Themisto knew his friend was sly but never did he thought that he would come up with a strategy as dirty as this. He couldn't bear to think that his own daughter would be sacrificed in order to save their kingdoms and that's why he turned livid. After all it was his duty as Selene's father to protect her from anything trying to harm her and so he decided to disagree with Hendrickson.
"I appreciate your efforts to come up with a good plan but this is completely out of question. Never will I ever make my daughter a sacrifice. And the decisions involving union of two nations or people shouldn't be made without the approval of the people involved. I won't blame you if you don't understand because you aren't the one with a daughter." And with this Themisto began dashing outside the room, leaving Hendrickson behind.
Hendrickson gritted his teeth as he couldn't come to believe that his friend was disapproving of his idea. So he said, "If the approval of your daughter is what that worries you then why don't we go and ask our children if they approve of this. I swear I'll never mention about this ever again if Selene disagrees."
Themisto stopped and contemplated his statement for a moment. Santok and Bellicus were alliances since decades and Alexander, Hendrickson's son, was a good friend of Selene. Ever since their childhood he has seen them getting along so well. The overall idea of marriage wasn't bad but it was dependent on Selene's choice.
"Very well then! Let's ask them!" In the end he agreed.
Everyone was still dancing when they reached the balcony of the hall. Selene was still dancing with Alexander. Both of them looked happy as they talked and giggled along. It was a perfect opportunity for Hendrickson to make his move on Themisto.
"Look at our children down there. My heart can't help but fill with love watching the two of them together. I don't think we need to ask them about it. Both of them will undoubtedly agree to our decision. Don't you think so?" Hendrickson compelled.
For a father, their child's happiness and content is everything and Themisto was also caught up in the same dilemma wondering if it was truly a right decision for her dearest daughter. Ariel, his elder daughter was already engaged to Prince Demir of Zophan, one of the neighboring kingdom of Bellicus and now the time has come for Selene as well. Though she was still nineteen, but the decision has to be made sooner.
He eyed and searched for his daughter's face constantly to make sure if she would really be willing to spend her life with Alexander. All he wished for was her happiness and when he finally watched her enjoying the evening with Alexander, he made up his mind.
"I think you're right! They do look good together and it won't be a problem for her to adjust in your family since she's already familiar with you all." He sighed with a satisfactory relief.
"I am glad you finally understood, my friend."
Hendrickson couldn't believe his luck and laugh on the inside. In truth none of the other things mattered to him except getting Selene's hand for his son. All he wanted was to get the best girl for his son and as the future queen of their kingdom. As for the war and strategy he was sure they will win as long as Themisto was by his side.
"I think now is the time we announce the news!" Hendrickson suggested and Themisto nodded his head.
Walking towards the area where everyone present in the ballroom could notice him, Hendrickson finally caught everyone's attention by tapping on the wine glass he was holding in his hand. Themisto smiled as he stood beside him and all the eyes in the hall were fixed on them. The royal children also stopped in their tracks. Callisto and Oberon were attentive while the other siblings whispered words regarding the reason.
Artemis wondered what was going on. Unlike Samantha, who had dropped the idea in her husband's head, she was unaware about the news which was about to follow. Samantha grinned in response while Artemis stood dumbfounded by the sudden call of the two Kings.
"Ladies and Gentlemen as you all are already aware that Santok and Bellicus have shared an alliance for decades and not only the people of the two kingdoms but the royal families of Santok and Bellicus are familiar to each other as well. That is why King Themisto of Bellicus and I have decided to turn this decades old union and friendship into an official relationship by tying the knot between Prince Alexander Boyle of Santok and Princess Selene Cromwell of Bellicus."
As soon as Hendrickson finished the crowd started cheering in response to the announcement. Samantha's heart was full of joy as this was all she has been yearning for since a very long time. Artemis was stunned by the news. Never had she ever thought that something like this was awaiting them at the ball.
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Thank you for making it so far, keep reading and voting, I'll release more chapters soon