Traded To The Adom Kingdom

The whole kingdom was in a state of pure chaos.

For the first time in what had to be hundreds of years, the Adom army had crossed the borders of the Lavan Kingdom. The Adom King's general himself was leading the forces, thus showing how serious the situation was. There had been no attack yet, but the threat was real and a messenger had been sent.

The Lavan Kingdom and Adom Kingdom had never been allies, with the sole exception of the time every kingdoms of the land had worked together to seal the Shachor Kingdom hundreds of years ago. Lavan people were pacifists by nature, their healing powers and gift of empathy forcing them to be altruist, while Adom people where known for their violence, the fire burning inside their veins and their superior strength explaining their love for battles.

The Lavan kingdom wouldn't win if a war exploded between them, and so a council had urgently been ordered to prevent any blood from being shed.

"What's the situation?" Astera, the Lavan Queen, asked the Lavan messenger who had met with the Adom messenger. She was the ruler of this kingdom, her white braided hair always held up into an intricate bun. The blue of her eyes was highlighted by her light makeup, the pale whorls covering her face showing off her power and high status.

Lavan people were known for their white hair and blue eyes. They had markings on their skin, beautiful arabesques a pure white colour adorning their faces and bodies. The more whorls someone had, the stronger their healing powers and other gifts were.

Only a dozen people were currently present in the council room, all of them holding an important position in the Lavan kingdom. There was Queen Astera and her daughter Azalia, the Lavan princess. This kingdom was one that had always been ruled by women, the powers gifted to royal blood only seeming to ever choose females.

"The Adom King has sent his general for an important task, your majesty." The Lavan messenger relayed what the Adom messenger had told him. "He wishes to form an alliance with our kingdom, and plans to take the Lavan princess as his queen to do so."

"Nonsense!" The people present in the room immediately showed their discontent at the news.

"He doesn't want to form an alliance with us or wouldn't have brought half of his army to our kingdom!" The Lavan general, Barak, was the most vehement out of them all.

He was a strong man reaching his mid-fifties, with short white hair and blue eyes, whose age had taken nothing away from his past handsomeness. He was known for his strength and his strictness, his unshakable faith in the crown earning him the status of general of the Lavan army.

"He wants the princess' powers for himself and for his heir to inherit them!" He revealed the Adom King's goal for everyone to see.

"That ruthless monster. He won't take no for an answer." Gershon, one of the queen's closest counsellors, agreed with Barak's declarations. The Adom King wouldn't have sent his army to the Lavan Kingdom if his only goal had been to form an alliance.

Actually, the Adom King was infamous throughout all kingdoms for his greed and his ruthlessness. Melech, his name was, had been extremely young when first reaching the power. He still was, at barely twenty-nine years old, and was known for his abrasive temper and his lust for battle. The Adom Kingdom was the most powerful out of all the kingdoms, placed right in the middle of the land, and continued to get stronger under the firm reign of King Melech.

The Lavan Kingdom would be lost if they were to go to war against such a powerful opponent.

"Silence!" The Lavan Queen had to raise her voice for her subjects to settle down. Panicking right now wouldn't help the situation. They had to stay calm and to find a solution. "Did he mention what would happen if we were to refuse his offer?" She asked her messenger.

"He didn't, your majesty, but the presence of his army speaks for itself." Boaz, a lithe man whose long silver hair was held into a high ponytail, answered his queen's question.

"That's a threat. He's threatening us to do what he wants." Barak scoffed in case someone hadn't understood already. That triggered more worried whispers to take over the room, the whole council seeming overwhelmed by the situation.

"How many men did he send?" Azalia was the one to speak out next.

It was her fate they were talking about and, even though she should be terrified, the Lavan princess stayed calm and dignified under the threat. Her beautiful white hair fell down her shoulders in long waves, her blue-sapphire eyes showing nothing but strength and determination. Her features were bold and delicate at the same time, her skin so pale the white whorls that covered her face barely stood out. It only made her blue almond-shaped eyes and full pink lips look even more striking.

"At least a few thousand, princess." Boaz answered her. "I was also able to see three dragonies."

Dragonis were small dragon-like creatures that only lived in the adom kingdom. They were fierce and hard to tame, their fire-breathing making them dangerous enemies.

"We should fight." Barak suddenly declared. As the Lavan general, it was his role to fight and to keep his kingdom safe. "They think us weak because we're pacifist people, but we have an army and can fight just as fiercely as them!"

"Our army is smaller and our fighters less experienced." The oldest priestess of the Lavan Kingdom pointed out. Lavan people didn't like conflicts, and thus rarely ever fought outside of mandatory practices.

"The Yarok Kingdom would help us." Another counsellor stated.

The Yarok Kingdom was right under the Lavan Kingdom, and one of their oldest allies. Yarok people were pacifists just like Lavan people, notably due to their connection to nature and their love for all forms of life.

"The Kesef Kingdom, too, if they knew the Adom King was trying to break the peace treaty." Gershon said with a convinced nod.

