– Prior –
That didn't sound good. What Kashk Rutz was demanding would, in the worst case, leave Tingdao with almost nothing.
She felt Kashion looking at her.
"Is it possible? Could we achieve that?"
Why was he asking her that? She firmly believed it was feasible to present significant results after just one year. Everything she had read pointed to that. And the scientists here were very diligent and talented. She glanced briefly at Nara. She looked confident.
"I think it's possible," she finally whispered to Kashion. "It will be a lot of work, but I'm convinced we're on the right path."
– Kashion –
Kashion nodded. Then he smiled. He squeezed Prior's hand briefly, as if drawing strength.
They hadn't discussed this in the council, but he was convinced it was the right path.
"Count Kashk Rutz. We accept the penalty payment for the following year—if we fail to achieve improvements. However, only if we receive at least 40% of the Aethereleum."
He glanced at Rein, who nodded. Kashion continued:
"I believe that's a fair deal. Tingdao and Firefields carry the risk, but for our work and resources, we want at least 40%. If we fail—which we do not believe we will—we will grant you the majority the following year and compensate the difference."
The room fell completely silent again.
Kashion wasn't sure if he had gone too far. But it felt like the right decision.
Tendol slightly shook his head and began rubbing his forehead, as if he had a headache.
– Prior –
Prior looked at Kashion. He nodded at her. She felt so, so… proud of him. In moments like these, he could remain so calm, and he was brave. He believed in his people.
He was still holding her hand, and when he looked into her eyes now, she forgot for a few seconds where she was and what this was about. She saw only him.
Kashk Rutz cleared his throat and looked around. Then he briefly discussed something with Rosh.
"Very well," he finally said with a slightly arrogant smile.
He had agreed? She hadn't expected that.
"I suggest we now go over a few more details, and afterward you can draft the contract. Does everyone agree?" Kashk Rutz asked.
"Agreed," said King Mandach, and Rein and Evlina followed.
Kashion looked at Prior once more, then turned to the room and said, "Agreed." The attendees began to applaud.
Had they really reached an agreement?
They discussed a few final details, and eventually the session was declared over. She looked at the faces around her. Almost everyone seemed relieved. Rein looked like someone who had just won a competition. Tendol, however, looked as if he had received very bad news. But Prior had already noticed that he didn't always fully support Kashion's political decisions.
"Now we can breathe again," Kashion whispered to her.
"There will be a lot of work ahead of us," Nara said. "I'll organize everything so we can work at full capacity. But first, I'll take the rest of today and tomorrow off." She grinned, and Kashion nodded in agreement.
The first people began leaving the room.
"We still need to discuss the final details. I'll have another short meeting with the council shortly. Hopefully they won't tear my head off," Kashion said with a smile.
Prior looked at him. "I think you're amazing. No one will tear your head off. And if they try, they'll have to deal with me."
– Kashion –
Kashion broke into a wide smile. He would much rather have spent more time with Prior now. And hugged her. But not here in the hall.
He took a deep breath. Soon everything would be easier. Now it was just about finalizing the contract.
Tendol walked up to him. "Unbelievable. We'll discuss this shortly. I'm curious to hear what you'll say." With that, he left.
All the representatives in the hall had heard what Kashion had promised. No one could change or undo it now.
"Let's go," he said to Prior.
As they left the hall, Kashion was surprised to see his mother approaching them. She looked anything but pleased. In fact, she looked furious.
– Prior –
As Kashion and she stepped out, she immediately noticed Queen Ada. She was walking straight toward them from the corridor. And she looked truly angry. Was this about the negotiation?
"Is that her?" Queen Ada asked loudly, her gaze fixed on Prior. Anything but friendly.
Prior flinched and instinctively stepped behind Kashion. He raised his arm in front of her and stepped forward, as if to protect her.
Queen Ada now stood before them. Prior felt the surrounding people grow quiet, their attention drawn to the scene. Some began whispering.
"Is that her?" Queen Ada asked again, looking at Kashion.
