Adeline smiled awkwardly at the queens sitting around her. Her fingers were weaved together underneath the table as she observed the queen's faces. They looked bored and impatient.
"What are we doing here, Adeline?" Adora asked, rolling her eyes.
"Please wait just a moment, we have another guest joining us she's just running-" Adeline was interrupted by the quite violent opening of the door to the meeting hall.
"I'm here!" Illia gasped as she panted, sweat beading her forehead. The queens gasped and Adora's hand flew to the sword on her waist.
Adeline held her hand up to Adora, seeing the placement of her hand. "Queen Illia will be joining us for our meeting today," she said calmly.
Adora scoffed and her head whirled to Adeline. "You cannot possibly be serious!?" she shouted.
"She is a murderer! Of a queen!" The Queen of Enchantra, Elowen, yelled.
Adeline rolled her eyes. "Enough! All of you! She is a queen and she will be treated as such. I will hear no more of this!" she shouted back.
Adora looked at Adeline accusingly. "Veraxin is barely a kingdom, Adeline. Which means Illia is barely a queen," Adora looked at Illia as her lip curled.
"That is Your Majesty to you. Just because you are a queen does not mean you can disrespect me and my sister,"
"Since when was that beast your sister?" Adora threw her head at Illia.
Adeline tilted her head at the language Adora was using. "Since when did you become such a horrid bitch? What? Because this isn't my husband's funeral you all of a sudden have the right to talk to me like this? In my kingdom, no less?"
Adora's lips curled with disgust. "I am not the one leting a murderer of queens into the highest of kingdoms,"
"Look around, Adora. Does this place look like the highest kingdom to you?" Adeline threw her hands in the air.
"You have nobody but to blame but yourself. And that devilish woman," Adora shot a glare at Illia.
"I never said it wasn't my fault. But I can do something to make it better. We both can," Adeline nodded her head to Illia. "That is why I have you all gathered her today. Illia and I have discussed the future of our kingdoms and we found a solution for us both. We will sign a treaty that will merge Astrean and Veraxin into one. We will call this kingdom Aesira,"
Adora's jaw dropped. She looked as though someone had just slit a queen's throat in front of her. "Aesira? Strong warrior? You cannot genuinely believe that a better name for your kingdom will make you stronger. What? Did you keep tying in rock paper scissors? Have you maybe tried knucklebones? See who can grab more bones?" Adora laughed, looking at the other queens as they snickered.
"Enough, Adora. We have come to a unanimous decision. This will not affect Zariya, Enchantra, or Nethermore. You have my word,"
"Oh, you have her word, Adora, how generous," Elowen nudged Adora's shoulder as she grinned.
"Enough!" Illia shouted, still standing at the back of the room. "Enough from you all! Adeline has shed blood and tears for all of your kingdoms, and trust me I know I have been most at fault for that,"
The queens were silenced, shocked by Illia's outburst.
"She has fought for this kingdom she has fought for all of you. Your people, your land, your children. Do you ever wonder why your people never die come winter?" Illia walked around the table and planted her feet beside Adeline's chair.
"It is because Astrean has provided you all with an endless supply of resources. Food, shelter, medicine, and even their own people. Now Astrean is dying because they have no resources left for their people. We did not call this meeting to ask for permission, we called it to tell you our plans. And whether you like them or not, they are already in motion. So please, for the love of the God's stop this incessant whining,"
"What of your child, Adeline?" Adora said almost teasingly, disregarding Illia's rant.
"It is fine if that is what you ask," Adeline responded, trying not to jump across the table and slit Adora's throat.
"That is not what I ask, though I am happy it is alright. I ask what the sex is to be,"
"A girl?" Queen Elowen chimed in.
"No. A boy," Adeline responded, completely disgusted by these inappropriate questions.
The queen's eyes widened, shock spreading across their faces.
"Well, your kingdom is doomed if neither of you bears a girl. I hope you know that," Queen Adora said, her voice hiding disappointment.
"My son is to be the greatest warrior in all four kingdoms and in all six realms. He will fight for this kingdom, just as a queen would,"
Adora's breath faltered as her tongue clicked on the roof of her mouth. "You have certainly taken action ladies," she said as she scooted her chair back. "Something has changed today. At the beginning of the day, Zariya was your ally, now we are not. I hope that was the change you were looking for," she smiled evilly as she began walking away from the table.
The other queens watched as Adora left the room.
"Don't you think this will weaken you and your kingdom?" Queen Elowen added, not noting the disappearance of Adora.
