Fated flame's

The grand hall of Alvoris was as imposing as its king, with towering pillars carved into the shape of serpents and a ceiling painted in shadows. King Ivoran sat on his throne, draped in furs and gold, his piercing gaze locked on Deleris as the younger brother of King Dorian entered the chamber with measured steps.

Ivoran's expression was unreadable, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "Deleris of Aladrath," he said, his voice calm but laced with suspicion. "I suppose your presence here has to do with the war raging in the west?"

Deleris bowed slightly, his posture respectful but not subservient. "Your Majesty, I bring word from my brother. But I would not presume to waste your time with pleasantries. The matter I bring is... delicate and demands your wisdom."

Ivoran smirked faintly, leaning forward. "Flattery will get you nowhere. Speak plainly."

Deleris nodded. "Very well. My brother believes that our mutual interests align, and that together, we could achieve something far greater than either of us alone. The war with Thaldris is but the beginning of an opportunity to reshape the balance of power in these lands."

The king raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, does Aladrath seek from me?"

"For now, only your patience, Your Majesty," Deleris replied smoothly. "I wish to discuss the matter in detail, but such discussions take time. Rushed decisions are rarely wise ones."

Ivoran chuckled, his sharp eyes studying the man before him. "Clever words, but words alone won't sway me. Tell me, Deleris, why should I even entertain this conversation?"

Deleris met the king's gaze evenly. "Because, Your Majesty, the kingdom of Thaldris is like a coiled serpent. It will strike when least expected, and if it gains the upper hand, it will not stop at Aladrath. Alvoris would be next. Supporting Aladrath now ensures your own kingdom's security in the future."

King Ivoran leaned back in his throne, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You speak well, Deleris. Too well. Let's see if your wisdom holds up under scrutiny."

He gestured to one of his advisors, who stepped forward with a scroll. "A matter has troubled my kingdom for some time," Ivoran said, unrolling the scroll. "A dispute between two noble families over land. Both claim their ancestors were granted the land by my predecessors. The documents supporting their claims are... ambiguous, at best. Resolving this has proven to be more trouble than it's worth."

He handed the scroll to Deleris. "Tell me, wise emissary, what would you do?"

Deleris studied the document briefly, his brow furrowing. Then he handed it back, a faint smile on his lips. "Your Majesty, may I ask one question before answering?"

Ivoran nodded.

"What do you want the outcome to be?"

The king tilted his head, surprised by the question. "I want peace, of course. But I also want strength. The family that controls this land will gain significant power."

Deleris smiled. "Then the solution is simple. Declare the land crown property. Neither family will hold it, but both will owe you their loyalty for resolving the matter. Strengthen the crown, and you strengthen the kingdom."

Silence fell over the hall. The advisors exchanged uncertain glances, but Ivoran's smirk widened.

"Interesting," the king murmured. "You think like a ruler, Deleris."

The conversation shifted again, and eventually, Deleris revealed the true purpose of his visit. He spoke of Elira, Thaldris's captive princess, and the potential leverage she offered.

At first, Ivoran dismissed the idea. "A cursed child? What use is she to anyone?"

Deleris gestured, and the guards brought Elira forward. Her chains clinked softly as she stepped into the light, her wide, doe-like eyes scanning the room with a mix of fear and defiance.

Ivoran's gaze lingered on her longer than he intended. She wasn't the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, but there was something about her—those eyes, so haunting and vulnerable, yet unyielding.

"She's not important," Deleris admitted, "but she is... intriguing. Her presence alone could unsettle Thaldris. And, Your Majesty, there's a certain satisfaction in holding the child of your enemy."

The king's lips curled into a predatory smile. "You make a compelling case, Deleris. I'll take the girl—and you, if you're willing. Alvoris could use someone with your... talents." the king said as Deneris frowed his brow, he was'nt expecting such offer.