Sailor:
"It wasn't cannon fire, King; it was shot straight up and released red and green light."
Another sailor:
"If I may speak, I have heard that they have changed the custom since the new King of Ra was coronated. When they are awaiting big officials, they set off some explosions. I believe they call them fireworks. It is for good faith."
"Anyway, we will stop now and send a small team ahead on a boat to prepare for our arrival.
When everything has been taken care of, light a flame to tell us that everything is alright," said Kratosus to the king's guard who was going.
*****
They waited for the flame to be lit, observing with spy glasses.
The sign was given, and they proceeded to approach the city port.
*****
The king's ship arrived at the port but decided to wait a bit longer until even the other ship had docked.
When the other ship came, the king then decided to go down. There, they were greeted by the hand of the king and two advisors of the ruling king.
Lord Luca:
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Luca, the hand of the King Cora."
The people of Ra do not have surnames and do not divide themselves by gender. They like to wear red clothes and usually have heavy tans from the constant sunny days they enjoy.
Lord Luca looked like an adult in his thirties with a short red full beard, dark eyes, and hair. He stood 180 cm tall with an upright, lean build.
Lord of Ships Kieran speaks:
"This is the newly crowned King of KY, Kratosus Freeman, and we are his masters."
They exchanged a handshake between Lord Luca and Lords and Ladies Kieran and Yasmin.
Lord Luca:
"Zoe is the king's most trusted advisor."
She nodded in appreciation.
"Welcome to Ra. Our king knows this was a long journey and appreciates the effort made on his behalf. If you wouldn't mind handing over your weapons..."
King Kratosus knew that in the city of Ra, carrying weapons wasn't allowed, but they had decided to bring them as it was a part of the identity of the people of KY. It meant a great deal of trust when people from KY gave their weapons to outsiders.
"Of course."
Some soldiers, dressed only in pants with muscular builds, approached and started taking the swords.
Lord Zoe, who also looked around her 30s, had a sharp face with curly hair tied in a ponytail and green eyes. She wore a red dress that fit her slim body.
"Please, this way to the carriage."
*****
Ra is a city of small whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets, where the scent of fresh seafood and rosemary fills the air. The harbor is alive with fishermen's boats, and the lively market square is full of color—fruits, flowers, and laughter everywhere. The city comes alive with music and the clink of glasses, a place where time slows down and every moment feels like a celebration of life.
*****
The royal procession arrived at the gates of the palace, the sound of trumpets signaling the arrival of King Kratosus of KY. As the majestic carriage came to a halt, the gathered courtiers fell into a hushed silence, their eyes fixed on the towering figure stepping down from the vehicle. His blue cloak billowed behind him, embroidered with intricate symbols of his kingdom, while his crown gleamed under the midday sun.
King Cora, dressed in a fashionable red gown adorned with gold roses, looked very young, around her twenties. Her features were sharp with a small nose, piercing eyes, and full lips. Gold makeup accentuated her eyes, giving her the appearance of a lioness. Her hair was styled in dreads.
King Cora:
"Your Majesty, King Kratosus of KY, we are honored to welcome you to the Kingdom of Ra. May your journey have been peaceful, and may your stay here be as prosperous as our friendship."
King Kratosus reached for a handshake, which was accepted by King Cora.
"Thank you, King Cora," King Kratosus replied, his deep voice carrying across the courtyard. "The journey was long, but the sight of Ra's shores always brings me peace. I look forward to the strengthening of our bonds, both in spirit and in alliance."
The moment was charged with the promise of unity as the two kings stood side by side, the air thick with the weight of their kingdoms' shared history and hopes for the future.
They agreed to take the discussion inside the hall of King Cora's castle.
*****
In the middle of the hall was a grand table with gold roses symbolizing all over it.
Both kings sat, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got down to business.
King Kratosus:
"I came here to discuss the problem my ships are having in your ports. They are being refused refueling and repairs in your ports."
King Cora:
"Do you know how old or outdated your ships are?"
Lord Kieran:
"Why does it matter?" he cried. "A ship has one purpose: to take things from place to place. And still, why stop us from refueling?"
"Since I came to power, we changed the system. Our system doesn't support your models of ships or, simply put, repairing or checking up on your ships isn't profitable for us. As for refueling, you are right, but we are using it as punishment—not only for your kingdom but for everybody—to update their ships."
King Kratosus:
'I see. In a way, she is right about our ships being outdated, but she just wants to have a monopoly.'
"In 15 years' time, we will update all our ships to make them acceptable to your workshops."
King Cora:
"Five years. Fifteen years is just not worth it for us. You have to understand."
King Kratosus:
"Ten years, and we will also buy 50 percent of a port. We choose the port we buy."
King Cora:
"Ten years, but we choose the port you buy."
Deal.
The advisors exchanged puzzled looks.
King Cora:
"A toast to the great 10 future years of cooperation with King Kratosus."
King Kratosus raised a glass of wine.
*****
After the meeting, King Cora approached Kratosus.
King Cora:
"Your Majesty, can I invite you hunting with me on the Red island?"
King Kratosus:
"The Red island? What is that?"
"A religious island 30 minutes with boat for Ra"
"Hunting in a relgious island,I would love to see you hunt," said King Kratosus.
"I have also heard that people from KY are very skilled. I would love to see their king in action."
"Then we have to see."