The eastern envoy arrived at the main gates under clear skies two weeks after Lila's victory at the standing stones. His wagons rolled through with banners of deep crimson and gold, loaded with chests of fine silk, polished gems, and casks of spiced wine from distant ports.
Lord Varak had been replaced by a new face, a tall diplomat named Alexander Ødegård, whose smile carried the polish of court training and eyes that missed nothing. He dismounted with graceful ease and offered a deep bow when I met him in the bailey with the kings at my sides.
"Frostfang stands as a beacon in the north," he said, voice smooth as the silk in his wagons. "We bring gifts to honor your strength and propose a formal alliance sealed by blood. Your eldest heir, Lila, has reached an age where such bonds strengthen empires. A marriage to one of our rising alphas would bind our trade routes and secure both our futures."
