Chapter 2 - The Envoys Message
Earl Dunnel's tone turned serious. "What is your father's message?"
Caria paused, her gaze steady. "Lord Dunnel, we have reliable intelligence that after defeating the House of Hailch, Earl Tidor now plans to fabricate another justification to wage war—this time, against our house."
"And who provided this information?" Earl Dunnel pressed.
"We have our means," she replied, her voice firm. "I assure you it's true. Earl Tidor is a vicious man; he won't stop until he gets what he desires."
"And what does your father want from me?" Earl Dunnel pressed.
Caria met his gaze, replying almost rhetorically, "My father seeks an alliance between our noble houses, my Lord. We've always shared good terms, especially in trade, which has bolstered both our economies. It's only natural that in times like these, we should stand together to repel the enemy's viciousness." Before Earl Dunnel could respond, he leaned in, and one of his wives whispered something to him, making Caria visibly uncomfortable.
Don caught Caria's momentary unease as she noticed his mother whispering to his father. He watched his mother, Lyanna, lean in, while his second mother, Daela, clearly overheard. Daela then met Don's gaze with a teasing smile, making him even more curious about what his mother had suggested.
Earl Dunnel cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention. "I'm perfectly fine with an alliance between our noble houses," he stated, "but instead of a temporary arrangement, I propose something longer-term."
"And what does your Lordship propose to make this alliance long-term?" Caria asked, her voice steady.
Earl Dunnel simply pointed at Don. "What do you think of my youngest son?"
The sudden spotlight caught Don off guard. He looked around to find every eye in the court upon him. His gaze then, almost magnetically, shifted to Caria's, and their eyes met in a shared moment of realization. The subtle shift in the room was palpable; everyone observed the silent exchange, a collective, knowing smile spreading across the court as the young ones curiously studied each other. Then, as if a spell broke, Caria's reverie ended, and she shyly looked away from Don, leaving him surprised by her sudden blush.
A wide smile spread across Earl Dunnel's face as he observed them. He didn't hesitate to push, "So, what are your thoughts? Is a marriage alliance something we can pursue?"
Caria, her cheeks still flushed, composed herself. "Your Lordship," she began, "you anticipate my father's wishes. I was sent here precisely to discuss the very matter you've just raised."
An audible buzz spread through the hall. Earl Dunnel was clearly taken aback by her confirmation, a look of profound satisfaction washing over him, instantly echoed by the sheer delight on the faces of Daela and Lyanna. The Earl's robust cough then cut through the clamor, demanding silence. "Consider it done," he announced with booming finality. "As of this day, the House of Adraels forms an unbreakable alliance with the House of Thornf, sealed by the marriage of my third son, Don, to the second daughter of my dear friend, Earl Jhesarwan, Caria!"
The entire assembly erupted in joyous acclamation for the newly forged alliance.
Don, on the other hand, was utterly speechless. As the entire hall erupted in joy, he could only blink, trying to process the sheer suddenness of the situation. His brothers and sisters crowded around him, showering him with happy congratulations and wide smiles. He barely registered their words, his mind reeling from the unbelievable turn of events. He couldn't grasp that this was truly happening. He stole a glance at the young lady and caught her looking at him, which clearly startled her.
The Earl then gestured for silence, his voice booming across the hall. "Tonight, we celebrate the upcoming marriage of my son and Caria! We'll have a grand feast! Eat and drink to your hearts' content!" The hall roared once more, everyone eagerly anticipating the night's festivities.
******
In the Southern part of the region...
Deep within the woods, a battered remnant of an army lay scattered under the shade of ancient trees, their ranks thinned by heavy casualties. In a more secluded spot, a man sat slumped, his shoulders bowed by the crushing weight of defeat. Fatigue etched itself onto his face, clearly marking the broken figure of Earl Dornell Hailch. The recent battle had claimed his son's life, and another was missing. His three wives, three daughters, and four other sons were now in hiding, having been sent to Thornshell City for safety. Of all his children, only his third son remained with him now, accompanying him on this grim retreat.
His moment of grim contemplation was shattered by urgent news. "My Lord, our scouts report enemy pursuers are closing in!" one of his trusted retainers exclaimed, his voice strained. "We must move!"
"How far?" Earl Dornell demanded, his weariness momentarily forgotten.
"Just a few kilometers now, My Lord. We need to move with all haste," the retainer replied.
"Alright, let's go!" Earl Dornell agreed, rising to his feet. The retainer quickly unfurled a map, pointing to a mountainous route—a difficult path, but one that offered their best chance of evading their relentless pursuers.
The depleted army moved with a heavy reluctance, their steps faltering under the immense fatigue accumulated from days of relentless retreat. Many of the wounded were simply too broken to continue, and with grim resolve, they chose to remain behind, offering their last breaths to delay the encroaching enemy. Though his heart ached, Earl Dornell had no choice but to honor their desperate plea. Leaving them behind was a crushing blow, yet his men spoke of honor, viewing their final stand as a warrior's ultimate contribution to their Lord. With a deep, heavy sigh, the Earl and his remaining forces pressed onward, moving as swiftly as their exhaustion allowed.
******
Back in Adrael City.
Seven Figures occupied a lavish guest room, where a central table groaned under the weight of flavorful snacks and chilled fruit juice, all meticulously prepared by two maids. Earl Dunnel sat prominently on a luxurious three-seater sofa, flanked by his beautiful wives, Daela and Lyanna. To their left sat Don, while Caria occupied a luxurious single-seater sofa to their right, with her two attendants standing respectfully behind her.
Breaking the comfortable silence, the Earl began the formal introductions between the two young people. As soon as he finished, Don rose smoothly and, with a polite gesture, extended his hand towards Young Lady Caria.