"No. It will not. My kingdom is weak as it is. But with the resources and the help from the people of Veraxin, Aesira will be one of the most powerful kingdoms in the realm,"
"Well, I am glad that you all seem content with this decision. But Adora was right. I cannot have my kingdom associated with this heathen's land. Nethermore will be withdrawing our allegiance as well,"
Adeline's eyes shut slightly as Elowen's words struck her heart.
"So when there comes a day when the kingdoms of other realms wish to wage war, you will be alone."
Illia placed her hand on Adeline's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.
"That is where you are wrong, Queen Elowen. We will have each other,"
"And us," the Queen of Enchantra, Estelle said. "Enchantra will remain within the alliance with Aesira. We will not pull our alliance out of cowardliness," Estelle said with a not-so-hidden jab at Adora and Elowen.
Elowen scoffed and rolled her eyes. "It is not out of cowardliness, child. It is out of love and protection for my kingdom,"
Estelle scowled at Elowen. Estelle was the youngest queen of all of them and they would constantly use it against her. "I am no child. I am more a woman than you and any of your awful queen friends," Estelle stood, her height making the room look smaller.
"You are no woman. Look at you! You are a beast just like that creature Valethar,"
"Valethar has the mind of a thousand soldiers and the heart of a hundred children, which makes him the noblest of us all," Illia chimed in, stepping closer to Elowen.
"I am just as much a woman as you, Elowen. My height or build, or even my kingdom, do not define who I am. What kind of leader I am. Though I might not look like all of you, I am a better queen than you and Adora combined. And I think you know that too,"
Elowen looked as if she was about to kill everyone in the room. But, she took an angry, shaky breath and stood.
"I hope that everything goes well for you and your kingdoms, I truly do. But when your kingdoms do fall, do not run to Queen Adora or me for help." With that, Elowen turned and walked swiftly out of the meeting hall.
Adeline hung her head as Illia sighed. "That did not go as planned," she said in defeat.
"I will see myself out, Your Majesties. Tonight and every night to come, I will pray for you both and your kingdoms." Estelle stood slowly and bowed to the two queens as she exited the room.
Adeline rubbed her forehead as Illia sat in the seat next to her.
"What now? We've pissed off two queens and lost two alliances, what's our next step?" Illia said sarcastically.
Adeline groaned and slid down her seat. "I suppose we must tell our kingdoms of the new change,"
Illia exhaled and nodded. "Alright then. There is no point in dwelling on what has happened here today. Let's spread the word."
Adeline opened her eyes and rose from her seat as she followed Illia out of the meeting room.
***
Adeline rested her head against the window of the carriage as her eyes closed. The bright sun shone through the windows, the green trees caving over the path. Illia looked out the window at the flower buds ready to bloom any day now.
She had noticed that ever since the war ended, the kingdoms both began recovering. Including Adeline. Her child was growing and she was healing from her illness. Everything looked to be getting better for Illia and Adeline. Even their people stopped dying, starving, and growing cold.
Illia knew that Selene would be proud of her. She unified the rival kingdoms and the lands were healing. Any thought of Selene made Illia's stomach ache as she replayed the image of the sword in Selene's chest. The funeral would be the next day and Illia dreaded it more than anything.
The carriage shook as it went over rocks and sticks.
Illia looked out the window once again and noticed they were coming upon the village. The carriage slowed as the coachman stopped at the entrance.
Illia slowly tapped on Adeline's shoulder to wake her. Adeline blinked slowly as she rose from her seat. They both stepped out of the carriage and began walking into the village.
The people passing into the village looked at Adeline and Illia as they made their way into the village. The grey trolls with growing moss on their backs waddled by, following Illia and Adeline.
Illia led Adeline and a crowd through the village until they reached a dais in the middle of the village. Illia stepped up the platform and helped Adeline up with a hand.
"Please, gather!" Illia shouted as villagers herded in front of the platform. Adeline looked at Illia and nodded to encourage her. They were in Veraxin so Adeline knew Illia had to be the one to deliver the news.
"We have an announcement! Since the war, Queen Adeline and I have discussed our options for the future of our kingdoms. We have come upon a decision to sign a treaty that will unify Veraxin and Astrean. We will share our resources and our labor and this new kingdom will prosper in the love of its leaders and people,"
Murmurs from villagers could be heard from where Illia was standing. She watched as people turned their heads to whisper to the people next to them.
