Chapter 2: 2 weeks later 

Adalia's P.O.V

Peace, it was peaceful. I closed my eyes as I laid down in the pavilion, hearing the water flow from my ear and the silent engulfing me, I am in bliss. I fan myself and enjoying the sweet sound of the birds chirping.

"You're looking relax" I voice loomed over my head "that's because I am" I said continue to relax and fanning myself. "Well aren't you lucky" he taunted "Well I thought it was a beautiful day why not take advantage of it" I replied back.

"Well while you are relaxing the others are writing" he said, I opened my eyes and gave of a scowled expression "I already did! I actually wrote a lot more than you think, I burned the midnight oil last night" I stood up in an upright position.

"Well those battle strategies won't write itself" he said sitting beside me "I already came up with 2 more this week, 6 years has passed since the last attempt, I doubt they will try to attack us" I grab the cup of tea and drank from it

"Don't be so confident, we don't know if it will stay this way" he said grabbing the unused tea cup "Well all I can say is that I already did my work in advance so cut me some slack and just read it" I said leaning both of my hand in the bench and looked over the beautiful waterfall.

"I'll let you off this time since you already did your task" he gracefully stand up from the bench, his white robes fell gently to the floor. "Thank you" I said laying and closing my eyes. I hear him leave and I finally rose up from the bench and grab the umbrella. Walking down the stream, I was taking in the beautiful scenery it was a leisure that I enjoy to do. The beautiful waterfall on top of the hill, with a white pavilion situated on the left.

"What are you doing?" I looked over to my right to see Weilia's pink larei dress shining brightly "Talking a stroll" I said closing my umbrella. "You weren't in the Pevi hall today" she said coming closer "Careful" I said offering her my hand as she walked down towards me "I already did my work in advance" I said as we walked side by side

"Not fair" she said kicking a rock "It's really fair" I said grabbing her shoulder "You're gifted" she pouted "I am not. Just lucky" I said "And what do you mean me? Aren't you also?" I asked "But that's a totally different concept" she reasoned "what? Wei you are not making any sense" I laughed at her

"Kelian was looking for you" she said "I know, he found me in the pavilion" I said, she looked at and really stared at me "What?" I asked "You two will look good together" she pinned "Don't even go there, please just don't. He is like my brother whom I have grew up with. All of you are my family" I said as we headed back to the prime path, the flowers were covered in dew from this morning's rain, the sun light lit them up beautifully. As we were walking back to the main hall we saw Keilian, Renekal, and Emperor Yuvi gathering. I looked over to Keilian and he gave me a look of "I told you so". I should be disappointed that my peace will be broken, but why do I feel the complete opposite?

"We greet the shining emperor Yuvi, may you prosper and long live" Wei and I greeted. "Please rise" the emperor said "Perfect timing you two, we were just about to find you" he said "What is it? Is it another war?" I asked in concern "Similar, but not our war" he said. We looked at him in confusion as he pulled up a letter from his sleeves "We received this letter from the west, they are currently heading towards here in order to ask for help" he said displaying the letter in the table

"Help? The west wants our help?" Renekal asked in a scuff expression "The north are planning to attack the west in a year, they have been preparing giving the north an advantage" he said "Why would we help them?" I asked.

The west were notorious for their proud and arrogant behaviour, they think that we are savages. "They know about the 4 of you, it is known for the west to stand as an independent nation, but if they are seeking for help then it must be grave" the king sat down in front of us. The five us sitting together, it brought back deep fond memories of our childhood.

"What grave about them is their nasty and arrogant attitude" Wei snared "I agree, I don't like helping them nor do I think this will benefit us" Renekal stated. The king hum deeply and looked over at me, he raised an eyebrow at me

"I only serve my country, this is the country that I promise to help flourish. I never said I wanted to help other nations unless it concerns us" I said, looking at the emperor yuvi, he smiled at me and shake his head as he stood up and grab my shoulder and look over to keilian.

