Chapter 3 THE ALLIANCE

To Athalia, their love felt like an insult carved into her bones.

And though Athalia never voiced it, her loyal maid Lira often saw the flicker in her eyes of something kept carefully hidden.

One afternoon in Seatopia’s palace gardens, Lira walked beside Athalia as the princess inspected the white lilies blooming in rows.

“Your Highness looks troubled,” Lira said softly.

“I am not troubled.” Athalia said but did not glance at her.

“Your eyes say otherwise.” Lira said

“If Emelia enters a room, people look at her first. And they always look longer.” Athalia said as she exhaled once and slowly.

Then she paused, brushing a fingertip along a lily petal. “It is not envy. I think I simply… dislike being overshadowed.”

Lira bowed her head. “Your Highness is exceptional in ways that differ from your sister.”

Athalia did not answer.

And that was the first root of jealousy.

To celebrate the forthcoming engagement, Arrandelle held a grand Festival of Union.

The Festival of Union filled Arrandelle’s capital with music, bright banners, and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the air.

Crowds lined the streets to celebrate the forthcoming engagement between the two kingdoms, an alliance sealed not only by politics but also by love.

Prince Eric and Princess Emelia walked hand in hand through the garden terrace, their smiles soft and their steps perfect. Crowds gathered around them, cheering and waving.

A little girl approached Emelia shyly. “Princess… these are for you.” She held out wildflowers. “Mama says your marriage will help stop the war.”

Emelia knelt. “Your mama is polite. However, Peace grows stronger when people believe in it.”

The child ran back to her family.

Nearby, Princess Athalia watched them as her fingers tightening around the carriage she sat on. Her younger sister’s laughter moved through the crowd, bright enough to draw every gaze.

Athalia’s jaw clenched.

Lira, her loyal maid, leaned close. “Your Highness… I thought the people would be glad to see both princesses together but they seem to favor princess emelia more.”

“It seems so,” Athalia said quietly, her face smooth but her voice stiff. “Let her enjoy the moment.”

Her eyes followed her sister and Eric.

Athalia’s anger simmered, low but sharp.

"They already adore her more than me," she thought. " if she becomes queen or stands beside Eric, she will take the crown I have prepared for since childhood".

Her smile returned, elegant but cold.

“I will not allow that to happen,” she whispered, her voice so soft Lira almost missed it.

“Your Highness?” the maid asked carefully.

Athalia lifted her chin, portraying a princess born to rule.

“She may be loved,” she said, her gaze hardening toward the glowing couple behind them, “but I am the future queen of Arrandelle. And I will not let my sister take what is mine… no matter what.”

That night , Eric found Adrain sitting alone at the balcony overlooking the city. Adrain recalled the love and admiration shown to eric during the festival.

"Am I just overthinking it" he thought to himself.

“You should be resting,” Eric said.

“I could say the same.”

They shared a faint smile.

Adrain sighed. “Do you ever wonder if I can truly secure this peace for our kingdom?”

“All the time,” Eric admitted. “But doubt doesn’t determine the future, action does.”

Adrain looked at him, grateful. “I don’t say it often, but… you’re the one who taught me that.”

Eric hesitated, then spoke gently. “You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

Eric nodded. “I know. It’s just… difficult.”

“You will make a great king one day,” Eric said quietly.

Adrain blinked. “Eric....”

“I mean it. Eric said "You have what keeps a kingdom strong. Wisdom, resolve and stability.”

Adrain stared at him for a long moment.

"And you have what people follow. Kindness, dignity and hope.” Adrain replied

A rare, genuine smile touched Adrian’s lips.

“Then perhaps peace rests on both of us.” Eric mentioned

“Perhaps it does,” Adrain agreed.

The Engagement day in the great hall shone under the light of crystal chandeliers. Nobles from both kingdoms filled the room, diplomats lined the walls, and the air hummed with anticipation.

Adrian and Eric stood near the front but Adrain was dressed in the formal attire of the crown prince with a dark coat embroidered with silver threads. His expression was calm, but his thoughts were deep.

The doors opened.

Princess Athalia and Princess Emelia entered gracefully, their white gown flowing and the gold embroidery catching the light. The two princes stood waiting with eyes bright.

As Emelia reached him, Eric whispered, “You look radiant.”

“And you,” she replied softly, “my prince”

Athalia who heard, turned towards them.

Adrain who noticed, whispered, “You look stunning, princess.”

"Thank you, prince Adrain". She said with a smile.

King Jeremy stepped forward. “Today, we join twin hearts to unite two kingdoms. May their bond guide us toward a future free of war.”

King Corian of Seatopia added, “Let love shape what history has struggled to mend.”

They took each others hands.

“I pledge to cherish you,” Adrain said, “and to lead with compassion.”

“I vow to stand beside you,” Athalia replied, “and to protect the unity we build together.”

Eric and Emelia followed their words.

The rings were exchanged and were made of simple bands forged from metals mined from both lands mineral resources.

As they sealed their vows with a kiss, applause filled the hall. Bells rang across the city and lanterns were released once more.

Adrian watched it all with a steady heart filled with pride and hope.

But above all, he felt a spark of belief and fear that peace wasn't possible as he was close to his inheritance.

Athalia spent her first weeks in Arrandelle adjusting to the expectations of a future queen. Seatopia’s court had been gentle, calm, and structured but Arrandelle’s was larger, older, and far more intense.

Arguments erupted in the council chambers.

“The northern nobles refuse to merge their estates with Seatopian lands,” Minister Halden announced.

“And Seatopian lords are demanding rights to Arrandelle’s trade ports,” added Councilor Varren.

Adrain raised a hand. “Both sides will have to compromise.”

“Compromise is weakness,” Varren snapped. “We cannot give away our legacy.”

Athalia stepped forward. “We are not giving anything away. We are strengthening both kingdoms. But unity cannot exist if our nobles cling to pride above peace.”

Varren stiffened. “With respect, Princess, you do not speak for Arrandelle.”

Adrains jaw tightened. “She speaks for our alliance and she speaks with my support.”

The council chamber stilled.

After a long moment, King Jeremy rose. His voice held quiet authority.

“Enough,” he said.