"This new kingdom is to be called Aesira. The treaty will be signed tomorrow, so you have until then to make any arrangements. Our new kingdom does not need two castles, so the castle of Veraxin will be demolished and turned into a new village for those without shelter. This housing will be free of cost, as long as the homeowners agree to sign a waiver stating that they will offer labor for Aesira. This includes farming, medical assistance, maid or servant services, or becoming a merchant at the local markets. If you need anything further from Queen Adeline or me, please send a letter to the castle of Astrean and we will tend to your needs,"
Illia paused, trying to read the reaction of the people around her.
"That is all. Thank you for your time." Illia looked down as she began stepping off of the platform.
Slow applause made its way through the crowd. People began cheering as the speed of the clapping increased. Illia stopped at the top of the step and looked at the crowd.
People smiled and cheered as Illia faced the people of her kingdom.
"Thank you, Queen Illia!" someone shouted from the crowd. Illia's lips parted as she tried cracking a smile. It joyed her to see her kingdom so happy, but it felt wrong without Selene there to see it.
Illia waved slowly as she stepped off the step and onto the dirt. Adeline linked her arm with Illia's as they walked to the carriage.
"You did well up there, Illia. You looked like a queen," Adeline smiled.
"Thank you, Ady. I wouldn't be here without you,"
Adeline looked at Illia and grinned sweetly. "Now to Astrean," she said as they arrived at the carriage which would take them directly to the village of Astrean.
***
When they arrived at the village of Astrean, the people were not as affected by Illia and Adeline's arrival. They passed the carriage without looking. It almost looked like they were still in Niklaus's trance. Adeline looked down at the passing villagers who carried baskets of rotten fruit. Some of the women carried babies. Even some of the children held the smaller babies.
Astrean used to look diverse. Before it started dying. But now everyone looked the same. Pale, skinny, yellow eyes, and purple under eyes. Adeline closed her eyes, finding it hard to look at her people.
Illia noticed her faltering eyes and reached for her hand. Adeline's eyes remained closed but she could feel the reassurance in Illia's grip.
The carriage slowed, the people continuing into the village. Adeline took a deep breath as she opened the door to the carriage. Illia stepped out of the other side, holding her skirt in her hands. She looked at the sky and noticed the smoke that looked to be coming from different spots in the woods.
"People without homes," Adeline said, seeing Illia looking at the sky. "They camp in the woods," Illia looked at Adeline. Her face was unreadable. Illia thought about how Adeline seemed to know a lot about her kingdom. It was the home she had grown up in. Illia did feel for Adeline. She had to watch her home die and suffer for months. But Illia did too.
She refocused her attention on the village ahead. The homes were dimly lit, flames went out, and children cried, but Illia noticed one similarity between these people. They all looked tired. They were hunched over as they carried baskets of dead animals and they were pale as the sun no longer showed there.
Adeline began stepping onto the dais of the village center. This dais was different from Illia's. The wood from the dais in Veraxin was falling apart, but this wood was rotting. It was molding from the endless dew that lived in the town. But Veraxin and Astrean had more in common than Illia knew.
Their kingdoms were both dying and their future was unclear. But what they both knew was that they needed to make this change fast. If they did not, their kingdoms would continue to die and there would be no saving them.
"I have an announcement!" Adeline shouted from atop the platform. People paused but they did not look intrigued enough. They had heard enough of Adeline.
"Veraxin and Astrean are to become one kingdom with a new treaty Queen Illia and I are to sign tomorrow,"
People looked at each other, but their faces were dull and untelling.
"Veraxin is to share their resources with us and we are to offer labor in return. These resources include food, water, housing, and even protection. The castle of Veraxin will be torn down and a new village will be built on its grounds. This village is for anyone seeking shelter or anyone without a home. If you need shelter or any resources before the treaty is signed, please speak with one of us today. We will treat children and women first. Any sick children or women with child may receive care now before the kingdoms are united,"
People began rising, their eyes brightening. They were not as enthusiastic as the people of Veraxin, but Adeline considered this progress.
"I am at your service. Thank you." she bowed before exiting the stage.
The people began walking slowly, resuming their labor. Adeline sighed as she stepped down from the platform.
"They need time. You did good," Illia said as she fell into step with Adeline.
"I know. It's just hard when I'm trying so hard for them," Adeline's head hung as she watched her feet. "What's next? For us?" Adeline asked, looking at Illia.
Illia inhaled deeply, her skin clinging to her collarbones. "I must plan Selene's funeral now,"
Adeline's steps faltered as she nodded slowly. She said nothing but instead continued walking until they were both in the carriage. Illia told the coachman to make haste for Veraxin so she could begin planning Selene's funeral.