"Well, I hear your opinions. How about you Keilian?" throughout this meeting Keilian was quiet and deep in thought. He looked at us as sight deeply. "As much as I would love to not help them, we must think about the effect of this war in the west loses. The North is a big nation if we have a war with them…. We might win but if the west got defeated they can combine the troops and power of both North and west… if they came here we might not have a chance" Keilian explained, I tried tapping his majesty hands away from my shoulders as he got the message and sat down next to me

"Correct. If we help the west and sign a treaty we might save all a lot of lives being shed in the future" The emperor said. "We must think about the future and take this as an opportunity to learn and study the west nation's way in battle, land, and structure." The emperor said "as he grab my tea cup and drank from it, I look away as I pretended to laugh it of and said "Hey! Get your own tea cup" I said lightly punching his shoulder. "We are not fighting again? What are we? 10 years old?" he mentioned old memories, the others laugh remembering memories as I put my hands up in defeat. He then stood up from his sit as we moved to the side to him to walk pass

"Do not think about your feelings, instead think about the outcomes from this war, we might not like the west but we are in good terms with them. Remember it was the North who tried to invade us a decade ago. They are a nation of ambition." The emperor walk pass us as he neared the doors

"The west will be here in 3 days, we need to come up with a good deal. I will have my advisors come up with a bargain, if you four have any ideas feel free to suggest" he looked at us and smiled as "I really would love to stay and catch up but I got mountain of work to do, let us have lunch together one of these days" he said before giving us a warm smile as he left the hall.

"Great, we are now working with west? Renekal snared as he walk past us through he scattered desk filled with plants and different soils. "We should wait until the meeting, let us not conclude for the worse" keilian said grabbing a scroll from weilia's desk "Is this done?" he asked

"No! Not yet!" weilia scrambled to grab the scroll from his hands. I breathed deeply as I made my way over to my desk, cleaning up the pile of books and scrolls, bringing out my work to finish. "Fine, fine don't worry about it" he laughed and patted weilia's head

Renakal suddenly threw a sit on keilan and we all stop and looked at him "Don't tease our little sister" he said suddenly laughing. We burst out laughing and came closer together as I grabbed the tea set and set it near to us. Talking and catching up with them is my favorite time of the day.

As the sun began to set, I hurry and fix the papers in a position for me to grab easily for tomorrow. The others were beginning to stand up and I grab my umbrella as i headed towards the entrance. "You guys don't have to come here early" Keilian said "What?! really?!" Weilian said excitedly.

"But, you still need to be here by 10" He said smiling ang patting her head

"Sleeping in" I muttered smiling

"This is great! we barely get any rest day!" Renakal smiled and began to walk a lot faster

"I'm leaving now! I want my break to start early!" He continued and suddenly run off, as he run I began picking up my pace

"Wait for me! I want to go home earlier too!" I shouted at him as I follow after him

"Don't leave us! wait! wait!!!" Wei began to scream at us

"Don't run too fast!" Keilian catches up

"Come on!" I said laughing

The Next Day

"The cherry blossoms are in full bloom today" my maid Serling said as she brushed my hair "Really? How early, time really is quick" I said grabbing the red rouge made from rose petals. "I urge the miss to take a stroll in the main path, I heard the petals are falling beautifully" she said as she adorned my hair with ornaments.

"Maybe, I do have a little work to finish today" I said contemplating "but young miss is very bright and fast at working, I worry about you for not leaving and staying in the room" Serling said "I even brought a light pink and white clothing for you to wear" she pouted. "Alright alright I'll take a walk after dressing up" I smiled. Serling gave a big smile and excitedly styled my hair.

As I headed out serling followed me rushing with my red umbrella on hand "Young miss! Young miss! You forgot your umbrella!" she said. I stopped by the door and waited for her. "Don't run or you'll tripped" I said reaching out and grabbing the wooden handle. As I made my way out I immediately opened the umbrella shielding my face. The umbrella is a sign of courteousness and politeness, not to mention it is a cute accessory.