Kesef people were few in number, but by far one of the most powerful beings of the land. They had no allies and no enemies, but would not hesitate to act if one of the seven kingdoms tried to threaten the peace they had all so difficultly managed to acquire hundreds of years ago.

"But how long would it take them to come to our aid?" The Lavan Queen pointed out the obvious flaw of this plan. "Half of our kingdom would already be destroyed."

"We can fight them." Barak kept insisting. "We should be able to hold our own until help comes for us." He seemed determined to go to war, his rough nature quite unusual for someone who was purely Lavan.

"That is enough." Azalia finally decided to put an end to this conversation. "Would you really sacrifice our people, innocent civilians who trust us to keep them safe, just to satisfy your ego?" She asked Barak, her words sharp and unforgiving just like she was known for.

"My ego has nothing to do with this war, princess." The lavan general scowled in response. Poor man wasn't used to getting insulted by someone younger than him, especially not a woman, but couldn't possibly raise his voice against the princess of his kingdom.

"It has a lot to do with it, when you so want to go to war instead of choosing the peaceful alternative that we've been offered." Azalia didn't hesitate to retort.

"You cannot be serious!" Barak exclaimed at her words. "Would you really agree to be traded to the Adom King!? To become the trophy wife of this barbarian!?"

"I would if it meant it would keep my kingdom and my people safe!" Azalia replied. It was a small sacrifice to make when the lives of hundreds of thousands of people were at stake.

"We cannot let the adom kingdom have your power!" Was Barak's angry come-back.

"My powers, as you call them, belong to me and to no one else." Azalia responded in an icy voice. "Not to the Lavan Kingdom, and certainly not to the Adom Kingdom." She hated it when people talked about her powers as if it was some kind of weapon to be used. It was a part of herself, one she controlled and would never let someone else abuse.

This caused some silence to fall throughout the council room for a few instants. "Do you really want to do this, Azalia?" The Queen was the one to break it, her gaze worried but understanding as she looked at her daughter.

"I have to, mother." Azalia answered. "An alliance with the Adom Kingdom could be a good thing, and protecting its people is what a ruler is supposed to do."

"We do not even have the guaranty that the Adom King will keep his word." The Queen replied. The Adom King could very well burn their realm down right after taking Azalia away. "There is also no guaranty for your safety."

"I know, but we do not have any other choice." Azalia was scared, of course she was. She may look fearless in front of others, but really was just a young woman of twenty-one years old. She would much prefer to stay safe in her palace, but she knew what she had to do in order to save her people. Agreeing to the alliance was a risk that both the Lavan Kingdom and its princess were in the obligation to take.

The Queen looked at her daughter for a few moments before letting out a resigned sigh "Boaz." She called for her messenger. "Find a parchment. I want you to send a message back to the Adom messenger."

"Yes, your majesty." Boaz immediately got some parchment with a quill to write on.

"Inform him we agree to his King's alliance, but only under certain conditions." The Queen declared for everyone to hear. She knew Azalia had made her decision and knew there was no way to change her mind once it was done...

It meant the Lavan Kingdom would trade its princess against the promise of peace, but it didn't mean the Queen wouldn't make sure her daughter stayed safe.

"The Adom army must leave the Lavan Kingdom as soon as the alliance is established." Astera began to enumerate the conditions of their possible alliance. "The princess will go to the Adom Kingdom, but she is not to be harmed or the alliance will immediately be terminated. The princess should also be allowed to bring with her a guard and a servant of her picking, to protect her and to serve her. We will not agree to this alliance if the Adom King does not agree to these terms."

It wasn't a lot considering how much the Adom Kingdom was asking for. Forming alliances between kingdoms through marriage was quite common, but this case was different. Azalia was the one and only Lavan princess, and her powers were special. It made her the greatest treasure of the Lavan Kingdom.

"Anything to add?" The Queen asked her small assembly.

"I will not use my gift to do harm." Azalia stated right away. She will not let the Adom King use her to conquer other kingdoms.

"Of course." It was a given.

"And I do not want to be trapped in a palace for the rest of my life." She added after some reflexion. "I must be able to leave if I so wish." She wouldn't bear not being able to go outside and to feel free for a long period of time.

"Write it down." Astera agreed. "The princess is not to be a prisoner."

Boaz did write everything down, the other counsellors making sure nothing had been missed. This was an important matter, one that was going to change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms forever.

"One more thing." The Queen said when everyone thought this was over. "If the Adom King and the Lavan princess are to have children, the first girl born from their marriage will be the heir of the Lavan Kingdom." She declared, murmurs of agreement washing over the council at her words. It was true that Azalia was the only heir of the Lavan Kingdom, and so it was extremely important for the crown to be passed on to someone of royal blood when the time came.

"Any comments?" Astera asked only for everyone to stay silent. "No? Then this council is dismissed. We'll reunite again once we have the response of the Adom King."

