The crowd in the grassy fields held their breath as Coralina unsheathed her sword.
Alexander raised his wand, gathering a massive amount of magic. The prince was not accustomed to being challenged, and the idea of being defeated in front of a crowd of students and professors was intolerable to him.
"Do you know what I want if I win, Coralina?" Alexander said, his voice brimming with confidence. "I want you as my wife."
She didn't bother to reply immediately. She stepped forward, tilting her head slightly as a flash of irony crossed her lips. "Alright, alright."
He launched the first spell. A spear-shaped burst of fire shot toward Coralina, but she barely raised her sword. The flames vanished inches from her body, absorbed by the darkness.
"I expected something more impressive from a prince."
Alexander's face hardened. With a fluid motion of his wand, he conjured a rain of magical swords falling from the sky. She swung her sword in a wide arc, and a wave of antimagic enveloped the area, dissolving the swords before they could touch the ground.
"Perhaps you should try something you didn't learn from a book."
Instead of casting massive spells, he began combining magic with physical movements, using his military training to close the distance between them while conjuring small explosions.
She dodged a lightning bolt that grazed her cheek. "But you're wasting too much energy on unnecessary moves. How long do you think you can keep this up?"
She spun on her heel, using the momentum to deflect the sphere with the edge of her sword. The impact created an explosion that shook the ground, but when the dust settled, Coralina was still standing.
"If you're going to propose to me," she said, lowering her sword slightly, "at least do it on your knees."
The boy leaped back, out of reach of her blade.
She slammed the book shut in front of her and stood.
"Where are you going?" Peter asked, startled by the energy radiating from her.
"Tomorrow, I'll personally evaluate you in the combat arena," she said, heading for the exit.
That same afternoon, Coralina was summoned to meet with President Lincoln in his office.
It was April 16, 1861.
"Miss Álvarez," Lincoln greeted her, showing her a map of the country with several naval routes marked. "I've ordered a naval blockade of the Confederate ports as part of our Anaconda Plan. But there's a problem: a fleet of 300 ships from France, England, and Spain has blocked our own forces."
"Ah, them again."
Lincoln pulled a newspaper from his desk and handed it to her. It was an issue of La Gazette de France.
"Read."
She held the issue of La Gazette de France in her hands, reading the words dripping with a mix of paternalism, manipulation, and political calculation. The pages described the situation in Mexico:
"Mexico, a young nation torn apart by internal conflicts, lacks the capacity to sustain itself as a functional state. Its liberal government has led to economic and religious ruin, eroding the greatness that once defined it. The powers of France, England, and Spain, in a gesture of magnanimity, have decided to intervene in Veracruz to protect the region from collapse."
"This is an act of civilization," the article continued. "Mexico's natural resources and strategic position make it a jewel of the American continent. But without firm and visionary guidance, this jewel will tarnish. France, together with its allies, proposes the occupation of Veracruz as an initial step to stabilize this devastated nation."
The article also addressed the state of the Catholic Church in Mexico, criticizing Benito Juárez's liberal reforms and the impact of the Reform Laws.
"They're not just here to collect the debt," she finally said.
"They're skilled manipulators," she said, placing the newspaper back on Lincoln's desk. "They're framing the occupation of Veracruz as an act of charity."
"Exactly, Miss Álvarez. They're not coming just for the debt Mexico owes them. This is more than an economic conflict. They're laying the groundwork for a political project."
"Political project.... What kind of project?"
Lincoln pointed to a map of Mexico spread out on his desk, with Veracruz marked in red lines. "France has ambitions in the Americas. If they establish a puppet government in Mexico, they could expand their influence throughout the continent. England and Spain are playing secondary roles for now, but both have interests in protecting their own businesses and trade routes. The occupation of Veracruz is just the first step."
"They're using the narrative of a divided Mexico to gain international support. The message is clear: they're not just here for the debt; they're here to impose a system that benefits them."
"France, under Napoleon III, is trying to position itself as a global power. If they succeed in taking Mexico, it will send a direct message to us and to Latin America: the days of the Monroe Doctrine are over."
"So, 'America for the Americans'? Or should I say, 'America for the United States'?" she said sarcastically, emphasizing the last word.
