Chapter 579: Queen Jandice?

Late November saw a surge of excitement across the northern continent of Lordaeron. News of a victorious battle and the sealing of the Dark Portal from the south had reached its shores, causing a stir not just among the populace but also in political circles.

Almost overnight, special convoys, each bearing powerful insignias of various factions and kingdoms, appeared in major cities across the continent.

While the war had concluded, the deliberation on the division of its spoils had just begun.

The Dark Portal conflict had wreaked havoc throughout the Eastern Kingdoms. Its impact was felt in politics, military strategies, and the daily lives of civilians.

On November 27th, in Caer Darrow, Jandice Barov, having momentarily parted ways with Duke Marcus, reunited with her estranged father. To her surprise, she was led directly to her father's private study, a place where the Duke conducted his most confidential affairs. It held the Barov family's most sensitive secrets, and even Jandice, the heiress, had never been permitted entry.

She met her father, the Duke. Despite his visibly aging appearance, he embraced Jandice warmly, rekindling memories of a bond long forgotten: How many years has it been since he last embraced me?

Jandice didn't encounter her mother, which wasn't unusual. As an accomplished mage, her mother was often engrossed in her arcane studies, making sightings rare.

Navigating the meticulously organized study, Jandice was startled when her father revealed a concealed chamber's entrance, so covert that not even monarchs had access.

Opening this dim passage, as Jandice hesitated to proceed, her father gently took her hand. She was immediately enveloped by a sensation of illusion magic.

Regaining her composure, Jandice found herself outside a chamber within a small hall, nested deep within a mountain.

Upon entering this lavish room, she was confronted with the presence of the renowned General Has.

"General Has? Greetings," exclaimed Jandice, momentarily taken aback. Her noble upbringing, however, ensured her response was nothing short of gracious.

General Has, the valiant leader from Alterac with his characteristic short white hair and imposing features, had remained steadfast against the Horde after King Aiden's failed rebellion against the Alliance.

His absence from the final confrontation at Blackrock Mountain was a matter of deep regret, often voiced in public settings.

But why was General Has here?

"Jandice, General Has and I were deliberating on preserving Alterac's sovereignty in the face of impending aggression from Lordaeron," her father explained.

Jandice's heart raced as she processed the weight of their conversation.

Facing the scrutiny of the two elder statesmen, Jandice realized they awaited her input: "Is the situation truly that dire?"

"King Terenas may project benevolence, but he's driven by ambition. He's poised to target Alterac—it's his opportunity to offset Lordaeron's wartime losses," General Has stated gravely.

Duke Barov interjected, "Our analyses suggest the most favorable outcome would be to crown you, Jandice, as the Queen of Alterac."

Becoming Queen!? The proposal left Jandice dumbfounded: "I... I don't grasp the rationale behind this."

"Do you harbor affections for Duke Marcus?" A familiar voice chimed in—it was her mother.

The Duke and General Has seemed unsurprised by Lady Illucia's sudden appearance.

"Duke? Which Duke?" Jandice replied, cautiously avoiding her mother's searching gaze.

"In the Alliance, there's only one Duke of note—Duke Marcus," Lady Illucia responded. "He alone can shield Alterac from annexation. The intent is to elevate your status, allowing a union with Duke Marcus."

Duke Barov continued, "The title of Queen of Alterac may seem ceremonial, but for a Grand Duke, it's fitting. If this alliance materializes, Stormwind's forces would remain as allies. With Duke Marcus's personal army, Terenas would have to think twice before risking the unity of the Alliance and declaring war on us."

However, Jandice was still conflicted.

"There's no room for doubt. The question is, are you willing to marry Duke Marcus, and is he inclined to formally accept your hand in marriage?" her mother pressed.

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions and decisions, Jandice felt overwhelmed.

"We'll grant you two days for reflection," Duke Barov stated.

Unbeknownst to the Barov leadership, their plans would be upended in just forty-eight hours.

While they strategized Alterac's independence and attempted to persuade Jandice, Duke Marcus, in the company of Alexstrasza, covertly met with an unexpected entity—the Bronze Dragon Aspect, Nozdormu.