Boaz was already leaving to bring this message to the Adom King's general. He was Lavan but had some Kesef blood in him, thus giving him some physical characteristics only Kesef people had: he could grow wings, which made him the perfect person to send and bring back messages.

"Your majesty." Barak tried to talk to the Queen as everyone took their leave.

"Not now, Barak." Astera brushed him off. "We'll talk later." She had more important matters to take care of right now, namely having a conversation with her daughter who would soon be taken away from her.

Barak seemed to want to argue but ultimately bowed before leaving the council room as well. Only the Queen and the princess were now left, Astera turning to face her daughter. "I hope you know what you're doing, Azalia." Was the first thing she told her.

Azalia didn't answer anything, but she did nod to show she wasn't just jumping head first into danger. She had a look inside her eyes, one the Queen knew all too well.

"Did you have visions of this?"

The Lavan princess had been born with a gift other Lavan people didn't have. She had healing powers, like most Lavan women had, and could feel and convey emotions through touch. It was a normal characteristic for Lavan people. What she had and nobody else had, however, was the gift of seeing glimpses of the future through visions. It rarely ever happened, and came under the form of dreams, but everything she saw had never turned out to be incorrect.

"I didn't know about the invasion." Azalia admitted. "But I have been having visions, of crimson eyes and dark hair for a few nights..."

She wasn't telling her mother the entire truth, because crimson eyes and dark hair weren't the only things she had been seeing. No, her dreams were filled with calloused hands, strong arms and low whispers. It often left her hot and breathless whenever she woke up from her dream.

"Do you think it is the Adom Ling?" Astera asked her daughter.

"It must be." Like Lavan people had white hair and blue eyes, Adom people were recognisable by their red eyes and black hair. They had inhuman strength and resistance, the lava burning inside their veins making them immune to fire.

Azalia had never seen the Adom King before, but she knew, somehow, that her dreams were about him. The sudden invasion and demand for an alliance couldn't be a coincidence, not when her visions had always happened for a reason.

It meant this was only the beginning of something bigger. Something that would change her life forever but also the fate of countless people...

"I'm lending you all of my courage, Azalia." The Queen told her daughter before gently pressing their foreheads together. "The gods will protect you."

It only took a few days for the Adom King to agree to the conditions of Queen Astera. It signed Azalia's departure, the Lavan princess having to leave her kingdom, her family and everything she had ever known.

Azalia had been born in the Lavan Kingdom and had almost never left it. The only time she had crossed the borders had been to meet the Yarok rulers, but she had still been young at the time and didn't remember it well.

That's why leaving was extremely hard for her. She was used to her kingdom and to its customs. The Lavan Kingdom was always peaceful, full of meadows and flowers and colourful birds. The rumoured arid lands of the Adom Kingdom would be a stark contrast compared to what she was accustomed to.

Still, it was her duty and her decision to become the Adom King's wife. She had no other choice but to fulfil her destiny.

It was almost midday when she reached the border where the Adom general and a part of his army were waiting for her. The sun was high in the sky, no clouds on the horizon to block the sun's rays. Azalia had brought several soldiers to escort her, but it was nothing compared to the legion of soldiers she had before her.

It was impressive. The Adom general had brought more than a thousand soldiers with him and, just like Boaz had said, a few dragonies.

It was Azalia's first time seeing one and she had to admit the small dragon-like creatures were gorgeous. They were a dark orange colour, their wings and faces covered with red scales, while their claws and teeth looked incredibly sharp. But they didn't seem intent on attacking anyone, and so Azalia dismounted her white horse, her personal guard following closely behind her.

"It's an honour to meet you, princess Azalia." The Adom general was the first person to greet her.

"All the honour's mine, General Onan." Azalia politely answered. She knew politics were a game: one she needed to win. "Your exploits are known all over the land." She said in a falsely sweet voice.

The general of the Adom army was part Adom and part Sagol. He had dark hair and red eyes, sun-kissed skin bulging with muscles just like Adom people were famous for, the only thing differentiating him from his kind being the black horn that peeked out of the left side of his forehead.

Sagol people belonged to the kingdom situated in the north-east of the Adom Kingdom. It was far away from the Lavan Kingdom but known for its powerful inhabitants: they were warriors just like Adom people, their shared lust for battle explaining their easy alliance. They often had purple eyes and black hair as well as beast-like characteristics. They had horns, enhanced senses, could grow claws and could see in the dark.

Azalia didn't know if the Adom general had inherited both Adom powers and Sagol powers, but the man certainly looked powerful enough to be a general.

"My exploits?" Onan brushed off Azalia's praises with a simple chuckle. "I assure you all the merits go to my King. He's the true general of this army, really." He said like the humble person he was. It was quite rare for a man of his stature...

Still, Azalia couldn't resist making a comment. "Where is he, then?" She asked while referring to the Adom King. If he truly was the general of this army, then why was he absent? And if he truly wanted Azalia as his queen, then why didn't he come to bring her back to his kingdom himself?