I walked out from my home and looked over the beautiful capital, wooden houses, concrete houses, flowers and rivers abundantly available. Shining trees and a quiet ambience, never have I imagine living my life in peace. As I headed to the main path, the pink trees were fully blooming. My heart overwhelmed by the sight of families and children smiling. I continued walking, roaming aimlessly, letting my feet carry me, stalls full of displays of food, clothing, and cute trinkets to give. "Beautiful lady would you like some flowers?" a young man's voice approached me. I lifted my umbrella to see a man in blue robes holding yellow flowers in front of me. "They are beautiful but no thank you" I smiled and left quickly.

I continued walking near the bay, the petal of the trees falling quickly because of the ocean air. My eyes followed the many boats with the same familiar flag raised, I walked with the pebble floors as I moved my umbrella up shielding my eyes from the sun. I help my palm up hoping to catch a petal when a familiar voice reach my ear.

"Adalia?" I turned my back moving my umbrella as the petals fell hitting the roof and looked down on the bay to see Payter one of the emperor's advisor calling me. I saw behind him was men with fair skin, light hair and eyes, facial features that were not the same as ours "the north wouldn't dare, they must be from the west" I thought. I locked eyes with one whom seem to stand out among them. With the knowledge of my ancestor I must not look vulnerable in front of them.

I looked back at Payter and bowed at him and smiled at him "Are you in a stroll?" he asked "Yes I am" I answered shortly "This is a good opportunity for me since I don't need to look for you then" he said I gave him the look of confusion "The emperor is holding a meeting later and tonight a banquet for the guest, all 4 of you are invited so do please pass the message. I will be sending a formal invitations later in the capital house" he said

"Thank you" I bowed, I then looked at the unfamiliar men and women in their group "Welcome to the east" and gave a smile as I gracefully turn and made my to the capital house.

Rykers P.O.V

I couldn't sleep last night, knowing the difficult job ahead of me it was a task that I only have in mind to fulfil, I kept thinking how to convince the emperor and if not I should find a way to persuade them. They are a country with abundance and wealth but maybe we can trade? "Trade? That could be a backup plan" I muttered to myself.

Suddenly a knock echoed put from the door "your majesty it's time" a knight said, I quickly stood up from the chair and walked towards the door, my brown boots hitting against the marbled floor. I opened one of the double door and greeted by a knight. "Is the king there?" I asked as I shut the door behind "He will follow you in a while, he has something to do first" he said as he lead the way.

We reach the horizon docks, huge brown boats with two big paddles ready for departures, the national flag adorned at the front with to white flags to help the speed of the boat, the water seems to be steady as it leads to the sky. "Since were traveling by sky what is the wind speed?" I asked the knight beside me "The east is experiencing spring so it will be windy but not too strong, an estimated two weeks travel time" he replied, he then faced me and bow as I nod in dismissed.

As soon as the ships were ready to set sail to the east, father came out to wish us farewell. He came towards me as I face him towards him, he then put two of his hands on my shoulder and looked at me eye to eye, I tower with my height but his gaze makes me feel so young and familiar. "Son do not pressure yourself, what you are doing is making me proud, I just want you to be safe and stay safe as you travel to the East" he then hug me tightly as I closed my eyes and enjoyed his warmth. "Don't worry father I'll be safe and I promise to give it my all to save our nation" I said, "Be safe my child" he hold my arm and left to greet the other knights and advisors. A total of 25 people will be joining us in this journey, and a total of 5 ships will be used, if the east will allow us we have ships that they can use.

"Let's go" Colin neared me as he walk towards the ship, I followed behind him as I walk towards the ramp. The heavy anchors were lifted as the boat began moving, as soon as it picked up air and pace the flag were then open up and it began to carry the ship up the air going to the east point. I slowly tried the clouds and I fear my efforts will be like the clouds, couldn't be touched. "Be careful not to fall" Colin said as he leaned next to me "Don't worry the first that will fall won't be me" I said looking at him, he then raised his hand in defeat and laugh.

