18 The Decision

"You will leave for the north after two days early in the morning."

King Evan didn't say anything after that.

He wanted to say something but he remembered the discussion yesterday with his adviser.

"If North has taken initiative then why do you want to reject it, my king?" Asked the man in his early sixties. With his stomach out, and short body it took him some effort to stand up from his comfortable seat and to walk to the middle of the room.

"Wedding a human princess to a prince of beasts? What are you trying to suggest here, Cyrus?" King Evan was instantly flared up.

"I can perfectly understand your worries, but still I would like you to hear me first and then give it some thought." The man said. His expression calmed without any hint of dislike even after he could clearly see the anger in the eyes of the man on the main seat of the table.

"Speak up." King Evan said. He wasn't slightly interested but he trusted the man in front of him and he knew he wouldn't speak a word without necessity.

"The situation with the South is becoming worse and worse each year. Even though they didn't try to attack directly, they are pressuring us in all other ways." The man said and paused as he took a sip from his glass.

"It is just a matter of time when we have to side with one of them. So why not now? According to me, this is a very good deal." Stated Cyrus.

"I will not sacrifice my daughter." But the king was firm on his decision.

"We are not sacrificing her. Marrying her to the prince of the north will ensure a longer life for her and this kingdom but it can't be said the same for the South." He looked meaningfully at the king and a deep frown settled on Evan's face.

"With the changing scenario, East (kingdom of Atlanea) can no longer sit by side and watch. I'm after the piece of paper in the name of treaty can not be trusted anymore. We have to side with any of them. All we can do is choose less bad. It is better to accept this proposal with an open hand rather than be forced to do it." Cyrus didn't say anything after that and left the decision for the king to decide.

After weighing the pros and cons at the end, King finally took his decision and announced that Silja will take part in the ceremony.

And everything became chaotic that night. Doris sent a few maids to help her prepare the necessary things. Silja's hands were trembling as she saw everything being packed. She felt relieved yet troubled. relieved as one big problem has been solved and trouble because of the things waiting for her in the future.

Mira, her little maid, was very upset about the decision but Silja told her to stay calm although she was in a frenzy. King Evan has sent Benjamin to a far small city of Atlanea for some business and he was kept in the dark about this whole thing by his father.

Everything happened very fast after that, not letting her process all the things going on. On the morning of the third day after her birthday, Silja was standing on the small entrance island where the ship had been kept hostage by northern soldiers. The one who received them on the dock was the same young man who was with King Zachary that day. His name was Henry. The ship for Silja was already ready, her luggage was already loaded.

"You know what you need to do right?" King Evan asked as he stood beside her looking at the ship which was ready to sail. Three big ships were going towards the main dock of Atlanea and one was facing North which was to take Silja to the north.

"Don't worry father. I will be fine and will write to you as soon as I reach there." Silja tried to reassure her father.

And the old man nodded his head.

"Come, Princess, it's time." Said Henry.

"Take care." Queen Doris Murmured slowly. Silja looked at her mother and suddenly with a rush she opened her arms and hugged her lightly. The relationship between them was always a little distant and Silja never understood why. Nor did Doris ever explain.

Doris froze with the sudden hug but before she could think much Silja took a step back and bid them goodbye. Doris kept looking at the lone back of the young girl.

Mira who was standing at the side was looking unhappy with all things going on but she had no say in anything. Silja sat on the small boat with Mira and one other maid. The boat took them towards the big ship floating in the deep waters. As the boat reached near the ship, it was hooked and pulled up in the ship. Silja was last to board the ship. Soon after with a loud voice, the ship started to sail, taking her far away from her home. Silja stood near the edge and saw her father and mother looking at her as she felt their faces become blurred as the distance grew between them.

##Note

50 power stone in next week and I will update one extra chap. 100 power = 3 extra chap.

One extra chap at 5 Golden = 1 extra chap.

Gifts are well appreciated.