"Unfortunately, the King had some things to take care of back in the Adom Kingdom." Was Onan's prudent answer. It wasn't enough to satisfy Azalia, and the princess made it know by letting out a false hum of understanding. "I see."

She was playing with fire, and could tell it by the way Adom soldiers were watching her. There was some animosity here: obvious distrust directed at someone who belonged to another kingdom added to some misplaced lust due to the princess' beauty.

Azalia would probably have felt in danger if she had been alone. But her personal guard was right behind her, the knight making sure to step closer to her to make everyone understand that no one was going to harm her.

"Oh." Azalia acted as if she had forgotten his presence. "I present you Emet, my favourite knight." She told Onan while purposely linking her arm with her knight's.

Emet actually was the son of the Lavan general, Barak. Unlike his father, Emet was kind and smart. He was a few years older than Azalia but had always been one of her closest friends, as well as her personal guard, ever since the princess had turned thirteen years old.

Just like Onan, Emet was a perfect mix of two different races: he was half Lavan and half Yarok. He had long white hair he often kept half held up in a lazy bun, one sapphire eye and one emerald eye showing his belonging to two different races. He was tall and handsome, his unusual features only adding to his charm and charisma.

"General Onan." Emet greeted the Adom general with a simple nod of the head.

He wasn't the type to talk much, especially not when surrounded by potential enemies. No, he was more focused on everything that was going on around him, the powerful knight ready to react if anyone were to threaten the Lavan princess.

"And this is Temira, my beloved attendant and confidant." Azalia motioned to a young woman behind her who hadn't left her horse.

She was Lavan, with blue eyes and white hair she often styled into one long braid. She and Azalia were the same age and had always been really close to each other. Azalia loved Temira's gentle nature, and truly admired her talent for the healing arts. She hadn't hesitated even one second when she had been forced to pick only one attendant to accompany her.

Emet and Temira were both one of her closest friends. They would give their lives to save Azalia's just as Azalia would be ready to do anything for them. Their presence in the Adom Kingdom would truly comfort her.

"Pleasure to meet you both." Onan greeted Emet and Temira with a polite smile. Although he did look at Temira a little longer...

But Azalia had to say she was quite surprised by how civilised Onan was, his respectful behaviour far from the rumours picturing Adom people as rude and violent warriors. But one exception didn't prevent a generality, and so Azalia would continue to be cautious until she was sure she was safe.

"We will need to depart soon if we want to reach the first town by the end of the night." Onan told her.

"Of course." It was understandable. The trip to the Adom castle took around five days by horse, and so it was better to leave as soon as possible. "We are ready when you are." Azalia declared.

Like the alliance contract had stipulated, the Lavan princess was only allowed to bring a guard and a servant with her. The rest of her escort would stay in the Lavan Kingdom, with the exception of the two white horses which were carrying all of her most important belongings.

"Then we can leave right away." Onan stated before getting back onto his black horse.

Azalia had already said goodbye to her loved-ones long ago. The last hug she had received from her mother had been devastating, the Queen Astera crying at the departure of her daughter. Neither of them knew when they would be able to see each other again, which made their last moments together even more bittersweet.

Thousands of Lavan people had watched Azalia leave the city with her escort this morning. They all knew the sacrifice she had just made, and were grateful for the princess' incredible courage. The memories of her people praying for her safety would always be one Azalia held close to her heart.

But the time had come to leave her beloved kingdom for good, and Azalia could do nothing else but accept her fate.

"Let me help you up, princess." Emet offered his hand to help her get onto her white horse. "Thank you." Azalia hadn't needed it but still accepted the kind gesture. Emet was a true gentleman and Azalia didn't want to hurt him by rejecting his help.

"Let's go." The Adom general instructed everyone to start going with a sign of his hand. The dragonies were the first ones to move, the creatures quickly taking to the sky. They would watch over the Adom army while flying and warn Onan as soon as they noticed a threat.

Azalia found herself riding in the front row with Onan beside her. Emet and Temira were right behind them, followed by the two horses carrying all of their belongings and the thousands of men leaving the border to go back to the Adom palace.

Azalia's white horse stood out between all of the other black horses. Hers was a pure Lavan horse, rumoured to be descended from a unicorn. It was faster and stronger, the beautiful beast able to carry a human for several days without even resting.

"I have to say, we were all quite surprised by your king's sudden offer." Azalia decided to start a conversation with Onan. The trip would be long, and so the princess saw the perfect occasion to gather more information. She needed to know all she could if she was to survive in the enemy's territory.

"I had thought Adom royalty didn't like to mix blood." Was the topic she chose to start with.

As a princess, Azalia had to learn the history and politics of every kingdom of the land, and so she knew that the Adom royalty was known for its unwillingness to mix races. There were eight ancient families constituting the High Council of the Adom kingdom, all of them refusing to marry or to procreate with someone who wasn't purely of Adom lineage.

