Marriage Alliance?

The audience hall, with its high vaulted ceilings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls, was a grandiose setting for the unfolding drama. The flickering torches cast dancing shadows across the faces of the assembled courtiers, adding to the tense atmosphere.

Azorius, seated upon his ornate throne at the head of the hall, exuded power and authority. His regal bearing was matched only by the intensity of his gaze as he awaited the messenger's report. Each second that passed felt like an eternity, the anticipation thick in the air.

When the messenger burst into the hall, his hurried footsteps echoed off the stone walls, the sound reverberating throughout the chamber. His disheveled appearance and trembling voice betrayed his fear as he approached the throne.

"How dare you disrupt the solemnity of this momentous occasion!" Azorius's voice boomed, filling the hall with its commanding presence. His eyes blazed with anger, his fists clenched in frustration at the interruption.

But the messenger, undeterred by Azorius's wrath, pressed on, his voice quivering as he delivered his message. The tension in the hall mounted with each word, every syllable hanging in the air like a sword poised to fall.

"Your Majesty! The caravan has arrived," the messenger stammered, dropping to his knees before the throne, his hands trembling with fear.

Azorius's brows furrowed in confusion. "And what was all this commotion about?" he demanded, his voice sharp with impatience. "Let them in."

The messenger hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Your Majesty, there is one thing you need to know before they arrive at the palace," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Stop speaking in riddles and get to the point, if you wish to keep your head," Azorius commanded, his tone icy with impatience.

The messenger took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "The bride sent by the Nuria kingdom is none other than General Noori Azar Solana herself," he announced, his voice quavering with fear.

At this the hall fell silent as if everyone had been frozen stiff and among the crowd one fine man's eyes widened with disbelief as he stood up after hearing the words. 

"That is impossible!" Farris's voice cut through the silence like a thunderclap, his words echoing off the walls of the hall. His eyes, dark and penetrating, searched for answers amidst the sea of faces, his disbelief etched into every line of his face.

Slowly, the hall buzzed with murmurs, the revelation beyond their comprehension. No one could have fathomed the Emperor of Nuria taking such a step; it hinted at a larger scheme at play. Apollo Azar Solana was undoubtedly planning something intricate by sending his feared daughter to their kingdom to marry their Crown Prince. Azorius felt cold sweat form on the back of his neck. "How is that possible?" he muttered.

As skepticism lingered, the hall's doors creaked open once more, admitting a singular figure who seemed to set the room ablaze with confidence. Noori, adorned in her armored suit, entered, flanked by two men dressed similarly. She halted at the foot of the stairs leading to the throne, clearing her throat before speaking, her tone now elegant and refined compared to her earlier military demeanour. "Greetings to the esteemed King of Solyria, the great Azorious Coral. May you live long," she said, offering a subtle bow of respect.

Her sudden entrance, following the revelation of her arrival, momentarily shocked Azorius, leaving him silent for a moment before responding. He rose from his seat and descended the stairs slowly, his cape trailing behind him. "Ah, Princess Noori Azar Solana. No need for formalities," he said, allowing her to straighten up, though she had barely bowed. "I have heard much about you," he added, a friendly smile gracing his features.

Noori's lip lifted slightly as she spoke. "I imagine it wasn't all flattering," she quipped, briefly meeting his gaze before turning her attention to Bishop, who stood closely behind her. "Commander Bishop, please present the prepared gifts," she commanded, prompting Bishop to bow before departing.

"You needn't have bothered," Azorius interjected. "Your arrival was anticipated, there was no need for gifts," he insisted, attempting to be as gracious as possible. Noori regarded him with a blank expression. "One cannot attend a ceremony without bringing a gift, can they?" she countered.

"Oh, you're too kind. Isn't she, everyone?" Azorius glanced at the audience, who, still wrapped in fear, quickly nodded. Meanwhile, Farris, observing Noori closely, remained puzzled.

"Not as kind as you for initiating a peace covenant with Nuria. I never imagined our two countries would agree to such terms," Noori remarked, momentarily confusing Azorius, who turned to the interpreter for clarification.

"Peace Covenant?" 

"Your Highness, she's referring to the marriage arrangement. In Nurian, the two words are translated the same," the interpreter explained, earning a nod of understanding from Azorius.

Bishop re-entered with several men, carrying large, ornately decorated boxes that obstructed the hall's pathway. "The rest of the presents are on their way. I hope you find them satisfactory," Noori stated, her tone maintaining the elegance befitting a princess. 

As she prepared to return her gaze to the king, a solitary figure caught her attention, causing her to pause momentarily. Though subtle, the shift in her expression didn't escape notice; it hinted at emotions stirring within her. Noori drew in a breath and shook her head slightly, her eyes briefly meeting those of the distant figure before she looked away, refocusing on Azorius as their conversation continued.