As the wind swept across the White Bridge of Graitan, silence hung heavy between the two sides. Then, atop his warhorse, the emperor laughed. Loud and haughty, the sound echoing across the span. He could hardly believe what he had just heard.
Lennix sneered. "How can I believe such an absurd proposal? You offer it so easily! What assurance do I have that you won't betray us and spark a revolution under the pretense of making us 'great'?"
Theana met his gaze, her voice firm. "Believe it or not—that is your choice, great Emperor Lennix. I speak for the safety of my people. I have no intention of losing a single Magis life in an unnecessary war."
Annoyed by her composure and what he perceived as insolence, Lennix spoke again.
"Fine." He dismounted from his warhorse, his expression hardening. "I am a man who takes what he desires. I will consider your proposal… but you…"
His lips curled into a cruel smile.
"You shall be my personal advisor. Or better yet—my slave. You will answer my every call, attend to my every need…" His voice dropped, edged with menace as he approached Theana and whispered in her ear, yet loud enough for others to hear. "Even in bed. What say you?"
He took a step back, his gaze fixed on her as it slowly traveled from head to toe, appraising every detail of her body.
"I will accept nothing less, O great chancellor. You will serve me—personally."
An evil smile spread across his face. He hoped to see Theana cry, waver, or flinch even slightly. Behind her, her people—advisors and generals alike—were brimming with rage, ready to strike, especially the Dark Magis.
Yet, Theana remained utterly composed. Calm and unyielding. She did not respond, did not acknowledge a word he spoke. Her advisors and generals held their positions, unshaken despite their fury.
Although her stoicism impressed him, it also frustrated him. The reactions he had anticipated, the fear, hesitation, defiance were absent. With a sharp click of his tongue, Lennix turned and strode back to his horse, irritation flickering across his face.
"By tomorrow, I expect a form of payment—whatever your nation can offer. My decision to accept your chancellor's terms will depend on what you present. Do not make any mistake: this bargain your chancellor is offering benefits your nation the most. I could easily wipe out your people, yet…" Lennix mounted his horse, his gaze fixed on Theana. With a cruel laugh, he added, "looking at that pretty face makes me wonder what she can do for me."
With that, he strode off, flanked by his guards.
"Why did you do that?!" Rokhan, the Dark Magis, shouted at Theana, who had her back turned to him. "Why didn't you let us fight?!"
She remained silent, turning slowly facing her generals and advisors, still saying nothing.
"You're just going to let him do whatever he wants?" Rokhan continued, his voice rising. "Be as haughty as he pleases, spew his ridiculous demands! Do you think we dont know what it is you intend to do?"
The other advisors and generals exchanged glances. They shared Rokhan's outrage, yet none dared speak. Deep down, they understood. Their beloved chancellor, the one they had elected through democracy, was willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her people. Whether it meant being an advisor or a slave, if it could spare her nation from war and secure prosperity, better trade, and greater opportunities, she would not hesitate.
Rokhan, growing angrier by the second at her silence, shouted again. "Say something, Chancellor! Command us to fight, and we will eradicate those bastards tonight!"
Theana spoke, her voice calm and resolute.
"You shall do no such thing."
Yet, her words were firm and unwavering.
"I am your chancellor, the one in whom you have placed your faith to lead. This is my decision."
As she strode towards them, the other White Magis began to appear near the gate, waiting for their chancellor to support her in whatever she required. Passing her generals and advisors, she continued:
"Each tribe will present something valuable. Something suitable for the pleasantries of an emperor, but not of tremendous worth. I leave the details to your discussions with your respective tribes."
Rokhan's patience snapped. He grabbed Theana's arm.
"Do you think your people would accept your unilateral decision? Do you think I will accept you sacrificing yourself for this, Theana?!"
The others moved as if to restrain the furious Rokhan, ready to remind him of her authority. They knew the history between the White and Dark Magis, but even they could see that Rokhan was crossing the line.
Before they could act, Theana lifted her free hand and gently caressed Rokhan's face. The gentle touch struck him to his core, stirring emotions rarely revealed by a Dark Magus. His eyes locked onto hers, a storm of longing and frustration simmering within. He wished she would defy the bargain and command him to wipe out the bastards. He would do it without hesitation.
But Theana's expression softened only into a gentle, serene smile.
"For the people of Graitan…"
As she spoke, she released her hand and walked toward the small gathering of White Magis, leaving Rokhan broken-hearted.
Rage surged through him, and he shouted his frustrations into the wind. Around him, the others watched, feeling the same fury, yet powerless to act. Their chancellor had spoken and her command was absolute. They are to follow without question.