"We have decided to form an alliance with Abanthus by marrying Princess Catherine to their Prince Ivan Roderick."
An absolute silence spread across the hall. One could even hear other's breath. This was something unexpected landed to everyone. Even General Heloise lift her face up listening to the announcement.
Prince Logan could not hide his surprise and looked at his uncle in astonishment. Prince Arthur was more shocked than anyone in the hall. His eyes met his father's and the feeling of sadness spread onto his face momentarily. King Francis averted his gaze. Arthur looked at his mother, Queen Josephine. The lady was sitting elegantly; however, her fingers were curled into fists making it red. She was struggling inside but maintaining her composure. She decided not to look at her son as if she afraid it would break her determination. Prince Arthur saw how helpless his mother looked and averted his gaze away from the royal couple.
"Your highness!", General Haraldus was the first one to break the silence.
"I apologize but this is something not acceptable. After what happened 10 years ago…"
"General Haraldus", King interrupted. "We shouldn't remember the past now."
"But your majesty…", General Haraldus was short-tempered.
"General Haraldus, I believe his majesty has some thoughts behind such decision.", Advisor Ay Soo said.
"Ay Soo!", General Haraldus momentarily forgot they were in a royal hall for a formal meeting. As his eyes met still but shattered eyes of Ay Soo, Haraldus realised that Ay Soo was preventing him to refresh those wounds and helped him instead of trying to cross him again.
"However," Ay Soo continued, "Your highness, we should discuss this matter. Is there not any other way to do this?" People in the hall started discussing in whispers.
"Ïs there?", King Francis asked in return. Wasn't it true? They don't have any other option. Either they must live their life without any advancement, or they must accept the decisions like these.
General Vladimir looked at his advisor once. His advisor nodded slightly.
King Francis sighed a little. He continued, "We are still in contact with Abanthus regarding the alliance. If they agree, this will be a great opportunity for everyone; also, a historic moment."
"In two months, we'll be having a festival of Stovaria, for cherishing the memories of our founders. If everything goes well, we can hold a ceremony on the last day of the festival."
"Your highness", General Haraldus said in a disapproving tone. "May I speak something?"
"You may.", King agreed.
"I don't want to bring the past but isn't this what we tried to do in the past? We all knew what happened.", He glanced at Prince Logan.
"What happened that time wasn't our initiative. Moreover, forgiving is what a big brother should do.", King said in a serious voice.
Prince Logan clenched his fists. He looked at Arthur beside him for a moment, 'Did he know? It doesn't look like it. What's going on?' He was confused.
"We know this is something which is tough to accept.", Advisor Kamil said, "But we have to do this, for Stovaria!"
No one said a word. What he was saying was right. They didn't have any other choice. It was a mute approval.
King Francis said calmly, "It is decided. We want your support for Stovaria just like every time."
"To the prosperity of Stovaria!", Everyone said.
Everyone stood up. The royal couple walked towards the door. Queen took a quick glance at her son. Arthur was standing looking down. He didn't say a word throughout the meeting; just to hide conflicts between the house of Theodorou. Josephine, who understood her son completely, could tell the volcano has erupted in the heart of her son.