2 weeks had passed since Edric's last meeting with the Empress. Many things had changed in these past few days.
Edric's engagement to the princess of the Vampire race was announced. Many people of the noble families from both sides showed discontent at this news. The same however could not be said for the common folks.
"You know what I heard? The prince was wooing the princess for many years."
"No. You are wrong. It was the Vampire princess..."
Such rumors had spread across the entire continent. People were portraying this political marriage as a love marriage.
This actually served as a good thing. People had started to accept this arrangement. But there were still many people who were angry.
It was not the first time in history that the royal families were marrying off their children. But it was still very rare.
However, this time was different. The sole heirs of their respective thrones were being married off. It would undoubtedly create an extraordinarily strong treaty but it came with its own risks.
Not considering the fact that either the groom or the bride could kill the other at any time. If either one was assassinated then, not only would the treaty collapse but the war would restart with even more ferocity.
In a nutshell, the whole plan would backfire.
"It's not the time to reminisce about the past. First off, I should think about my next step."
Edric had made up his mind after many days of secluded contemplation.
*Knock* ×2
"Come in."
Just as Edric was thinking about his future plans, someone knocked on his door.
"Your Highness, your carriage is ready."
It was uncle Ryan. Edric's personal butler.
"Yes. Let's go."
Edric stood up and put on his royal white robe. It had golden embroidery over it. Edric's sharp features with his dark black hair complimented with the white royal garment.
...
"I think it would be best if I make my plans after this meeting."
Edric was not sitting inside the royal carriage, thinking to himself.
"Is it really necessary for you to go personally, Your Highness?"
Uncle Ryan who was sitting in the same carriage right in front of Edric had a worried look in his eyes.
In response, Edric nodded his head and started his explanation: "This meeting is of utmost importance. Both me and that princess need to come to terms as well for this plan to work and for that very reason, we need to discuss things personally."
"But isn't this too dangerous..."
Uncle Ryan was still feeling very uneasy.
*Sigh*
"I know. But we don't have any other choice. The more we delay, the more time we will be giving to the ones in shadow. It may seem like everything is calm. However, the storm beyond this calm is approaching."
Edric understood uncle Ryan's concern. He had watched Edric grow up and taken care of him like his own son. The same was true for Edric as well. After his father's death in the war, uncle Ryan had become a father figure to him.
Edric had a solemn expression on his face as he started pondering over the possible directions the conversation could go in.
For the rest of the journey, neither of them said anything. The journey went on for 5 days with little to no breaks in between.
*Creak*
With an unpleasant sound, the carriage stopped in the midst of a barren land. In a distance, two wooden chairs were placed in front of each other with a table in the middle.
A lantern was placed in the middle of the table which illuminated the night.
"We have arrived. Your Highness."
Uncle Ryan woke up the half-sleeping Edric. He had not slept properly during the whole journey. But no one would be able to tell. It was because of the pendant Edric was wearing.
The [Mind Calming Stone] embedded into the pendant allowed its user to have a fresh mind even if they did not sleep for a whole week. The only downside of it was that it costed a huge amount of light element energy to stay activated.
"Yes."
With a little nod, Edric came out of the carriage feeling stiffness in his whole body.
"I know you are already here. Why don't you came out now, princess?"
Edric said in a serious manner. His voice was not loud but it resounded in the barren land.
"Hoho... It seems the human prince is not incompetent after all."
A shadow emerged from a barren tree. It was the Vampire princess. Her long white hair danced in the wind.
She wore a black semi-gown which did not prohibit any movement. Her face was cotton white and she wore a cold expression on her face. The venom in her voice was evident.
Edric didn't say anything after hearing her sharp comment. He stayed calm and sat on one of the chairs saying: "Please sit."
The princess also sat on the chair without saying anything further, waiting for Edric to speak.
This meeting was arranged by the Empresses for them to sort things out in advance.
"Let's start from the beginning. I am Edric Serathiel Ashenfall."
"I am Astraea Seraphine Moonreign."
Astraea's voice was still cold with a tinge of sharpness.
"We both know that our marriage is inevitable for this treaty. You can state your terms and then I will state mine. I am already very clear about it. I don't expect anything from this marriage."
*Chuckle*
Astraea let out a cold, dry chuckle and said: "It's good that you know your place. I still don't agree to this marriage agreement completely. But since it is important for both parties, I will agree to it. I also don't expect anything from this marriage. Not that I would expect anything from a burnt lamb."
Edric stayed calm even after hearing the insult directed towards him. His priorities were straight. He knew it would be useless to debate with this prideful Vampire princess.
"I don't have many terms. Just remember, the moment you harbor any bad intentions towards me or do something that harms this treaty, you would not even know how you died."
Edric's face had stiffened and with a cold look in his eyes, he replied: "The same goes for you."
"Hahaha..."
Astraea's laugh clearly contained mockery within it.
"I think that's enough for now."
Edric stood up and returned to the carriage. His silhoutte dissapeared into the carriage as the carriage departed.
"Interesting... He didn't reply even after clear threats. Looks like mother was right to choose him."
The venom in Astraea's voice had disappeared as she talked to herself. There was something else in her eyes now. The coldness in her eyes had been replaced by intrigue and curiosity of child getting a new toy.
Unaware of this, Edric was sitting in his carriage with uncle Ryan. His face had grown red after the recent interaction with the prideful Vampire princess.
"Your Highness, please calm yourself. Getting angry won't solve anything."
Uncle Ryan had worry written all over his face. His words acted like a bucket of ice for Edric.
*Sigh*
"Yes. You are right, uncle Ryan."
Edric got lost in his thoughts after saying that with a contemplative look in his eyes.