To think the Adom King wanted to marry Azalia, a Lavan princess, was unprecedented.

"Ah, yes." Onan made a face and Azalia wondered if the topic was a delicate one, knowing Onan wasn't fully Adom himself. But it turned out the general didn't shy away from the truth. "Needless to say most of the King's advisors weren't happy about his decision." He revealed to the Lavan princess.

It actually took Azalia by surprise. "Should you really be telling me this?" It was like admitting a weakness, one Azalia could very well use to her own advantage.

"You'll notice it for yourself soon enough anyway, princess." Onan easily brushed off her worries. "The Adom Kingdom is currently facing a difficult situation..."

"What is it?" That obviously peaked Azalia's interest. The Adom Kingdom was always depicted as the perfect kingdom, incredibly powerful and always growing. There had been some tumult when the current King Melech had reached power. Nobody knew why his parents had passed down the crown this soon, but even this matter hadn't taken anything from the Adom Kingdom's grander. It was and would stay the most powerful kingdom in the land.

That's why hearing the Adom Kingdom actually wasn't this perfect caught Azalia's attention. She wanted to know more about it.

Thankfully, it looked like Onan liked to talk. "Births have been very few these last several years, and almost all of them resulted in a boy being born. It means there are fewer and fewer women in the kingdom, and so even fewer possibilities of birthing new children." He told Azalia about the problem the Adom Kingdom was currently facing.

It was true Azalia hadn't noticed any women among the soldiers. It could be because Adom men were misogynistic people who thought women couldn't fight, although she really hoped it wasn't the case, but maybe the reason behind this lack of women's representation was this decline in females being born.

Still, it didn't explain why King Melech had chosen her out of all people to be his wife. "I'm sure your King could have found an Adom woman willing to marry him." There was no way not even one woman was left in the Adom Kingdom.

"Of course." Onan conceded. "But the king wants to show the right example to his people. He doesn't care about blood purity unlike his Council and so decided to pick a wife from another kingdom." He said before adding with a playful grin on his lips: "And, as his greed knows no limits, the King only agreed to settle for the best."

"Flattery will take you nowhere, general." Azalia amusingly rolled her eyes in response.

"Onan, please." The general answered her with a smirk. "A princess and future queen like you should call me by my name." He had some guts to hit on his king's future wife, Azalia had to give him that, but his flirting wouldn't distract her from the most important part.

"And his decision to settle for the best, like you said, does it have to do with my royal blood or with my powers?" She asked the question she had been wondering about since the beginning.

She knew every kingdom had already heard about her gift of vision. It had been impossible to hide when she had predicted the great drought a few years ago... but Azalia truly hoped the Adom King didn't expect to use them to his advantage.

Many people had already tried to approach her and to use her only to know about their future. But the truth was that she couldn't determine someone's future even if she wanted to. She didn't control her visions, and only saw what her powers wanted her to see, nothing less and nothing more.

"It would be lying then to say your powers didn't interest my King, princess..." Onan began to tell her. "But I do think it was the rumours of your unrivalled beauty that convinced him."

"Of course." That wasn't any better, Azalia thought. "He just wants a pretty wife to order around." It looked like the Adom King wanted a trophy wife. One that was beautiful enough to strut around before his men, and one that was obedient enough to not cause him any problems...

Except Azalia wasn't this kind of person.

"I can imagine he will have some trouble ordering you around." Onan said with a low chuckle.

"He will." Azalia confirmed his guess. "I'm a princess. I'm used to giving orders, not to receive them." She wouldn't just obey someone, no matter who they were. She didn't care if this was the king of the most powerful kingdom in the land they were talking about: she would never become his trophy wife.

"I thought Lavan people were supposed to be sweet angels." Onan said and Azalia fought not to laugh in response. "Being sweet doesn't mean you have to let other people walk all over you." She told the Adom general. "I truly hope your King isn't looking for some pretty housewife lacking any semblance of personality, because I'm not her."

No. She was a princess who would let no one disrespect her, not even the Adom King.

"Don't worry, princess." Onan responded with an amused smile on his lips. "I'm sure the King will love you." And, if this wasn't foreshadowing, Azalia didn't know what it was.

"Stay close to me, princess." Emet told Azalia as they entered the imposing castle of the Adom Kingdom.

They had finally arrived at their destination. It had been a five-day trip by horse, during which they had stopped in different towns each night to sleep. Azalia was grateful for this, since she didn't particularly fancy sleeping under the stars, especially not when surrounded by thousands of enemy soldiers. The inns they stopped in definitely weren't luxurious, but they at least gave her some privacy and comfort.

Azalia had kept dreaming more and more about the same man the closer they got to the Adom castle. She always saw the same crimson eyes and dark hair and tanned skin, her visions getting a little clearer each time she had the same dream.

She could now see that she was lying on a bed with the man of her visions, dark silky sheets covering both of their naked bodies. They were pressed together, the man's arms protectively wrapped around her waist as he brushed his lips against her delicate neck.

