The next morning crept slowly over Kings' City. The palace courtyards were already alive with movement. Servants hurried across the stone paths carrying bundles of luggage. Horses were saddled. Guards stood in formation near the gates.
The engagement feast had ended only a few hours before, yet the palace had already returned to its business.
Inside one of the royal guest chambers, Sonia sat quietly while servants finished dressing her.
Her white gown had been replaced by a travelling cloak of grey fur. The cloth wrapped around her shoulders tightly, shielding her from the cold wind that waited outside the palace walls.
She did not speak. She barely moved. The servants finished their work and stepped aside.
John rolled her chair toward the door. "Ready, my lady," he said softly.
The wheels creaked gently across the polished floor as they left the chamber and moved into the corridor.
The palace hallways were quieter now. Most of the nobles had either departed or were preparing to do so.
John pushed the chair steadily as they began moving toward the palace entrance where the Northern escort waited.
Boots echoed faintly in the corridor behind them.
A voice spoke. "May I?" John turned his head.
Prince Ryli stood a few steps away. He wore a dark travelling coat now instead of the ceremonial armor from the night before. His golden crest glimmered faintly on the clasp at his throat.
John immediately stepped aside. "Of course, Your Grace."
He released the handles of the chair and moved backward respectfully.
Ryli stepped forward and placed his hands on the chair.
The wheels rolled again. He guided Sonia slowly through the corridor.
For a while neither of them spoke. The sound of the wheels turning across the stone floor filled the silence between them.
Then Ryli spoke quietly. "I know you are not happy about this alliance." His voice remained calm. "I am not either."
Sonia's jaw tightened immediately. Her fingers curled slightly in her lap.
This was not a conversation she wanted to have. Not with him.
She did not turn her head. "Stop sounding like a human," she said coldly.
Her eyes remained forward. "You and I know the monster within you."
Ryli chuckled faintly behind her. "Yeah." His voice held no anger. "You are right to see me as one."
The wheels continued turning. "I will never love you," he continued. "Neither will I accept you."
Sonia's shoulders stiffened slightly. Ryli kept pushing the chair calmly. "But for the good of our houses," he went on, "let us respect each other enough to pretend to be lovers in public."
Sonia let out a short, dry laugh. It sounded hollow. "You do not care about your house," she said quietly.
Her voice carried more certainty now. "Nor my house." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "All you are obsessed with is the Golden Throne."
Ryli smiled.
Even though she could not see his face, the smile was clear in his voice. "It is good that you know."
The wheels slowed slightly as they approached the palace courtyard. "And I would not allow anyone to jeopardize that dream."
He paused for a moment.
Then he leaned slightly closer toward her. His voice lowered. "Not you." Another step. "Not your father."
His grin widened. "I will behead and carve eyes out in order to protect my throne."
Sonia did not respond. Her face remained still. But deep inside her chest something twisted tightly.
I pray you do not ascend the Golden Throne.
The thought burned quietly inside her mind.
The people would know no joy with a king like you sitting upon it.
The palace doors opened before them. Cold sea wind rushed into the corridor.
Outside, the royal procession was already waiting. A golden chariot stood at the center of the courtyard. Guards lined the road leading toward the harbor.
Ryli rolled Sonia toward the chariot. He lifted her carefully and placed her upon the cushioned seat.
The wheels of the chair were folded and secured behind the carriage.
Nearby, King Robert and Edmond Woodland mounted their horses. Their armored escorts gathered around them. Lady Bianca stepped into the chariot beside Sonia.
Queen Freya joined her shortly after. The royal convoy began moving through the city streets.
The road to the harbor stretched along the coastline. Waves crashed loudly against the stone walls below as the wind carried the scent of salt through the air.
The harbor itself was alive with activity. Large ships waited at the docks.
Northern banners fluttered from their masts..Sailors moved quickly across the decks preparing for departure. The convoy stopped near the largest ship.
Edmond dismounted first. Robert followed shortly after. The two rulers stood facing each other near the edge of the dock.
For a moment they simply looked at one another. Years of friendship rested in that silence.
Then Robert stepped forward and embraced him. "This is it," Robert said.
His voice carried warmth. "We will definitely meet again, my friend."
Edmond smiled faintly. "That is if you do not die from too much wine soon."
Robert burst into laughter. "You wound me." Edmond chuckled.
The two men embraced again. Nearby, sailors began preparing the gangplank.
Ryli walked toward Sonia's chariot. He stopped beside her. Both of their fathers stood close enough to see them clearly.
Ryli's expression softened instantly. His voice shifted.
Gentle, and warm.
Perfectly rehearsed. "The next time we meet," he said tenderly, "you will be my wife."
Sonia did not answer. She stared straight ahead. Ryli leaned slightly closer. "I wish you a swift sail, my queen."
Still she did not respond. For a moment the silence lingered. But Ryli moved anyway. He leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips.
Gasps of admiration rose softly from those watching.
To everyone present it looked like a moment of affection between two young nobles. A prince saying farewell to his future bride.
But Sonia knew the truth behind the gesture. It was not love. It was a bargain.
Leverage.
A piece of theater played before the eyes of kings.
Ryli stepped back. Sailors lowered the gangplank.
Edmond helped Sonia onto the ship. Bianca followed closely behind.
The Northern guards boarded next. Ropes were loosened. Sails began to rise. The great ship slowly pulled away from the dock.
The distance between the vessel and the harbor widened gradually.
Robert stood at the edge of the dock watching..His cloak whipped in the sea wind..He lifted one hand and waved toward the departing ship.
Edmond stood on the deck and returned the gesture.
The ship moved farther out into the open water. The banners of the North fluttered strongly above its masts.
Robert remained standing there long after the vessel had begun shrinking into the horizon. Still watching. Still waving his old friend goodbye.