The ambassador left, disgusted by their attitude. He was deeply shocked and reported everything to King Faerdrid, lord of the Northeastern territory. At first, he was amused by the fact that his ambassador had to discuss political matters with two half naked persons, but then he faced the reality that she wanted to see him personally. Faerdrid was a King by blood, he didn't gain his rank by the battles or by his aptitudes. He didn't want to admit it, but he was scared of Zaelia. Her reputation was enough to freeze the blood of anyone on earth, but she still was only human, and he couldn't openly refuse a discussion with her without looking like a coward. She had put him in a terrible situation.
Three days later, after three days of nightmares, Faerdrid went to the border to meet Zaelia. The two delegations kept a fair distance, ready for the worse. She came to him and got down on her horse. He did the same. He stopped himself a second when she took away her cape. Another rumor about her was about her beauty, and he couldn't control his expression as he was admiring her. Her black hair was floating in the wind, his jaw dropped as he saw her walking toward him. Everything about her was only perfect, and her golden eyes were unreal. To him, she appeared like a goddess on earth, but that was before she addressed him in her loud, aggressive voice.
She was the enemy. They started to discuss negotiations, peace, and rules, but nothing could be decided with success. Zaelia started to get tired and upset. Faerdrid decided to propose one last thing, and the words went out his mouth before he could even consider how bad his idea was.
"Marry me."
Zaelia remained silent, she didn't say no, and that was some hope for the King. It was true that a marriage would bring peace between the two Kingdoms, and it was true that Zaelia would make great use of such a powerful ally. She seemed to consider the offer. Since she had said she'd even thought about having a harem during that same week, it wasn't out of the question for her to accept this proposal.
"I will think of it, Faerdrid"
The words were out. Archanium in his city in the sky was watching the scene, and he was fuming. Since they saw this statue, none of them were still the same. She decided to have company from people, and he was realizing more and more that what he wanted more than everything was her. He couldn't explain why he was so jealous and angry. She was only human, yes, but she was his. She always has been his and only his. If Archanium had affairs with humans in the past, nothing could entertain him better than her. Her devotion to him was what entertained him the most, if she had to be married, have a family, or a harem, he knew she would not make him her absolute priority anymore. It was unacceptable.
He was possessive, but also jealous that Zarkhaïm had a healthy relationship with Zuline, an intimate relationship that had lasted since the dawn of time. They supported each other, she was his confidante, and she was always there for him. How could this be? Archanium kept asking himself what was different. Zaelia loved him for the god he was; she was devoted to him. Zuline was a child in Zarkhaïm's eyes, whereas Archanium and Zaelia were portrayed in the temples of the west as spouses, and he found himself loving that. He wanted her only for himself, no one else. Zaelia would break the world in two, and that excited him. She had rage, anger, passion, and everything she did was intense. That's why he was so attracted to her.
After the discussion between the two leaders, Zaelia came back with her men. She met Xzander in the main hall facing the city, and she sat on the golden throne.
"Faerdrid wants to marry me. What is your opinion, Xzander?"
Xzander also seemed to be giving the matter some thought. Politically, it would be a good thing, but the idea of an arranged marriage was repugnant to him. If they had fought until now, it was for their ideals of the world and freedom. For Zaelia to be involved in an arranged marriage was to bow to the political laws of the human realm, whereas they had always believed that only the laws of Archanium counted.
"I think you should refuse. Except if you truly like him."
She smiled at the idea. She was amused and interested.
"He is a pleasant man, I told him I would think of it."
Xzander cared about her and her happiness, he knew that this was perhaps the worst time to talk to her about such things. She was feeling more and more alone as she stared at the sky. Xzander tried to be impartial as he talked to her and advised her.
"If you take this decision, take it for you. Not for the tribe. "
Zaelia nodded. She would think of it.