"My beautiful queen." He murmured in a low husky voice that never failed to send shivers down Azalia's spine. "I love you." The words were whispered against her skin, warmth and pleasure and pure happiness swelling inside her at the raw honesty lacing the man's voice.

Azalia could feel in her dreams that she loved this man. She didn't even know him yet, had no idea if he truly was the Adom King or not, but already had such strong feelings for him it was baffling. Her visions had never been this intense before, her heart thundering inside her chest each time she woke up from the same dream yet another time.

It was disconcerting and troubling, but Azalia had to act like nothing was affecting her. She had just entered the Adom castle and so couldn't afford to be distracted by her visions, not when she was in enemy territory.

"People are already aware of your engagement with our King, so nobody should try to hurt you." The general Onan said as they walked further into the impressive castle.

The fortress didn't look like the Lavan palace at all. Contrary to the pure white walls Azalia was used to, these walls were made of dark stones and the floor was covered with black marble. The ceilings were high and the corridors seemingly never-ending, the golden torches hanging from the walls lightening their way.

"Not even the King's advisors, who aren't happy about this alliance?" Azalia boldly asked Onan. She knew that some people were firmly against her marrying the Adom King, and so had a hard time believing nobody would try anything against her.

But Onan assured her she was safe. "Not even them." He promised, his words still not enough to convince Azalia. "Hm." Was the only thing she said in response. She just had to be careful, and knew that Emet would keep an eye on any threat that could surge in like he always did. Temira had already been separated from them, but Azalia didn't believe someone would go as low as to hurt her attendant to get to her. At least, she truly hoped so.

"General Onan." A man walking toward them made them stop where they were.

"Hello, Amos." Onan greeted him with a warm smile. They seemed to know each other well, the two men shaking their hands in a friendly way before Onan turned to Azalia and Emet. "This is Amos, one of the King's most trusted men." He introduced the new-comer.

"Pleased to meet you, princess." Amos respectfully bowed his head to greet Azalia.

He was a man with red eyes and dark hair, just like Adom people were known for, with the exception of his rather medium height and his lack of impressive muscles all Adom men usually proudly showed off. It made Azalia wonder if he was purely Adom, or if he was mixed with another race without having any visible characteristics to prove it.

"The pleasure is all mine." Azalia politely answered Amos. She almost thought she saw his red eyes turn black for a few instants, but couldn't be sure because of how fast it had happened.

Amos gave her another low bow of his head before looking at Emet for some instant. They both evaluated each other, red eyes examining the knight that was accompanying the princess, before Amos faced Azalia again. "The King has requested your presence in his quarters." He stated. "If you would follow me?"

Azalia felt her heart jump inside her chest at the words. She looked at Onan for confirmation, almost seeking reassurance from the only person she had gotten to know in this foreign kingdom, only for the general to give her a nod of his head. "I'll see you later, princess. I wish you the best for your first encounter with the King." He said as he pressed a playful kiss on the back of her hand.

"Thank you, Onan." Azalia answered him with a smile. She would have preferred it if he had stayed with her, but the Lavan princess already had Emet to protect her.

"Take me to your King." She told Amos in a determined voice.

Amos did just that and Azalia followed, Emet by her side. The castle was absolutely massive and the corridors tremendous. It was intimidating. Azalia's heartbeats were getting faster with each step she took. She was going to meet King Melech for the first time and couldn't help but feel intense feelings swirl inside her.

She was nervous, angry and excited all at the same time about seeing the man she was going to marry. Nervous because this was the most powerful man in the land they were talking about. At least, if the rumours proved to be true, of course. It still wasn't a man you could afford to take lightly...

But Azalia was also angry because it was King Melech's fault she had had to leave her kingdom and her family. The man had selfishly decided she would be his queen without even asking for her opinion, and had all but forced her to agree by sending half of his army to her kingdom. What was even more infuriating was the fact that he hadn't even bothered to come himself, as if she wasn't important enough for him to travel to the Lavan Kingdom.

Still, Azalia was excited, because she truly hoped King Melech was the man of her visions. She had been wondering about it for several days now and couldn't wait to finally meet him for the first time, to know if this was the man she would learn to love, just like her visions had shown her.

Amos suddenly stopped in front of two massive doors made of dark wood and pure gold. There was no doubt they opened into the King's quarters, and so Amos turned around to look at Emet before speaking out. "No one is allowed to enter the King's quarters except the King himself and who he allows to." He told Azalia's knight. "You cannot go further than here."

This obviously didn't sit well with the Lavan knight. "I'm the princess' personal guard. I have to stay by her side." He answered right away. His role was to protect Azalia and so leaving her was simply out of question.

But Amos didn't seem ready to budge on this. "I'm afraid it isn't possible. You have to stay here." He insisted, his words only angering Emet even further. "I won't leave the princess alone with some dangerous brute-" The knight began to say when Azalia promptly interrupted him. "Emet!" She exclaimed in a shocked gasp. They couldn't afford to cause a stir in enemy territory.

