"On behalf of the crown, I give you my word. These men will be executed by your liking," Roselyn said. She didn’t waver at the stares she got from the remaining council members and her mother.

"What are you doing child?" Felista asked.

"I am part of the crown mother, and it is my duty to serve the best of interests on behalf of my people. It would be silly to wage war against Crescia because of three men who are as good as dead!"

"It’s decided then!" Alexander said as if it was his kingdom. He stood and walked down the stairs so that he was now standing beside Lord Augustus.

"Your Highness," he greeted Roselyn with the slightest of bows, but to her, it was no lesser than mockery.

"Queen Isadora and I will get married in a week’s time," he announced. Isadora looked at him surprised. He had never told her about their marriage plans but he chose to announce it!

"I’d like to extend my royal invitation to the crown princess, and offer terms," he added, an evil glint in his smile.

"That’s a disgrace to the crown," Lord Augustus beseeched him but Alexander was quick to silence him with a wave of his hand. His eyes rested on Roselyn who stared back unblinkingly.

"Valoria and Crescia will turn into one empire after marriage. And since Arcadia is in a strategic position, we’d like to extend our invitation to join the empire."

"We can never do that!" Felista pointed.

"Both you and I know how powerful Valoria and Crescia can be when they forge one army."

"My husband helped you and this is how you repay us?"

Alexander smiled subtly at Felista. "If you did notice, I was talking to Roselyn all the while."

Felista: " ". She looked sideways in embarrassment, her fists clenched hard.

"I’ll consider your request and give an answer to you. Your invitation has been received by the crown Your Majesty." Roselyn replied.

Alexander smiled at her and just as he was about to leave, he remembered something. "A request, Your Highness."

Roselyn gestured him to go on. She saw him look at Sir Brandon and could already guess what was going on. He gestured him to step forward, all dressed as a Valorian knight.

"Apologies Your Highness. The man you see in front of you..."

"The man I see in front of me is Sir Brandon of Arcadia, a sworn knight to my daughter. How did he end up in those stinking Valorian armours?" Felista asked causing some murmuring in the throne hall.

It was known that Felista hated Valorians but she had never shown it publicly. And now that she was the queen regent, she had the power to do so. It was the liking her husband had to Valorian that kept her silent for all the years. Even Roselyn was surprised by her outburst. But Valoria had clearly stepped out of line here.

"Again, I’m talking to Her Highness," Alexander reminded. The atmosphere grew tense with Arcadian knights standing by. The Valorian knights present stood as well, hands on swords. Crescian knights just stared at Isadora confused on which side they’d take would a war spark.

"It’s okay mother. He’s my night after all," Roselyn said and only then did the tension loosen.

"As I was saying before I got interrupted by... This man is Sir Brandon of Arcadia, and he saved me countless times. I owe him a great deal, and honor is the only thing I can grant him. But he once was and still is an Arcadian knight by oath. I ask of her Highness to release him from his oath for the better of the empire."

"Why should I?" Roselyn asked. He had taken everything from her and now he wanted her personal knight, leave alone the kingdom!

"Because he wishes to serve me but is bound by your oath. As you can see, he has taken the first step already," Alexander said, representing Brandon to her like a magician.

Brandon looked at Roselyn but her sharp gaze made him to look down. He could hear her steps walking down the stairs until she halted right in front of him.

"Look at me Sir Brandon," she demanded. He ever so lightly lifted his eyes settling on her face. Her scar was far from healing. He swallowed the lump in his throat, his Adam’s apple popping up and down.

"Is it true, what His Majesty has said? Do you wish to serve him?"

"With all my life," he answered, not blinking at once.

Roselyn couldn’t deny the fact that she was hurt. She was losing not only her knight but a close friend who had always thrown the truth at her even when she was too arrogant to accept it. Brandon had been nothing lesser of a brother to her, but if this was his wish and desire, then she would gladly grant it to him.

"I release you from your oath Sir Brandon. Serve your king as you served me," she said, a bitter smile curved on her lips. They were both hesitant to leave both looking at each others eyes in untold emotions. And when Roselyn couldn’t bear it longer, she threw herself in his embrace, not minding the cold armor he wore nor the deathly stares she received from her mother and the Lords of Arcadia.

Sir Brandon was caught by surprise. His hands rested on his side, fear taking the better part of him. His eyes scanned the crowd momentarily settling on Felista who had daggers for a stare. If looks could kill. He gently lifted his arms and stroked her back softly until she finally drew from his embrace.

"Go and serve your new king Sir Brandon," she said letting go of his hand. Brandon didn’t fail to notice the hurt look on his face as she walked back to her position on the crown.

"The King of Valoria is a considerate person your Majesty," Alexander continued.

"And that’s why in Sir Brandon’s place, I’d like to give you a substitute, an even better one." He spiced up.

"I hope you’ll like him," Alexander said. Roselyn was the least interested in having another knight from Valoria at that. If she wanted another one, she’d just pick one from Arcadia.

"Lord Newton? Please step forward!"