Chapter 2: The Threat of War

King Parathys sat at the head of the council table, his face etched with worry as he listened to the report from his advisors.

"The kingdom of Jaund has threatened war if you do not agree to the marriage between Princess Athana and Prince Eamon," said Lord Falken, the king's chief advisor. "They claim that the curse of immortality is a sign from the gods and that it is their right to possess it."

The king sighed heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. He knew that giving in to such threats would make him appear weak to the other kingdoms. But he also knew that the protection of his own kingdom must come first. However, the weakness of his kingdom was not something he could pretend did not exist. Of the five kingdoms, the Kandal kingdom was one of the most in decline. Many in the kingdom saw giving away the princess in exchange for protection, wealth, and goods could be a turning point in returning the kingdom back to its former glory. The king, however, did not like the idea of selling his daughter in such a cheap manner.

"What of the other kingdoms?" he asked. "Do any of them offer their assistance?"

"I'm afraid not, Your Majesty," replied Lord Falken. "It seems that all the other rulers are just as eager to possess the cursed princess for themselves. They are all willing to go to great lengths to secure her hand in marriage, including threats of war."

The king slammed his fist on the table in frustration. He had always hoped to find a way to break the curse and protect his daughter, but it seemed that he was running out of options.

As he weighed his options, he couldn't help but think of the other rulers of the five kingdoms:

King Cassius of Thorn, is a wealthy and arrogant man known for his love of luxury and excess. His son, Prince Tristan, was just as ambitious and greedy as his father.

King Orion of Pingar, is a cunning and ruthless ruler known for his network of assassins. His son, Prince Darius, was just as deadly and feared by all who knew him.

King Magnus of Jaund, was a brutal and aggressive leader who used fear to maintain his power. His son, Prince Eamon, was just as cruel and eager to prove himself on the battlefield.

King Xander of Tind, is a sly and manipulative ruler known for his spies and information gathering. His son, Prince Leo, was just as clever and scheming as his father.

As he thought of these rulers and their sons, the king knew that he must find a way to protect his kingdom and his daughter from their grasping hands. But how could he do it, when all the other rulers seemed to care about was the promise of eternal life?

"Is the princess still insisting on attending the royal ball?" asked the king.

"I'm afraid so, your Majesty," replied Lord Falken. "It is growing more and more difficult to control her, which may prove to be problematic."

The king bit at his lips, deep in thought, but no solutions arrived. He still had some time before the kingdom of Jaund would come knocking, but time meant nothing if there were no options.

The princess was in her room, preparing the dress she would wear for the royal ball tomorrow. Her royal guard knocked on the door, requesting to enter.

"My princess," he said entering, keeping his head lowered.

"I don't know why you always do that," she said, demanding he raised his head.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, taking a few steps closer to the princess.

"I'm terrified, but as things stand, I'm as good as slaughtered meat anyway, so the way I see it is there's nothing to lose," she said.

"Is getting married off to the prince of Jaund all that bad?" he said chuckling.

The two had a strictly professional relationship as far as the royal court was concerned, but behind closed doors, the two were close friends, who trusted and confided in each other.

"No you're right, Faris, it's worse. If only I was just slaughtered and it was done with. Being married off as a potion of immortality is the same as being slaughtered every day. I will not live that way. One day I'll be Queen of this kingdom, and bring it back to its glory," she said as her eyes glistened.

Faris couldn't hold back his proud smile, "yes, of course, my Queen," he said bowing his head ceremonially.