpleased with their final commitment.

Although this was a new marking period of change, the announcement didn't sound convincing as it looked. Raising eyebrows directed towards the king and queen as the court members held questioning looks, but their judgment was meaningless as it is now finalized with the two kingdoms, which only meant they could draw their attention to the princess.

The news broke out to her, "Marriage?" Caerellia said with a disgustful look. "You promise I could marry anyone I wanted"

Ah, yes, Princess Caerellia, eldest daughter to Queen Ethelreda and King Henry. She was the fairest jewel, but a fragile one; she was strong but was sensitive when it came to delicate manners. And this was a delicate manner to her.

She didn't want to be apart of politics nor be the healing symbol; she wanted to be treated equally.

Standing at 5'6', Caerellia rose from her spot, leveling the same height as her mother, her brown eyes glaring up and down her. It was evident the princess was angry as her cheeks began to fluster, turning into a bright red before her eyes. The sun's rays beamed onto her shortly after, enlightening her eyes into a honey color.

"Little Rose, listen to your mother and see what she has to say." A voice said from behind, her voice soft and patient.

Caerellia's issue was that she was pampered and entitled, and forgotten her place in court. She had painted a picture where she would be seen with a husband who she would care and love but never painted a vision based on worst fears. Being pampered, she was blind. Being entitled, she failed to see her kingdom needed an alliance more than anything and depended on her. Despite her immature habits, she was the right candidate who met all the requirements for a wife, such as beauty, young, and fertile - which most men liked about their women. There couldn't be any reason why she wouldn't make a good wife.

Then again, Caerellia wanted a marriage since at a young age, however, not like this.

"In two months, you will meet Prince Venarus and together will unionize the two kingdoms." The princess's eyes widened as she was left alone in the court garden.

 

[Risky]

Venarus had always imagined that he would be arranged to someone, he didn’t have some grandeur idea of what his life would be like, he would be used as a political tool whether he liked it or not, and he had been able to come to terms with that.

What bothered him the most was being forced to marry an enemy, he had been raised on the idea that Othon could never be trusted, that their people were conniving thieves that didn’t deserve the air they breathed, that their kingdom belonged to Athara. Maybe this was a better way of merging the two kingdoms, but the question remained as to what this new union would be called, if it even needed a name, and who would be the ones to take charge against the threat to the South.

“You’re pacing again.”

“How the hell did you even get in here?!” He turned to face the Mage who had appeared in his chambers, his eyes wild with the fright of the sudden voice, it was still a bit unnerving to have magic users around the court, magic tended to be quite rare at least in this part of the world. Palome in particular didn’t seem to mind the social stigma that came with surprising people.

“No need to worry about that, I just thought you could use an ear to talk to about this whole marriage business.” She shrugged, leaning against his bedpost. His room was fairly large, more than enough space for the Prince to live in comfortably with a wardrobe and king sized bed with curtains to protect his privacy while he slept, not to mention a balcony he could stand on to see Athara stretched out before him. He loved the life that he lived, even if he knew that it would soon drastically change.

“There’s nothing to talk about, I’m to marry the Othonian Princess in two months time, I’ll be ready.”

Needless to say those two months passed by fairly quickly, and the Orcish raids on both kingdoms had only increased.

Word had reached him that the Princess was to arrive soon, and that they would be wed as soon as possible. Arrangements had already been made for a grand ceremony, the decision for her to stay in Athara finalized by a second meeting between the royalty of both families.

“You need to dress your best for today, you’ll be meeting your bride.” His mother said to him quietly while watching his servants help to tame his hair and shave his face down to acceptable levels. His attire was handsome, a lordly coat over a fine tunic and trousers, a pair of polished black boots on his feet and a circlet crown upon his head that marked him as a Prince rather than higher royalty. He stared at himself in the mirror, nervousness starting to run through him now that the day had finally arrived.

He wondered what she would be like, he hadn’t even met her yet they were marrying and were expected to do great things, to manage Athara while his parents went off to war against the Orcs with Othon’s army by their sides, how did they even know that the couple would be compatible?

He was walked down to the throne room and placed in front of the two thrones, his body facing the door to the large room as servants were moving, knights and nobles entering the room to be witnesses to the first meeting of the couple and then their marriage.

“Presenting, from the High Kingdom of Othon, Princess Caerellia!”

 

[DelightfulRevenge]

The two-month deadline hit pretty quickly for the princess. On her last day, it was agreed by the royal families for Caerellia to stay in Athara. Caerellia was pissed and left alone weeping in her room for the entire day, her face puffy and swelling after only an hour of crying. From that moment on, she knew it would be her last sight of ever seeing her parents.

