After having a good breakfast, Elzilaura requests the Ludinian Monarch for a small private room where she can meet her subjects for a short briefing. The Queen gladly lent a relatively spacious room where they can adjourn. Before the Fliskans gathered, Monandra reminds Elzilaura that their allies shall be coming into the room once they arrive.
Elziluara presides over their meeting. "First order of business, I need to make this official that Lord Zyric, Prince of Craine, is reinstated as the Marshal of Fliskan Defense Force." Everyone claps. He then makes a statement. "Thank you for the trust, your highness. I promise to uphold the office with grace and dignity. I will not fail you." The assembly claps again. "I wish to appeal to your highness to make Lord Harrion my second in command." The soldier was surprised.
"Your highness, it would be a great honor but I don't think I'm qualified." The soldier says.
"My Marshal thinks you are and I do too, Lord Harrion."
"Secondly, I need a Prime Minister even for the time being. Lord Alednos, may I entrust the office to you until we regain Fliska and can allow my house of Lords to elect a Prime Minister."
"With all due respect royal highness, I respectfully decline in favor of Prince Ocvon, Duke of Craiine and lord protector of the outer realm. After all, it is stated in Fliskan law that in case of emergencies, The Duke of Craiine may assume the role of Prime Minister or regency of the Fliskan throne until said the office has been filled by rightful candidates."
"I see," Elzilaura says. "But I will still need your help in matters of state."
"Of course. I intend to stay as your royal adviser." Alednos responds.
"Then you will be my chief royal adviser and you will have your team once we reclaim my kingdom." The princess explains and the adviser gladly accepts her decision.
She then turns to Kanunia and Dazifae. "According to my mother, it was her wish that I have you both as my ladies-in-waiting. Let it be for the time being. In the future, I will recommend that Princess Kanunia fulfill certain obligations on my behalf as part of your duties as a princess of Fliska."
"Of course, your highness." The elder sister agrees.
She was cut off by an unusual sound that came from nowhere. It was Zyric's communicator. He unfolds it on top of the table and the screen opens. It was Zora. She looked worried and teary-eyed.
"My brother, our father is critically ill. You must come to Seravdi as soon as you can. He is not improving. I do not know how long he will last."
"I will try my best to come," Zyric answered calmly. But deep within, he was worried too.
Everyone heard them. Elzilaura spoke. "Greetings Lady Zora. I hear you. I permit your brother to join your family immediately. I will join you as soon as I finish meeting with our allies."
"Oh, I am sorry your highness. I didn't know you were in a meeting."
"No worries about that. You may attend to your father while your brother will be there soon. I wish you well." The crystal princess says.
"And I wish you the best of luck, your highness. My good friend." Zora nods her head and ends the transmission.
"Go now Lord Zyric, Prince of Craiine and Marshal of Fliskan Defense Force. Harrion will fill in for you and update you when you're ready to resume your duties."
"Thank you for your kindness and understanding." He strikes his palm against his chest and bows before exiting without turning his back on Elziluara.
Just before he was leaving, a Ludinian servant comes in informing them that the allies are fast approaching.
Soon, Queen Monandra comes in and introduces his first guest. He was a tall good-looking man. She turns to the crystal princess. "Royal highness, I would like to present Prince Jarin of Galmar." He then approaches Elzilaura. "Finally, we meet your highness." He bows and soon rises to meet her gaze.
"Oh. I'm glad to meet you finally." Elzilaura was both delighted and shocked.
"Yes, I informed Queen Monandra, Lord Ovded, and Lord Zyric ahead of time. I told them I wanted to surprise you because I wanted our first meeting to be special." Jarin explains. "Please, do not be angry. I was supposed to arrive last night but refueling took the time I am here now. Congratulations, my fiancee."
Elzilaura was still in shock. "I can't believe he kept it from me."
Jarin responded. "Apologies. I only wanted to make a gesture of goodwill and not make you doubt the people closest to you. If you are displeased, it is only I that is at fault and not them. Spare them any ill feelings or reprimands."
She sees kindness and gentleness in him. He was indeed endearing and made him more good-looking now. "It's all right. All is well. I am just shocked but in truth, I am elated with your gestures."
"Ahem" Monandra interrupts. "General Orik of Covan and General Iv of Mandan are here as well. Their respective heads of state have pledged support for our cause. Their nations were pillaged by Mudrogos Vel and they intend to support us in defeating the Nybian and Mudrogos Vel alliance."
The generals greeted the nobility and the rest of the guests. Soon Monandra opens the floor for discussions. The Queen suggests that the generals lead their fleet to attack certain bases of Mudrogos Vel stronghold which will weaken the empire and give ample time for their alliance to gather troops and wage all-out war on them. The assembly agrees.
General Iv then requests a support force to aid in their raids. Jarin volunteers to help as the locations they were targeting are near areas that allied with Galmar. He then commands his royal adviser, Epirus, to inform his father to notify the territories. The adviser follows.
Elzilaura then asks when they can engage the Nybian Fleet. Ovded suggests that they deal with the enemy and lead them far away from crowded planets where they can finish their battle. Ovded suggests Nozate, the farthest moon of Desdan. Alednos claims if the ruler of Desdan will agree, then it would be the perfect spot to end their enemies. Monandra answers that they must persuade him.
When further details have been settled, Elzilaura requests that the meeting may be adjourned as she must make a quick trip to Seravdi and meet the fading Duke of Craiine. Monandra asks the generals to push through with their plans together with the Ludinian support fleet promised to them. She explains that she will follow them once her forces regroup and they will join them at Desdan. The Fliskans then take leave.
As they wait for their ships to be ready, Jarin and Elzilaura had a chance to talk. She watches Epirus from her periphery and senses that he was observing her closely.
"I am glad we are here face to face. It seems like a dream." Jarin smiles
"Yes, it is like that but better. This is reality." Elzilaura tells him but drops her gaze.
"What is it? Did I say or do something wrong?"
"It's your adviser. It seems he does not favor me nor my men."
"Epirus is not a trusting man because of his tragedies but he is a loyal subject of my father and has pledged his allegiance to me. You'll get used to him and he will learn to trust you in time." The prince reassures which makes the princess' heart warm.
She had perceived him to be warm and indeed he is. Everything about him is true after all. Since their engagement was finalized, she was briefed on his family background and a few traits. He was educated on Planet Socde and also in Minthria. He served as a diplomat on Planet Katelfia until he was recalled to complete his Asefi training. By nature, he was said to be warm, thoughtful, and kind. Indeed, he truly is.
"This is for you." He brings out a small ring with a diamond. "I heard you traveled to a planet called earth. I researched their custom and I learned that they give their fiancee a diamond ring. So here it is. I don't have the same type of planet earth diamond but I hope this is enough to express my happiness not just in meeting you finally but in being your future husband. May peace reign in our realms forever." He says this as he puts the ring on her finger.
"I am thankful for the ring, this meeting, and for your thoughtfulness, my fiance." She smiles but deep in her heart something was missing.