"It's okay, I will be fine." She assured her knight, her voice firm enough to show Emet that she wasn't scared. She was used to putting up a strong front in front of others and, as scary as being all alone with the Adom King could be, Azalia knew she could take care of herself. She wasn't as defenceless as she looked like.

She gave Emet one last look, blue-sapphire eyes gazing into bicolored eyes, before entering the King's quarters. The door closed behind her with a loud noise causing her heart to thunder inside her chest.

Before her was a massive room, so large it could have fitted a whole assembly. Luxurious furs were covering the floor and an enormous bed was throning in the centre. Black silky sheets were covering the bed, the exact same sheets Azalia had seen in her dreams...

"You're even more beautiful than what the rumors say." A deep voice said from her left and Azalia almost startled at the sound of it, her sapphire eyes promptly turning to her side.

There was a man with dark unruly hair and vibrant crimson eyes looking right at her. He was incredibly tall and imposing, surely even more so than Emet or any other man Azalia had ever seen. His chest was bare, revealing broad shoulders, firm pecs and perfect abs. Strength and dominance were radiating out of him, his very presence enough to force anyone's submission.

His face was handsome, his nose straight and his jaw sharp and powerful. His brows were dark just like his hair, which was cut short on the sides but not on the top, gorgeous black curls framing his forehead. His eyes were by far the most noticeable thing about him: they were the same colour as blood, a red so dark and piercing it was hard to look away from it.

Azalia felt her belly flutter at the sight.

This man, this powerful king who was far more handsome than she could have ever imagined, was the man of her visions. There was no doubt about it anymore. She could recognise the captivating ruby eyes and gorgeous sun-kissed skin. Even his low husky voice was enough to send her back to her dreams, loving words being murmured into her ear by the Adom King himself.

"King Melech." Azalia slightly bowed her head to show him her respect. Customs asked for people to kneel before a King, but she was a princess and a future Queen if their marriage ever saw the day, and so wasn't about to kneel before any man.

She heard steps coming toward her before feeling fingers grab her chin, making her lock eyes with ruby irises intensely boring into her own.

"I'm sure honourifics aren't necessary between us, princess. We are to be married, after all." Melech smirked at her. His voice was deep and imposed respect, so much Azalia felt herself shudder at the mere sound of it. She was unable to pronounce any word nor form any thought as the King looked right at her, his keen gaze making her hold her breath in anticipation.

It was clear the attraction between them was powerful and mutual. The air felt heavy around them, as if everything disappeared but them.

"Such gorgeous eyes, as mesmerising as true sapphires..." Melech murmured as he observed Azalia's angelic face for the first time ever, marvelling at the Lavan princess' beauty.

He liked the stunning whorls that were covering her pale skin and the soft blush that was emphasising them. Her eyelashes were long and white just like her long wavy hair, contrasting with the hypnotising blue of her eyes. Her lips were an irresistible pink, so full and perfect Melech couldn't resist brushing his thumb against them.

"Plump and soft..." The King described, almost in a trance. Melech had heard all of the rumours about Azalia's unmatched beauty and had to say he wasn't disappointed. Actually, now that he finally had the princess before his eyes, the Adom King only wanted to make her his even more.

As the most powerful man in the land, it was only natural the most beautiful princess would be his.

Melech let a satisfied smirk graze his lips before letting go of Azalia's face. He then unexpectedly went to sit on his bed while still facing the white-haired princess, his crimson eyes looking right into Azalia's turquoise irises as he spoke out:

"Strip."

That definitely broke Azalia out of whatever trance she had fallen into. "Pardon me?" She asked with wide surprised eyes. Surely she hadn't heard him right.

But she did, and Melech wasn't ashamed to repeat himself. "I said, strip. I need to see if your body pleases me, don't you think?" He said with a look so smug Azalia couldn't possibly contain her shocked gasp even if she wanted to. "I'm not some lifeless merchandise you can just check out." She angrily answered. She couldn't even believe the nerves of this man.

However, her anger only made Melech chuckle darkly in response. People never dared talk back to him, they were way too scared of him to do so, and so seeing Azalia have the courage to do it certainly was interesting.

"You're not? You do realize your realm traded you, right?" He asked and Azalia was about to retort, before realising she couldn't deny such comments. She had been given to the Adom King in exchange for the promise that her people would not be harmed.

It was a trade. Not an ordinary one, of course, but a trade nonetheless...

Still, this didn't change anything. She had been traded, yes, but she knew she could stop everything if she so wished. The Lavan Kingdom was better prepared now. They had contacted the Yarok Kingdom and the Kesef Kingdom in case anything like this ever happened again. Azalia could go back to her kingdom now and know her people wouldn't be killed because of it.

But she didn't wish to go back. It would still trigger a war that could be avoided, and Azalia wanted to see this until the end. As horrible as the Adom King was right now, her visions had shown her this would change with time.