Then again, her heart grew cold to where she hated to see the sight of them. It felt like she was to be trade-off while they were left to be untroubled by her presence.

On her last day, her family hosted a dinner party in her honor and marriage, hoping to bring comfort and joy for their daughter. Instead, it was the opposite. Caerellia sat in silence while playing with her food, pondering on the idea of the marriage...At least she didn’t have to worry about being married to an older man.

During nightfall, sleep wasn’t much of an option. Caerellia spent her night by viewing Othon’s most outstanding beauty while time crept behind her. “Why must I suffer like this?” She sighed, her head leaning against a soft, familiar touch. She chuckled and looked up, “Orgak, how did you get in? The princess wrapped her arms around the seven-foot-tall beast, only managing to hug the center of his chest. The creature responded with a light purr. Either way, she was glad to see him.

“I’d let him in” The mage popped in with a bright smile. “Your mother told me you could bring Orgak with you, as he is a harmless pet.”

“Good,” Caerellia huffed, rolling her eyes.

“Well then, good morning,” Yennefer said as she curtsied, almost forgetting her manners. “Shall we begin the morning? I’ve already packed your stuff in the carriage.”

Her eyes closed.

Her eyes opened.

Her attention drew her to the moving carriage, watching as they passed countless sights for the first time. It was a troubling moment for Carelllia since she didn’t speak throughout the whole ride.

Yennefer, the mage and personal advisor to the princess, watched as she observed the girl, intrigued to see the little pup finally seeing the real world. “You must have a thing for the outside world. It may seem you were kept in the shadows for too long.”

“How long must I endure this pain? I am in dire need to stretch my legs, but all I have is you to pest me with less pressing manners; the outside world bores me.”

“Well, for more so pressing manners, I have made this potion for you, so don’t collapse on the prince’s arms” Yennefer extended her arm out, revealing a sealed potion with liquid inside. It was evident the princess didn’t get enough sleep last night.

Caerellia never questioned her mage’s skills nor knowledge and obeyed after taking it. She opened the sealed bottle and drank all without complaining, feeling the pungent taste running down her throat. “It tastes horrible,” She coughed but realized she was full of energy.

“Well, thank goodness you’ve taken it because we’re here.”

Mixed emotions and mixed feelings swarm in, panicking the princess as she was unsuccessful in picking either. She felt nervous and uncomfortable, sensing she would be unwelcome by the royal family. She questioned what they - he would be like. Could he handle her? It wouldn’t surprise her if he acted just the same as his parents. Her behavior reacted the same way after hearing she had to marry her enemy. Either way, she hoped their performances weren’t in a malicious act while she lived there. Although she had no parent to watch over her, she had to come to her senses that she will be a mother one day.

“This is Athara?” She raised an eyebrow.

The carriage came to a stop; the guards approached them, opening the door. “Princess Caerellia, welcome to Athara. His majesty, the King, is waiting in the throne room.” He said, his voice stern.

His hand extended to her, then her hands, following after. She held onto him as she came off the wagon, careful as she stepped down. She thanked him and looked up, watching the towers as if it was touching the sky. It made her dizzy shortly. “We’re definitely not in Othon anymore,” She grumbled, looking over her shoulders, waiting on her mage.

The guard escorted them to the throne room, directing them where they will encounter their first meeting. It made the princess anxious during the silence, her palms sweating as she was unconsciously playing with them. For the first time in her life, she never imagines having so many fears. Instead, she wanted others to fear her as she was a royal with great power. It was a new experience.

Her heart raced, “Presenting, from the High Kingdom of Othon, Princess Caerellia!” Then stopped.

Caerellia halted in her tracks, her curly hair bouncing back. As a princess, attention was always typical, and something needed to be master; your status followed you wherever you went and never waited for anyone unless you were dead. For Caerellia, she liked the attention. She loved it. But this time, it didn’t look appealing.

Her pink lips were drying, but a single lick from her tongue and they were moist once more. Her brown eyes inhaling the scenery before her. The eyes of her enemies watching her, their face twisting to a disgustful expression as if she came from nowhere.

In respect of the King and Queen, she bobbed a curtsey to them.

Unlike any other princess, Caerellia was someone who valued good taste in fashion. She wore elaborate clothing and the most acceptable accessories that were imported to her kingdom. Her attire was gracious, cream with a golden tan color, lace off shoulders that were stitched with openwork leaves, rhinestones appropriately pasted onto the rims of her dress, and a small silver tiara marking the perfect cherry on top.

“Queen Ethelreda and King Henry send their respects, and utmost gratitude, your highnesses,” Yeenefer said, with a quick bow. Caerellia, on the other hand, felt uneasy as she was unsure of how to introduce herself to the prince. She was never good at meeting people unless she was spoken to first or introduced by her mother.