Lincoln, accustomed to dealing with stubborn politicians and rebellious generals, kept his composure. However, something in Coralina's tone made him look up from the maps he was reviewing.
"What are you getting at, Miss Álvarez?" he asked calmly, though his voice carried an implicit warning.
"That your famous Monroe Doctrine is a farce. 'America for the Americans,' yes. But what it really means is 'America for the United States.' Where was your Monroe Doctrine when the United States invaded my country just a few years ago? Or now that France, England, and Spain are in Veracruz?"
Lincoln regarded her with a stern expression, but Coralina didn't stop.
"And don't tell me you're worried about Mexico now because you want to protect us. Don't fool yourself, Mr. President. This is not an act of altruism. You're worried because Mexico could become the springboard for your enemies to reach your own doorstep."
"No one is denying that the United States has interests in this region. But my priority is to stop the Confederacy and preserve the Union. If France manages to consolidate its hold on Mexico, our chances of winning this war will decrease drastically."
"Exactly. They're using my country for their own ends. The same as they've done before, and the same as they'll do again. The difference is that this time, the European powers are playing the game better."
"Tell me, Miss Álvarez, if you're so perceptive, what do you propose? How do we stop three of the greatest European powers with a divided army and a nation in civil war?"
She straightened her back. This was her territory: the game of strategy and manipulation.
"Prussia," she said, dropping the word like a bombshell in the room.
"Prussia?"
"Prussia, Mr. President, is not the same as it was a decade ago. Thanks to Otto von Bismarck and their newly consolidated Reichsmarine, they're now an emerging power in Europe."
"I've heard of them. Their victory over Austria and Denmark in recent years has caught the attention of many nations. But I fail to see how we could involve them in this conflict."
"Why not? France is showing too much interest in the Americas. If Prussia sees an opportunity to counter French influence here, they might be interested in helping us. Besides, the British have always distrusted Prussia. It could be the perfect counterweight to keep the European powers occupied instead of allowing them to focus on Veracruz."
Coralina picked up the newspaper again, examining the wording of the article more closely.
"Veracruz, a port of vital importance for Mexican trade, will now be overseen by allied forces to ensure that the region's resources are used for the country's recovery. This measure, though temporary, aims to ensure that Mexico regains economic and social stability under the supervision of experienced and civilized nations."
"They won't stop at Veracruz. If this occupation consolidates, they'll move inland. Probably under the excuse of 'protecting' more regions of Mexico."
Lincoln nodded. "Not only will they gain access to natural resources and trade, but they'll also be able to support the Confederacy."
"Mexico as a satellite state for those worms' interests. Damn it!"
"It's a reality," Lincoln replied. "That's why we need to ensure Mexico remains in the hands of a government not aligned with France. But we can't intervene directly. We already have our hands full here, and a war with Europe would be devastating."
While Coralina had presented a possible long-term solution, both knew there were no guarantees.
She stood by the window, gazing at the gray horizon of Washington as Lincoln reviewed his maps once more. The atmosphere was heavy, a sense of dwindling options looming. Finally, Lincoln let out a sigh and stood up.
"It's useless to keep going in circles for now," he said, visible exhaustion on his face. "Come with me, Miss Álvarez. Let's have some tea. A break will do us good."
The White House terrace offered a stunning view of the Potomac. Despite the beauty of the scenery, the early spring's cold wind made Coralina wrap herself tighter in her coat.
"It's cold here," Coralina commented, taking the cup he offered. "I miss the warmth of my country. And the spice."
"Spice? I've never tried it. I've heard stories about how strong it can be."
"Then one day I'll take you to Mexico to try it. It's a promise."
"That sounds like a challenge, Miss Álvarez. But you have to promise me something first."
"What's that?" Coralina asked, clasping the tea with both hands.
"Don't die in this war," Lincoln said, a warmth in his gaze that softened his words.
Coralina straightened, feigning indignation. "Me, die? Not in your worst nightmares, Mr. President. If there's one thing I would never allow, it's for the world to defeat me."
"That's reassuring. But wars have a way of exacting a toll."
"The only thing they could take from me is time," Coralina replied, bringing the cup to her lips. "And that's something I can always reclaim."
