The Alliance Marriage Went Wrong

"Your Majesty, a letter arrive from Zoris and Cedore," Commander Nico Petrus informed Iria as he handed the letter to her. Though five days had passed since Iria arrived at the Petrus Army camp, Arin's condition was still the same and Iria stayed beside him most of the time.

At other times, she trained, hoping to regain her flexibility as it had been a while since she wield a sword. Though the pain was still there, it's tolerable and she tried to not wear out herself so much. After all, she will need her energy during the war.

Reading the letter from Zoris, Iria felt relieved. "King Vance will be leading the soldiers here himself. He is very worried about Arin and the letter said that he will be here in two days."

"That's great news, Your Majesty," Nico Petrus remarked. "Now that we receive a confirmation from Zoris, we can finally lay out a plan."

"What about the enemies then?"

"I heard that they will depart for the border tomorrow," Nico Petrus replied.

The Queen nodded. "Once they arrive, we will play a little game on them." With a little smirk, she added, "Judging from Aryan Tripas's nature, I bet he will surely be having a hard time trying to hold back himself if we succeed."

Nico Petrus wondered what plan did the Queen had in mind. However, he didn't ask anything as he believed that he will know it soon.

Iria read the letter from Cedore and she was surprised. Orius will be leading the Alewine Army as planned but... what was the plan Andres talked about?

Though Andres could be reckless at times, Iria knew how smart he was. That's why she always believed in him but... she was curious about the plan her cousin had in mind.

What was he trying to do this time?

*

The situation in Helsia was quite a mess now.

With the rebellion getting more intense each day, almost every province that surrounded the capital were now occupied by war. Backup indeed arrived from Jerivia but the number of the soldiers of Helsia also increased each day as even the soldiers who once surrendered were now back to fight for their freedom.

Not to mention that Crown Prince Andres dispatched more of the well-trained soldiers from the private army to aid the rebellion!

Each day, the rebellion was cornering the Jerivian King, making him more and more powerless in the lands of the Helsians!

"Your Majesty," Derin approached the King who was in his chamber and showed him a letter. "It's from Nardodia again."

"Aryan Tripas really have no plan to stop," Zaro Aventine muttered as he clenched his fists.

He was already exhausted dealing with the rebellion while the Nardodian King was busy trying to take it as an advantage!

"What will you do, Your Majesty?" Derin asked the King.

Zaro Aventine thought about it and wiped his face. However, before he say anything, he read the letter to see what was inside.

"The same old request," Zaro muttered. "Aryan Tripas won't stop attempting to lure me into his side. He also said that he's willing to help me with the rebellion if I take his hand."

"Do you think it will be worth it, Your Majesty?" Derin asked. He also knew that it will only put them in a dangerous situation if more soldiers keep on leaving Jerivia for Helsia.

Losing this rebellion will be the same as losing Helsia. That will destroy every plan the King had in mind for future development.

"Aryan Tripas wants me to enter the war," Zaro Aventine muttered. "Orius will be joining the war too and if I can end him during that, the situation here will be better. However... I don't know if we will be able to hold on here for that long. Every decision is a huge risk."

In the past, the King was never open to joining hands with Aryan Tripas but now, Derin could feel how his King was wavering. Maybe the mess going around get to his head.

"Will you be able to trust the King of Nardodia?" Derin cautiously asked.

Zaro Aventine maintained his silence for a while before he said, "Even if I agree to his proposal this time, I will never trust him or form an alliance with him. If I agree, it will just be for this war. I have to do everything not to lose this land."

* * *

After a brief training in the training ground specially vacated for her, Iria walked back to the tent where Arin was treated. Much to her surprise, the young King of Zoris was sitting near the bed.

He was already here?

Sensing her presence, Vance Amias turned to the entrance and stood up when he saw her. "Iria," he forced a little smile to greet her.

"Vance, I was told that you will be arriving in the evening," Iria said as she walked closer to the Zoris King.

"That's right. I was worried and I rush here with General Franco," King Vance replied. "It must be hard for you."

"I'm glad that you care," Iria replied. "It's our first time seeing each other again since our wedding. Unfortunately, it must be in this situation."

"Though it's unfortunate, I'm glad that you reach out to me," Vance said and shifted his gaze to Arin. "If I don't do anything for my friend while he is fighting for his life, I will never be able to forgive myself."

"Arin sure is lucky for having a friend like you."

Vance Amias turned back to Iria when he heard her. "It's not just in friend but also in case of a wife," he remarked. "He is a great warrior himself but even when he can't fight, he has a wife who can protect him and the kingdom. That's rare and admirable too."

"He already protect me many times," Iria muttered as she recalled the many times Arin came for her rescue, most notably that day in the Serene Valley.. "This time, it's my turn to give my all to protect him and the kingdom he loves more than anything else."