King Armen looked at Drayce in disbelief, and a strange silence weighed down the atmosphere within the hall. The others present could only silently watch these two monarchs, who looked like neither would be backing down anytime soon.
Finally, Cian interrupted the staredown, "King Drayce, no one here is ungrateful for the help you've given Abetha, and I, as one of the recipients of your grace, especially appreciate the assistance you have given my kingdom. However, I will share my honest thoughts as a family member who wishes the best for his sick sister. Even if you have reached an agreement with my father about a political union between Abetha and Megaris, it won't be possible to marry her off now when she is not well and even not ready to face the outside world. This sudden marriage and forcing her to go to another kingdom might negatively affect her situation. As strangers—"
