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Anos walked in measured steps, observing the intricate details of Alabasta's grand palace.
He appreciated the artistry of the structure the tall, imposing walls etched with ancient carvings, the statues of warriors guarding each corner, and the ornate tapestries detailing Alabasta's rich history.
Though Anos had only been here for two days, he was already familiar with the palace's layout.
This was his second visit, but as a ruler representing the Tru Kingdom, it was only proper to observe the customs and protocols of his host.
Every word and action he took here reflected his kingdom. Even knowing the way to the hall, it was essential for Alabasta's servants to escort him, a gesture both respectful and practical in such formal matters.
As they approached the grand doors leading to the hall, the servant paused and turned to him. "Your Majesty, King Tru, His Majesty is waiting inside. Please proceed."
Without a second glance at the servant, Anos straightened his posture and stepped forward, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors.
The grand hall of Alabasta was as magnificent as ever, with towering columns reaching up to a vaulted ceiling decorated in intricate mosaics.
Rays of sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting colourful patterns on the floor.
Inside, Cobra noticed Anos immediately and rose from his throne with a warm, welcoming smile.
Beside him was Chaka, the commander of the Alabasta army, standing tall and disciplined.
Princess Vivi, young and full of spirit, sat on the throne beside her father, her demeanour calm but her gaze piercing, observing Anos with a mix of curiosity and defiance.
"King Anos, you're here. I trust we didn't interrupt your rest?" Cobra greeted him, his voice warm but laced with a hint of formality.
Anos offered a courteous smile and inclined his head. "Not at all, King Cobra. I was considering seeking you out myself."
Cobra's eyes lit with curiosity. "Oh? And what might that be about?"
Anos allowed a brief pause, then replied, "Just a minor matter, nothing pressing. But I must admit, I'm intrigued as to why you called me here so suddenly."
Cobra chuckled slightly, a bit of unease crossing his face. "Please, King Anos, make yourself comfortable. There is something I wish to address."
Gesturing toward the ornate seating area, Cobra took his seat, and Anos followed suit, taking a chair opposite Chaka.
The room fell into a respectful silence as each individual settled. Cobra's usual easy smile faded, replaced by a look of discomfort, as if wrestling with the words he was about to speak. Facing Anos, he took a deep breath before bowing his head slightly.
"King Anos," he began, "I owe you an apology on behalf of my daughter. Princess Vivi was somewhat... impulsive earlier today, and I hope you can overlook her youthful recklessness."
Cobra's words were sincere, and Anos was taken aback by the humility of Alabasta's ruler.
Quickly standing up, he extended a hand, urging Cobra to rise. "Please, King Cobra, don't bow to me. There is no need for such formality. I assure you, I've already forgotten about the incident."
Out of the corner of his eye, Anos noticed Vivi stiffen, her lips pressing together in a tight line.
It was clear the young princess had yet to forgive or forget their earlier interaction.
Instead, she looked away defiantly, her gaze fixed somewhere distant, avoiding Anos's presence altogether.
Cobra continued, determined to ensure the matter was settled. "King Anos, truly, there is no excuse for her behaviour, and I give you my word it won't happen again."
Anos offered a smile, hiding his true thoughts. If he were honest, he'd have advised Cobra to instil some discipline in his daughter.
However, he knew better than to voice such an opinion directly. "You're too kind, King Cobra. Princess Vivi has spirit and character qualities that will serve her well in the future. She only needs guidance to hone her approach."
Cobra's tense expression softened, a hint of relief visible. "Thank you, King Anos. I will ensure she receives the guidance she needs. The reason I invited you here today was to apologize in person and to reaffirm our goodwill toward the Tru Kingdom."
Anos inclined his head, appreciating the gesture. "Rest assured, King Cobra. I don't hold grudges over trivial matters."
Chaka, who had been quietly observing the exchange, now stepped forward with a warm smile. "King Anos, I assure you, Alabasta values our alliance with Tru. The incident today was a minor misunderstanding, and we hope it won't affect the friendship and cooperation between our nations."
Anos nodded, regarding Chaka thoughtfully. There was something curious about the man. Despite having entered the hall with heightened senses, Anos hadn't detected Chaka's presence until the moment he spoke.
This man, it seemed, possessed a formidable presence concealed behind a humble facade.
"I don't believe we've been introduced formally," Anos remarked, turning to Cobra. "I've met him briefly, but I don't believe I caught his name."
"Ah, forgive me!" Cobra said, visibly flustered. "This is Chaka, the commander of Alabasta's army and one of our Kingdom's most esteemed warriors."
"The commander, is it?" Anos replied, a note of admiration in his voice. "I regret not recognizing you earlier, Commander Chaka. I hope I didn't offend."
Chaka shook his head, his expression mild. "Not at all, King Anos. It was my oversight for not introducing myself properly. I hope there are no hard feelings."
Anos chuckled softly. "None whatsoever."
Cobra clapped his hands together, eager to shift the tone of their conversation. "Please, let's all be seated. Now that we've cleared the air, we can discuss other matters. King Anos, you mentioned earlier that you wished to speak with me. What can I assist you with?"
Once everyone was seated comfortably, Anos took a moment, collecting his thoughts. "King Cobra, I came to inform you of my impending departure. I plan to set out tomorrow morning. The responsibilities of the Tru Kingdom require my attention, and the sooner I reach Mariejois, the sooner I can resolve the necessary matters and return to oversee our affairs."
Cobra looked momentarily taken aback. "You plan to leave so soon, King Anos? I was hoping we might have the chance to journey to Mariejois together in a month or two, in time for the Reverie."
Anos gave a thoughtful nod. "Were circumstances different, I'd welcome the opportunity. But with no one to preside over Tru in my absence, I must return swiftly. Perhaps, after stabilizing matters at home, I'll have the liberty to attend the Reverie."
Cobra exhaled, his expression one of understanding mixed with disappointment. "A ruler's duty to his kingdom must come first. I respect your decision, King Anos. When matters in Tru Kingdom are resolved, I hope you'll consider visiting Alabasta again under more relaxed circumstances."
Anos smiled, inclining his head. "It would be my honour. Tru Kingdom has always held Alabasta in high regard. Our alliance means a great deal, and I look forward to deepening our cooperation."
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