Everyone was here to witness the expecting couple, which bothered her because she knew no one approved. Slowly she walked the direction of her future husband, passing by the lingering eyes. Her soft smile was quite assuring as she came face to face of the man she was going to marry. Her facial expression was regular, but her eyes were saying another. Her head was titled slightly, quickly recalling when she looked at his portfolio when she was back in Othon. It didn’t look like anything of him in the painting and must have forgotten a few details, but he was shockingly handsome. Her immaturity clouded her thoughts.

She blinked and curtsied after "A pleasure to meet you, Prince Venarus." She said flatly, her voice neither detected to be happy or sad. "I hope we can push aside our hatred for one another and replace them with a mutual respect and understanding"

 

[Risky]

He couldn't help but feel nervous as he stood in the throne room, despite being trained and groomed to be some brave and strong Prince, he had never been prepared for anything like this. His entire life he had been taught that Othon was their enemy and that they were never to be trusted, but his parents had seemingly gone back on everything that they had taught him, collaborating with the Othonians? Not to mention selling him off for some petty alliance that they wanted to form with their sworn enemy.

Venarus bit the inside of his cheek as he felt the eyes of his parents boring into the back of his head, his own eyes staring forward as the Princess steps into the room for all to see, he would have to be the one to set the example for her, his new.. wife.

It was still strange to him that they would be married soon, but at least she was easy on the eyes, actually much prettier than he had expected.. He had seen arranged marriages with far worse brides to be. He stiffened and stood straight up as she approached him, folding his hands in front of him.

She curtsied and he nodded, bowing before her and taking her hand with two of his, pressing a kiss to the outside of her hand before standing up straight again and listening to her words. "The pleasure is mine, Princess Carellia." He said quietly before glancing around to all of the people in the throne room who were now staring at the two of them. "I hope we can move forward with a new era of peace and partnership between our two kingdoms." He said loudly, wanting to gather the attention of the room that was seemingly staring daggers at his bride-to-be.

"Athara has never had an ally, and though we have never required aid from another kingdom, an alliance will only benefit us." He glanced back to Carellia before taking her hand. "And if you will do the same, I accept our arrangement." He gave her a light smile, though on the inside his blood boiled slightly, having to level himself with someone that he had been taught to hate.. This would take a lot of getting used to.

Once their remarks had been made most of the attendees left the throne room to go about their days, his parents giving him a nod before making their way out of the room and leaving them there alone. While it was generally a servant that showed people around the castle, he figured it more appropriate to show her to where she would be staying.

"If you'd follow me, I can show you to your chambers." He said while motioning for her to follow. He had assumed that she would want to stay in a separate room until they at least got to know one another and when they were actually married.

 

[DelightfulRevenge]

The prince's speech brought eyes upon the two, but mostly to the princess. Their glances haunting her as she captured their daggering eyes, looking at her once more. She gulped as she had no other options but to endure it. For once, she felt weak - no longer feeling the spoiled princess she once was...She felt the princess who was trapped, stuck between a rock and a hard place. However, the speech seemed to have ended as they were finally alone. She inhaled heavily. "Do they always welcome their guest with those...eyes?" She whispered, looking up to the Prince, who was now her only source.

But the Prince seemed to look fine and decided to show her to her chambers. And Caerellia agreed. Thankfully they didn't have to share one's bed until their marriage day.

During the moment, Caerellia refused to say anything as she was undergoing trouble in her new home. She knew was no longer under her parent's protection and knew she had to face reality soon than later, but couldn't help feeling betrayed. "Still surprises me we have to marry each other" grumble the princess, her arms crossing as she quickly pulled herself into a smile. Same old princess Caerellia.

 

[Risky]

They had been together for mere minutes and it appeared that she was quite aware of the eyes that had found themselves on her, the people of Athara generally didn’t get many foreigners around, especially not ones from enemy kingdoms. The decision to unite the crowns hadn’t exactly been popular, the decision had been made out of necessity rather than the want to make friends with their age-old enemy. “Only for people they don’t trust yet.” He muttered to her as they walked out, there had been politicians to receive the same look when they went against the will of the people, who couldn’t do much else aside from make their discontent known.

Walking into her chambers, he spread his arms as if to show her the amount of room that she had. “Please let me know if it’s not to your liking, the King and Queen wanted to ensure that your stay here would be comfortable.” He said to her quietly, leaning against the large bed in the room.

Her words made him nod, he hadn’t really considered how soon they would be married. “It’s necessary.” He said quietly, though he still had his doubts, it wasn’t like his opinion really mattered in the grand scheme of things. “At least they didn’t try to marry me off to someone unattractive.” He gave her a half smile while crossing his own arms over his chest.