Chapter Two

*please read this on wattpad to see cover.

Everyone fell silent. Although no one had ever seen the Shield in action, the legends from the stories filled them in on what it was supposed to look like. The previous side conversations and shouts of encouragements disappeared. Shakily rising to her feet, Cleona met Micah's eyes. Pure, undiluted shock was written all over his face. She made sure to keep her own features expressionless, for she did not want anyone to have even the slightest clue as to what she was thinking about.

Father was the first one to break the silence. Stepping into the circle, he asked,"What do you think should be done? I want both of your opinions."

She thought for a second, still wrapping her head around the fact that King Micah and her were mates. Hmmm, it was just discovered that she and Micah are mates, that fate had decided to put a bond between them so that they could never kill each other on purpose. Well, the solution is quite simple.

"I think that King Micah should choose someone else for me to fight," Cleona said finally, crossing her arms.

"That wouldn't be fair," Micah countered. "My men are no match for you. Would you want someone else other than yourself fight me? I was my country's only hope."

She couldn't help but laugh a dry, humorless laugh. She didn't know any king who would humble himself that much as to say such a thing that condescending towards his own soldiers. Plus, he didn't seem like the type of person who would humble himself in any circumstance.

"Well then, what is your solution to this situation? She asked, irritated at his objection to her idea.

Micah looked at her, a malicious smile forming on his face. "I think that the most reasonable thing to do is to join together in a political marriage.

Cleona smirked."Like that's going to happen." Despite her confident words, the princess was hoping and praying to the gods that her father wouldn't agree to the suggestion. Yet when she glanced at him, she saw his face screwed up in deep concentration, as if he was contemplating the proposal. Please don't Father. Please don't Father. Please-

"That is a splendid idea," Father said at last, interrupting her desperate mental pleas."No more bloodshed, no more war, just peace and harmony."

She gave him an incredulous stare. "But Father, joining us together would be disasterous. You know how I can't stand insolent morons," Cleona whined.

"You be careful of how you speak to me, girl," Micah snarled. "I do not wish to marry you, for you are repulsive and are most definitely not my type, but it is either that, or we continue the war."

She sighed after Father gave her a look, ignoring the insult thrown at her. "I must put my Lydon (referring to her country) before myself. I accept the proposal," she announced.

Across from her, Micah laughed evilly. "I think not," he said. "First, you must apologize for badmouthing me. Then will I consider forming the alliance."

She gaped at him. Turning to her father to protest, Cleona realized that he was not going to step in to help her. "I'm sorry Your Majesty. Please forgive me," she bit out after taking a deep breath.

Micah's smile widened. "No, that is unacceptable. You must beg me to accept your apologize." He crossed his arms, smirking.

She imagined cutting him up into pieces. Cleona was the princess of Lydon and future queen. She did not beg; she demanded. "You will accept my apology, or you will be sorry," she said, her voice low yet dangerous. This thing was testing her patience. All around her, she could hear the soldiers whispering now, placing bets on who would lash out first.

But, before things could escalate any further, Father jumped in. "Will you marry my daughter or not," he asked impatiently.

Micah turned his attention to my father and gave him a curt nod. "Yes."

"When," came Father's demand.

"I suppose three weeks will be enough time to prepare for the wedding."

Father looked to his daughter for confirmation. It was not necessarily enough time to prepare for a proper wedding, but she couldn't care less. Despite her earlier rejection at the idea, they needed this alliance secured lest any problems that could start the war arise again. "Three weeks is fine," she said. "I want the wedding to be at Telma." That was the place where Mother had wanted her to get married. Plus, it was right on the border of their two countries, making this joining more symbolic.

"As you wish, Princess," Micah said, surprisingly respecting her input.

Father shook hands with Micah, and the soldiers started talking normally once more. The sun was starting to set, which would make it difficult to reach the castle in a timely manner. Cleona left her father and Micah to discuss a few more things while she joined her most trusted commander's side.

"The war is now over," she said softly. The weight on her shoulders seemed to lessen slightly. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the calming scent of magic. Her magic. Micah's magic. Although you couldn't see the difference between dark and pure magic, you could feel it. Her magic was seductive and soothing while his was startling and a bit obtrusive. The feeling of  the magic around her made her feel better, made her momentarily forget about the events that had happened today.

Commander Kriden looked down at her and smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling due to his age, though it looked forced. "Yes. Our soldiers can go home to their families now."

She met Kriden's warm brown eyes. Most of his family— two of his sons and his wife— had been killed by Arlentian soldiers when they invaded his hometown, Wefton. Only Brendon, his youngest, had survived. "I will make sure that Micah pays for all of the pain that he brought upon his people. He will not see it coming," Cleona vowed.

Kriden shook his head. "You will do no such thing. We need this peace treaty, and although I appreciate what your trying to do, I will not let it happen." He paused. " Now, I have a question for you." She nodded at him to continue, trying my best to ignore the loud clamor of soldiers blabbing. "Why didn't you use your sword Gholmost? You always use that sword in the battle field."

She gasped. "I forgot about it!" I exclaimed, smacking my head. "I don't know what happened." Kriden just shrugged and unsheathed a sword from his scabbard that, as far as sh was concerned, didn't belong to him.

"Here," was all he said, handing it to her. It was her beautiful black sword. She smiled and let her magic travel up it. He handed her the scabbard as well, which she attached to her belt and put her sword in.

"Thank you ," the princess said. He merely nodded. After that they just stood together in silence, watching the soldiers that she had hand selected to come with her, Kriden,and Father. They made no move to silence their soldiers, to discipline them, for they deserved to at least talk and joke amongst themselves. The Arlentian soldiers also talked shamelessly, taking advantage of their occupied king.

Finally, when she was about ready to storm over to her father and Micah to tell them to shut up already, they mounted their horses that were tied to nearby trees. "Soldiers," she shouted over the din, "mount your horses. Now." At once, her men did as they were commanded. Micah did the same as she, and his soldiers scrambled onto their mounts. She too jumped onto her favorite horse, Eclipse, her commander following my actions. When everyone was ready to go, they all set off back to the Lydonian palace, ready to bring home to news of the truce.