"Tell me more about the east" I asked "aren't you a little too late in that subject?" he sa jokingly I nudge him in the elbow strongly and he grab his side in pain "alright, alright let me tell you" he said.

We finally reached the east as we see an island ahead from us, "Ready the anchor!" one of the crew mate shouted "Your highness please come this way" Advisor Leron, a loyal to the king said. I followed his strides as we began for the preparation to dock. "The emperor has already sent an advisor to guide us" He converse "General Colin is already in front on the exit, he will greet him first" he informed as we made our way to the others

The ship came to halt and shouting voices can be heard as they gave themselves signals and warnings. "We have docked!" one informed "This way your highness" we climbed down from the ramp to see a man in a yellow robe and short hair waiting for us. His stature slightly smaller, an aging man to see.

"Welcome to the East!" He smiled at us "I am Advisor Payter, I was sent by the emperor to greet and accompany you to settle in" he said, he then turned to me and bowed "Greetings to the prince of the west, Prince Ryker I hope you are doing well and that the trip went as planned" he said. "Thank you for your kindness, we had a good journey and I hope to see more your beautiful nation" I said

As he began opening the scroll and telling us the plan of the day, I heard whispers and voices raising, I look at them and followed their direction to see a lady in pink. She had long black straight hair filled with jewels, she was facing her back to us but her ornaments sparkled through the light. I knew the east didn't look the same as us, but she has this elegance around her that capture the people's attention.

The advisor must have took notice of this and look at our direction, he then smiled and called her "Adalia?" as she turned around I was mesmerize by her unique features that blended harmoniously she had fair skin, pink pouty lips, slender nose and big eyes but sharp. The stories about the east were not all as it seem.

"What a beautiful women" I heard one of my men complimented. I have to agree, the pink petals falling behind her and the light bouncing from her umbrella, it was a sight to see. "She is beautiful but be careful she is a lot more than you think" the man in front of me said. "Any way let's continue, the houses you'll be staying is just near the capital's palace, there will be guards escorting you. His majesty will be meeting you privately later in the meeting" he said

"The horses are here and a carriage is prepared please climb in so you guys can rest" he said, I looked down at him hoping to get a glimpse at his scroll but was only met with unfamiliar letters. I could feel Colin nudging me to move and mount the horses.

As we travelled the sight to see was grandeur. The pebble roads and beautiful greenery, the east was a breath taking view. "I though the ladies from the west were top notch" Colin said "What changed your mind?" I asked "The lady from a while ago was something…. She had this aura around her that I can't just point" he said "Careful now" I said "I don't think will see her again" he muttered "If it's destiny" I looked at him and smiled.

We reached the houses that we are staying, on the way here we were greeted with these beautiful pink trees, many beautiful architectural buildings. We made it to this beautiful red house with three levels, and it has this sharp design in the edge and a pretty design. "Wow" Colin said, "If you have any problems or issues please mention it too me" he smiled and turned to me "His majesty the emperor suggested for you to live in the palace or if you want here" he bowed. "Thank you for the hospitality but I am fine staying here" I smiled and bowed at him in return of courtesy.

"Well then I will live you, food will be delivered for lunch and later for the banquet we will bring horses and carriages to pick you up later" He smiled and bowed, he exited. The people around began arranging and finding their rooms to stay in. "There is a pond in the back and I'm going to take the room near it, come with me since the biggest room is beside it" he said. I remained quiet as I followed him in the paper walls. "Remember we have a duty" I said "Don't get swayed let's finished our goal" I said as I opened the door.

"Has the advisor Leron, Shanop, and Garliya settled in?" I asked him as I sat on the chair "Yes your majesty, they are currently resting in the other house" Colin said. "Good we must first rest and sleep since we had a long journey" I said looking at him "Yes your highness, please rest" Colin said as he exited.