He said nothing at first, then: "Mother?"
She was close to snorting.
"Because of this…"—she seemed to search for words and shook her head—"because of this inconspicuous person, you rejected my future daughter-in-law?"
That hurt. Prior lowered her gaze. She hadn't expected it to be easy to gain Kashion's parents' acceptance. But she hadn't expected a scene like this either.
"Mother, please! Don't speak like that," said Kashion.
Prior looked up again, and Queen Ada looked her straight in the eyes.
"How dare you hurt my future daughter-in-law?"
Kashion touched Prior's arm. His voice was deeply emotional as he spoke:
"Mother, please. The person who is most likely to be your daughter-in-law is her—Prior. Please don't speak to her like that."
"Daughter-in-law?" Queen Ada said, letting out a dry laugh. "I will never accept this person. Never!"
Then she turned and walked away quickly.
She would not be accepted. Prior was deeply hurt. It felt like a sharp sting. Once again, she wasn't wanted. She stood there, frozen.
Kashion's hand found hers, and the touch pulled her out of her trance.
She looked at him, and there were so many emotions in his eyes. So much depth. He almost looked afraid.
– Kashion –
Kashion looked at Prior. She seemed deeply hurt. He knew what she had been through—and that this situation would reopen those wounds.
She looked so small and vulnerable. He touched her arm.
"Prior?"
She swallowed and shook her head. Then she forced a smile and said, "It's fine. Everything's okay."
Kashion smiled sadly. That was so like Prior. She didn't want him to worry and tried not to burden him with her pain and feelings. But that had to change.
He pulled her into an embrace. He felt her hesitate at first, stiffening slightly. But he held her tighter, and he felt her tension slowly ease. He loosened the embrace but still held her by the arms. He saw tears in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Prior."
She shook her head again.
"Prior, my mother is very emotional. I know it's a lot to ask, but give her time—and another chance."
She looked at him questioningly.
He continued: "I'll talk to her. And once she's calmed down, I'll properly introduce you to each other. In peace."
Prior gave a faint smile and nodded.
Oren stepped beside him and said, "We should go."
Kashion closed his eyes briefly. He hated leaving her alone right now.
"I have to go, Prior. I'll message you as soon as we're done. Maybe you could—"
"It's fine," she interrupted. "I understand. You have to go. You'll manage, and then the agreement will be finalized soon. That's good." She smiled. "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay."
He nodded several times. "Okay. Wait for me. I'll be in touch."
Then he left with Oren for the next meeting.
– Prior –
Prior remained standing there, aware of a few lingering glances. It was embarrassing how the Queen had spoken to her. Not just embarrassing, of course. Above all, it hurt. Why couldn't they simply accept her the way they would have accepted Princess Evlina?
She didn't want to talk to anyone right now. She needed some time alone.
She wondered if she should go to the garden. The temperature seemed pleasant. Fresh air would probably do her good.
On her way there, she felt that uneasy sensation again—like someone was watching her.
In the garden, she wandered along the paths, occasionally touching trees and flowers. She heard the crickets she now recognized, and a few birds. It was actually a pleasant day. She already felt a bit freer. Surely things with Queen Ada would resolve soon.
Still, she felt watched. She looked around, but never saw anyone. She laughed softly. Maybe she was just being a little paranoid.
She sat down on a bench near a pond and enjoyed the calm and the colors. Yes, it was pleasant here in the palace. Pleasant on Earth. Would this really become her home?
She thought about what Kashion had said—that she was the one most likely to be called Queen Ada's daughter-in-law. Would she really have in-laws again soon? She took a deep breath.
How long would the High Council meeting last?
She stood up again and walked back into the palace.
Once inside, she wondered if she should go to the library. She wasn't hungry yet.
She walked down the corridor when suddenly someone approached her with quick steps.
She flinched—it was King Tyron. Two large men stood at his side.
"That's her!" King Tyron said.
Prior recoiled as the men rushed straight toward her.