Lunaria (The Unraveled Fate Series Book 1) by Kara Douglas

Author:Kara Douglas [Douglas, Kara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-19T16:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

LEUCANTHEMUM

The Duke steps forward, clearing his voice and trying to gain the attention of the crowd once more. The rumors have already begun to circulate the room, the guests trying to piece together how Graylen and I came to this point.

I’m wondering the same thing.

“Now! For the second congratulations tonight. Prince Adrian?” The Duke motions for Adrian to come stand beside him.

I watch in half horror, half shock as Adrian goes along with Duke Wyman’s announcement. There’s likely nothing he can do at this point even if he wanted to - his father is still King.

“While the festivities of the matching took place, we were honored to have several Penyth diplomats join us for a short period.” He pauses, letting that sink in for a moment. No one from Penyth ever came to the castle.

“There’s no need to be afraid! The diplomats came on peaceful terms. They were under strict instructions that no witchery or tricks would be committed while on Crea’s soil. They were thoroughly searched, questioned, and researched.” People around me share nervous glances, uncertain about having Penyth sleeping in the same castle without anyone realizing it.

“On behalf of King Avalon, I’m pleased to announce that a decision was made to bring peace to our kingdom. In exchange for their commander, the one you all met at the Celebration ball, they agreed to an alliance.” Dramatically, he waits once more, letting people gasp and whisper loudly at the implication. Peace hasn’t been obtained since the split of the Empire so long ago. My father, my father’s father, and their fathers before them hadn’t seen the two kingdoms united as one. No one in our lifetime thought we’d ever see it either.

“For now, we’ve all agreed to a truce. Prince Adrian will marry Princess Leda of Penyth.” Shock reverberates through the room, and my vision blurs. Graylen’s steadying hand is suddenly my only lifeline as I stumble. The duke forges ahead, ignoring the murmurs sounding throughout. “Their union will solidify the peace treaty. We will not attack Penyth, and they will not attack us. Nor will they perform any volatile acts.” Duke Wyman beams as the King’s eyes drop closed, a light snore sounding from his throat.

The crowd is frozen for a moment, silence suspended in the air at the impossibility of an actual alliance with Penyth. The kingdom that has spent hundreds of years tormenting Crea, while we do nothing in turn.

How can we expect things to be solved by a simple marriage treaty? The hatred between the two kingdoms runs deeper than the dodders infesting the land. In my world, things don’t just fall into place. Yet here we all are, waiting around. Hoping that peace falls into our laps instead of war. But sometimes, war is inevitable.

The quietness in the room erupts into loud clapping and hearty cheers. Soon everyone in attendance is laughing and dancing, spinning around the room and raising their cups in salutes and praises.

A single voice rings out over the crowd, “Peace to Crea! Long live the King and Prince Adrian!” and everyone quickly joins in the chant.

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