The silence that followed was comfortable, filled with the sound of the wind and the faint rustle of leaves in the nearby gardens.
"What do you think of the cadets at the Union's magical academy? Do you think they have what it takes for the battlefield?"
Coralina set the cup down on the table and thought for a moment. "They have enough to avoid being cannon fodder, but they still have much to learn. Most of them lack real experience, which is normal for their age. But I wouldn't worry about most of them."
"And who does worry you?"
"Thomas Porter."
Lincoln nodded slowly, as if he had already guessed. "He's arrogant and difficult to handle, isn't he?"
"Too much so," Coralina replied. "I've rejected him four times in the past few weeks. He seems to think everything he desires is his by right."
Lincoln chuckled softly. "He's persistent. He's always been that way. He won't stop until he gets what he wants."
Coralina smirked sarcastically. "Well, he's going to learn that he can't always get what he wants. Besides, I don't date boys."
"Then, what kind of man do you like, Miss Álvarez?"
"I'm not exactly sure," she admitted. "But I have a recurring dream… there's a man who appears every time I fall asleep. I can never see his face clearly, and I don't know his name, but he's always there, guiding me through places I've never seen before."
Lincoln seemed intrigued. "And what happens in those dreams?"
Coralina smiled slightly, but there was a hint of melancholy in her expression. "I always ask him who he is and what his name is. But before he can answer, I wake up. It's maddening. I can't get him out of my head, even when I'm awake. The strangest part is that I always notice the scent of his perfume. It's unique—warm, like burnt wood and something sweet."
"Maybe one day you'll find him. Perhaps by his perfume."
"If that day comes, it will be a relief. Until then, I suppose I'll have to keep wondering who the hell he is."
Coralina took another sip of her tea. They had talked about her, the cadets, and the situation in Mexico, but there was something about the president's presence that always intrigued her.
"You speak a lot about your country, your plans, your worries… but never about yourself."
"Me? My life isn't that interesting, Miss Álvarez."
"Don't be modest. A man who goes from living in a log cabin to leading a divided nation must have a story worth telling. Am I wrong?"
"Well, if you insist… what do you want to know?"
"Tell me how it all began," Coralina said. "How does a man like you end up here, sitting on this terrace with me?"
"In those days, education wasn't common in rural areas. I only formally attended school for a single year in my life. The rest I learned on my own."
"That explains a lot. What did you read?"
"Everything I could get my hands on," Lincoln replied with a faint smile. "The Bible, Shakespeare, mathematics, history… even legal books when I later became interested in law. Learning was my escape from poverty."
"My family," Lincoln continued. "Mary, my wife, has suffered greatly. We lost three of our children: Edward, Willie, and Thomas—all far too young. Willie, our eleven-year-old son, died here in the White House during my first year as president. Mary never truly recovered, and to be honest, neither did I."
"Losing a child…" Coralina's voice softened.
She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. "You are one of the most human men I've ever met, but also one of the loneliest."
"Power doesn't always bring companionship, Miss Álvarez. At the end of the day, the decisions I make are mine, and so are the consequences."
"Have you ever thought about leaving it all behind? Returning to Illinois, practicing law, and letting someone else carry the weight of the Union?"
"Let me show you something," Lincoln said.
"Is that… artistic magic?" Coralina asked, leaning forward.
"I'm not a magician in the traditional sense, but I learned to work with metal during my youth. It was a way to make a living when I lived in Illinois—repairing tools and crafting small ornaments. I never imagined that something so simple would become one of the few things that bring me peace in this job."
Lincoln shaped the piece of metal into a delicate necklace. The design was intricate: a fine chain holding a small, five-pointed star pendant.
"It's stunning. I never would have guessed the President of the United States had this hidden talent."
"I want you to have it, Miss Álvarez," he said, holding out the necklace.
A bit taken aback, she tilted her head forward as Lincoln placed the necklace around her neck.
"It suits you perfectly."
"I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"This has been an interesting conversation."
"That's an understatement," Coralina replied, adjusting the necklace with one hand.
"Don't worry about me, Mr. President. As I said before, there's nothing in this world that can defeat me. I am the strongest."