She just had to deal with Melech's horrible arrogance for the time being, and only the gods knew how much she enjoyed a challenge.

"You wanted me to strip, didn't you?" She asked in a falsely sweet voice. "Then your wish is my command, your majesty." It was clear her tone was sarcastic, and Azalia greatly enjoyed the look of anger that took over Melech's handsome features at the sound of it.

"I'm watching." The King said as he stared right at the white-haired princess.

And so Azalia started to undress, slowly, her movements deliberately tantalising as she let the straps of her white dress gently fall down her naked shoulders. She could feel the King's gaze on her as her clothes slid down her body, revealing her well-shaped breasts, elegant hips and long legs to the King's ruby eyes.

"All of it." Melech ordered, and Azalia slowly removed the last piece of clothing hiding her body. She let her underwear slide down her legs, thus baring her sex for the King to see. It was covered with a slim layer of hair, the white neatly-trimmed hair barely standing out compared to her milky skin.

Azalia wasn't ashamed of her body, on the contrary. She knew what an ethereal sight she made with the white whorls covering her entire skin, the stunning arabesques that started from her toes and went to the tips of her fingers, only adding to her otherworldly beauty.

"Satisfied?" She asked as the King stood up from the bed, pride and defiance swirling inside her sapphire eyes.

Melech noticed it and smirked in response. He liked this kind of attitude. It meant Azalia wouldn't break this easily. "You really are gorgeous" He said as he approached the princess, his red eyes freely roaming over Azalia's naked body, taking absolutely everything in.

"Such a sensual body..." The King appreciated the sight he had before him. Azalia's body was delicate and slender, her skin smooth and her curves breathtaking. Her breasts were the perfect size between generous and big, looking so incredibly tempting Melech wanted nothing more than to cup one with his hand.

"Beautiful curves and sensitive skin." He contently observed. The Adom King couldn't possibly be more pleased: Azalia certainly was one of the most stunning women he had ever laid eyes on.

He circled around the princess and let his eyes trail down Azalia's spine, taking in the sight of her Venus dimples and her pear-shaped ass. It seemed like Azalia's body was simply flawless, everything about the princess enticing Melech to no end.

That's why the King couldn't possibly resist. He leaned in so that his mouth was placed right next to Azalia's ear, his chest pressed against her back and his hands holding her hips as he lowly murmured: "I should take you right now, before our marriage ceremony is even organised." His voice was seductively husky and his words oh so dirty.

But it wasn't enough to seduce Azalia, far from it. "Men are so easy." Was her unexpected response. "You just need to show a bit of skin and all of their blood leave their head." She let out a soft chuckle, her mocking tone instantly angering the Adom King.

"I wouldn't act so smart if I were you." He snarled as he grabbed one of Azalia's wrists to spin her around.

"Hurt me and I'll make you feel years of suffering in just a few seconds." The princess threatened in response. She was glaring at Melech, the two rulers looking right into each other's eyes as Azalia dared Melech to put another hand on her. "You do know how Lavan powers work, do you?" She asked him in a deceptively calm voice. "It would be wise not to underestimate me."

Lavan women had healing powers, yes, but what all Lavan people were the most known for was their capacity to feel and send emotions to others. Azalia just had to touch Melech to make him feel pain and terror so strong it would bring him to his knees.

Melech knew that, and didn't seem to like it one bit if the way his hand started to heat up around Azalia's wrist was any indication. His veins filled with lava were starting to become visible, red lines glowing beneath his skin covering his whole body. His temperature was rising, his blood boiling as utter anger took over him.

"You're just a spoiled girl who thinks herself invincible." He growled between gritted teeth.

"No, I'm a princess and your future queen." Azalia answered. She was keeping a straight face, but the truth was that Melech was starting to burn her skin with his hand still gripping her wrist. It hurt, but Azalia had to stay strong or the power balance between them would forever be ruined.

"You'll learn to respect me, or you'll never have me." She told Melech in a voice that allowed no debate.

And this was the whole point of this first encounter: Azalia needed Melech to respect her. She had agreed to marry him, yes, but she would never accept the Adom King to treat her like she was beneath him. She demanded respect and would never submit to him until he gave her just what she wanted.

The tension was almost palpable around them. Both Azalia and Melech refused to step back, the temperature continuing to rise the more time they spent glaring at each other. Azalia was almost sure her wrist was starting to bruise now, but she still refused to submit. This was a crucial moment, one that could decide the entire rest of their relationship.

Finally, after what had to be endless long minutes, Melech was the first to give in. He let out a low growl of frustration before finally letting go of Azalia's wrist, his ruby eyes still burning with anger as he took a step back. There were a few more instants passed in silence, neither of them saying anything as they continued to glare at each other, before Melech looked away from Azalia's turquoise eyes.

"A servant will show you to your quarters." He said as he left his own quarters, the Adom King not once looking back behind him.