Chapter 6 Alliance

Princess Elowen Starfire I had gathered my courage and said… ''It would only be a contract marriage, and this alliance will benefit us greatly. In this marriage contract, we will list what will be accepted and what will not.'' I bit my lips slightly and said, ''What I want most is peace, peace for my people, for my sister. I'm tired of this war; I don't want to feel the pain of loss anymore. After saying this, Aric was thoughtful, for too long, but I just waited for his answer, and what he said was brief, one sentence. Just one… All right, we'll do it. Hours had passed since his sentence, since he had accepted the deal. I was sure he hated the idea of marriage, but, against all my expectations, he accepted the deal. An alliance was necessary, and, as much as neither of us was happy with the idea of getting married, there was no other way. That was the role of monarchs, in the end, to sacrifice their own good for the sake of their people. I heard the Alpha's order for his beta to draw up the contract. A one-year marriage. Our forces would be united, we would face our enemies, and, after victory, we could break the bond and move on with our lives. However, even after that, the alliance between our cities would remain. Aric was direct, practical, and showed no emotion as he gave his orders. While the contract was being drawn up, some servants served me a tray of fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice. I took a piece of apple and sipped it, discreetly observing Alpha. He was an imposing figure, no doubt about it, and not just because of his size or all the muscles he carried; his gaze always pointed out that he was the one in control there. ''We're getting married in a week. Everyone from your town and mine will come to the wedding; we'll have days of celebration.'' His firm voice echoed through the hall, not with enthusiasm, but as if he were talking about a war strategy. ''We'll get married here and then have another ceremony in your town.'' I nodded silently, waiting for him to continue. ''I'll invite some allies from other cities to spread the word about our marriage. Many nobles will be interested in this union, and it will bring possible new alliances to our territory.'' Aric leaned forward slightly, his expression carrying a subtle gleam of satisfaction. ''I'm acquainted with some dukes and nobles from other kingdoms. I'll send them invitations,” I said calmly, but determinedly. A broad smile appeared on Alpha's face, and it surprised me. It was the first time I had seen something different from the mask of coldness he seemed to be wearing. For a moment, I wondered if he was happy with the decision or if he just saw it as a power play. I didn't know, maybe I would get to know him, or he could simply close himself off to me. Not showing who he really was. I finished my apple and juice, looked around the room as time passed, admiring the place, it was certainly beautiful here. As I watched, the alpha's voice caught my attention. ''Are you satisfied?'' Aric looked at me for a while, watching me carefully. ''Yes, it was great, thank you!'' I thanked him, and with one look, Aric told the servants to take the tray to the kitchen. ***** Time passed, and, as night fell, Aric ordered me to sleep in the castle. ''Well, it's late and would be dangerous to travel at that hour.'' He got up, and I did the same. ''You'd better sleep here tonight, you can travel tomorrow, princess.'' He looked at me for a while, squinting his intense eyes. I looked around, especially at Render, who looked at me and nodded. ''Yes, I agree. Thank you for allowing me to rest here tonight.'' Alpha Aric just nodded. My return to Aetheria would be at dawn. I knew it was a strategy to strengthen our alliance before the eyes of his subordinates. “Prepare the best room for the princess,” he ordered, and his servants immediately began their preparations, leaving the room we were in and going upstairs. “Thank you for your hospitality, Alpha,” I said politely. He just nodded, without saying anything else. It seemed that this was his way, a man of few words, or he didn't like talking to me very much, I didn't understand. A while later… The alpha's servants called me, politely. ''Your room is ready, princess.'' I thanked them and looked at Alpha Aric. ''Good night, Alpha.'' He wished me goodnight in a whisper, and then I was escorted by my guards and some servants to my quarters. The room was on the third floor of the castle. As I entered, I could see that his servants had prepared everything with extreme care. It was a large space, with refined furniture, a huge bed, and soft sheets. Everything was spotless. ''Wow, how lovely.'' I ended up letting out as I looked around. ''Your Highness, I'll stay in the next room and the servants in the rooms next to it.'' Render said, and I turned and looked at him, thanking him. ''Thank you, Render. Rest now, I'll see you tomorrow!'' He bowed and closed the door for me. I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of everything that had happened that day finally fall on my back and weigh down my shoulders. Within a week, I would be married to a wolf. I sat on the soft bed as I thought… I was sure that this was a sick joke of fate, and I no longer knew how to feel about it. I'm actually going to marry a wolf who clearly thinks I'm a stranger, and it's all business, that's all. I snorted as I lay back on the bed, feeling my body relax, but my mind? It wasn't relaxed at all.