For this council meeting, all the ministers were in attendance in the royal court. Everyone knew today would be the day King Armen would make his decision related to the future of both the kingdoms of Abetha and Megaris, and no one dared to miss such an important occasion.
It could be seen that despite belonging to different factions, the ministers were united by the benefits of having a marriage alliance between the King of Megaris and the Third Princess of Abetha. A number of ministers were happy to take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of the witch from the kingdom, while others were rejoicing for the strong military support from Megaris in exchange for a useless princess. Even those from the neutral faction were supportive of the union, aware that this political wedding between the two kingdoms will aid the growth of Abetha.
In front of the hall, there were several seats specially arranged just below the throne belonging to the King of Abetha. Queen Niobe occupied one, and Cian as the Crown Prince of Abetha sat in another. The third seat was provided for the head of the envoys from Griven, which was being occupied by its crown prince, Arlan.
Slightly above them was an empty seat beside the throne of the King of Abetha, its elevation symbolizing the higher status of its occupant compared to the other royals in attendance.
After being informed by a royal guard, the court herald announced, "His Majesty King Armen Ilven of Abetha and His Majesty King Drayce Ivanov of Megaris are entering the royal court."
King Armen and Drayce entered the royal court together with Lord Eudes and their respective knights following behind. With their entrance, the initially noisy hall calmed down as those inside paid their respects to the two kings.
Their arrival signaled that the court session could now commence.
Lord Eudes, who was standing beside his king, announced the royal court's agenda for the day.
"First on the item, King Armen will announce his decision regarding the marriage between His Majesty King Drayce and Her Highness, Third Princess Seren."
The silence within the hall was deafening as everyone strained to hear what King Armen had to say. It was as if everyone was holding their breaths in anticipation.
Looking at the expressions of the people standing before him, King Armen could only inwardly sigh. Before coming to the royal court, he had already discussed the general arrangement with Drayce. There was no turning back.
"As you all are already aware, the hand of my daughter, Third Princess Seren, was already promised to King Drayce, and due to affairs related to his kingdom, King Drayce wishes to return to his kingdom bringing his queen with him. Not wishing to delay his important matters, I have decided to make an exception to the royal protocols and have the wedding between King Drayce and the Third Princess arranged within a week. Princess Seren would have recovered completely by then to be able to travel along with King Drayce back to Megaris."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. Our Abetha forever prospers under your reign!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Third Princess has been blessed!"
"To a stronger friendship between Abetha and Megaris!"
The royal court was filled with praises and laughter at his announcement. Everyone was in a jubilant mood, the happiest person there being Queen Niobe. Finally, after the wait for so many years, she could get rid of this witch.
After talking about less important matters, the royal court was adjourned.
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As they left the hall together, King Armen talked to Drayce, his future son-in-law, in a more amiable tone, "If there is anything more that needs to be done, let me know."
Drayce nodded. Just then, one of the knights guarding outside Seren's bedchamber approached his king to report something.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Apologies for interrupting, but there is something I must report."
King Armen recognized that the knight was one of Sir Berolt's trusted men assigned to look after Seren. "What is it? Did something happen to my daughter?"
"Her Highness the Third Princess asked her two nurses to get out of the bedchamber and leave her alone," the knight replied.
His statement surprised King Armen and Cian, while Drayce and Arlan continued to silently listen beside them.
"What happened? Has anyone upset her?" Cian asked with worry.
With his head still lowered down, the knight replied, "Apologies, Your Highness, but your question is something I cannot answer. The two nurses are better informed regarding this matter. They are currently waiting outside of Her Highness's bedchamber. We dare not barge in without your approval. Please order us Your Majesty, Your Highness."
"I will go check on her," Cian volunteered and his father gestured for him to go. Drayce didn't feel the need to go to her personally as he was sure it was a simple matter and Cian alone could handle it.
Cian left with the knight while Arlan excused himself as he's needed elsewhere.
King Armen brought Drayce to his study to discuss things related to the wedding and the long journey they would undertake after the wedding. As Seren's female relative with the highest status, the wedding arrangement itself would be done by Queen Niobe, but as her father, King Armen would definitely make sure everything was comfortable for his daughter.
After a while, Queen Niobe was summoned to the King's study.
Though Queen Niobe hated Seren, she couldn't forget her responsibility as the Queen of Abetha and the leader of the royal harem inside the palace.? Seren was a proper princess under the laws of Abetha, and thus, as a female royal, her upbringing and everything about her until her marriage should in fact be managed by the Queen.
This might be the first and only time Queen Niobe would do her duties for the girl she hated the most, and she would ensure nothing would go wrong. Let this be her parting gift.
The royal harem would perfectly handle the responsibilities of this royal wedding for Seren.