The Alliance Marriage Gone Wrong

I return to the capital in a hurry after fighting a successful war. In my left hand is a letter from the King that ordered me to return to the palace as soon as possible. Though the details were not written in the letter, I'm sure that there is an emergency.

I was supposed to return to the capital with my soldiers after two days. We fought a huge war with the Helsia Kingdom for almost a week, which ended three days ago. Though we also suffered a huge toll, my Alewine Army wins, like always.

I'm Iria Alewine, the Commander of the Alewine Army.

My late grandfather built the Alewine Army and it was passed on to my father who expand and strengthened it. When my father passed away two years ago, I took over the Army as it's first female and youngest Commander at the age of 18.

Since then I lead my Army several times and won every war that we ever fought. My Alewine Army became the most elite and prestigious Army in our Jerivia Kingdom.

I reach the palace with my right hand man, Rion after riding the horse for three long days. I stand in front of the court door and my arrival is announced. I handed my sword to Rion and instruct him to wait for me as I am supposed to enter alone.

I enter the court and stand a few steps away from the King who is sitting on his throne. Standing in the right and left corner are the two most trusted Ministers of the King. The Crown Prince is also there sitting next to the King.

"I, Iria Alewine, return with victory as you ordered. Greetings, Your Majesty." I kneeled and greet the King.

"Rise, my dear Commander." King Tobias Aventine commanded and I rise as his order.

"We should welcome you with great celebrations but because of our situation, I summoned you back in a hurry. I hope that you will understand." The King explained. "You managed to defeat the Helsia Army in such a short time. I'm really proud of you, Iria." He beamed with pride.

Though this man is my King, he was the best friend of my late father and he is like an uncle to me. So, he always treat me very well. As such, I respect and admire him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It's all due to my soldiers dedication. And I'm sure that you have a reason; so I understand." I replied formally.

I shift my gaze to the Crown Prince who look at me with a warm smile. He seem to be very happy that I return safe and sound. After all, he is my best friend since our childhood days. I nod and give him a smile in return.

"Thanks for understanding, Commander. We have a very huge problem. As you know, we agreed to have an alliance marriage with Qalagon a month ago. The Princess already accept the marriage."

I feel a pain in my heart when I think about my close friend, Princess Iria Aventine. Yes, we have the same first name. We were born in the same year so our fathers decided to give us the same name as a sign of their friendship.

Thinking that she will soon be married off to another Kingdom make me sad. But there is nothing we could do. It's for the Kingdom and the people.

"But the Princess suffered an assassination attempt just a week ago. She has not regain her consciousness since then." King Tobias notified me with grief.

My eyes grew wide open in surprise! I cannot believe what I just heard. My friend was in a coma for a week and I only know now? I stood daze, overwhelmed by guilt and fear.

I'm afraid to lose my friend. I should be there to protect her and shield her from all harm and dangers! But what could I possibly do? I was busy fighting a war.

Realizing that I am still in a court, I composed myself and look at the King. I can tell how hard it would have been for him. "What will we do?" I asked him.

"That's what I want to ask you, Iria. You are the Princess closest friend. You know her the best. Besides, our Kingdom's security is on the line. And you are the one who is mainly responsible for the safety of our Kingdom." The King told me.

I think about it for a while, weighing our current condition. "The Qalagons will not believe us even if we tell the truth. They will think that we didn't want the marriage alliance. We just finished fighting a war with Helsia. As of now, we cannot afford another war that soon. So, the marriage alliance needs to take place no matter what."

"The Qalagons didn't reach out to us with good intentions. I heard that they are secretly preparing for a war. The marriage alliance is only a cover for them. So, we need to play along with them and stall time until we are ready for another war." The King informed me.

I'm in a dilemma. I finds it really hard to come up with a suggestion. I then asked to visit the Princess first.

I entered the room where my friend is lying peacefully on her bed. She didn't answer me even if I call her name. My heart breaks at the sight of her!

In the past, she was always the happiest whenever I returned with victory. Now, this is how she welcomed me!

I recalled how the Princess accepted the marriage. She didn't want to marry a complete stranger. On top of that, the man is the Crown Prince of another Kingdom. Besides, she is always fragile and unhealthy since birth.

But she loves her Kingdom and the people more than anything else! That was why she was willing to marry the Crown Prince of our rival Kingdom. She did it for the sake of her beloved people.

I sit by her side for a while and held her hands. She is always like a family to me; for I didn't have any family left in this whole world. Then I make up my mind.

I will surely protect the people and make sure that her wish is fulfilled. I will do it for her!

I leave the room after looking back at her twice. I then walk inside the royal court and inform them that I have a solution now. Everyone turn their attention to me with curiosity.

"I will marry the Crown Prince of Qalagon in the Princess's place." I declared with confidence.