"Remember to behave. Be polite and address him correctly."

Yugo closed one of his eyes when Alys rubbed a thumb across his cheek to get rid of a smudge which was barely noticable, if there at all, as she sat on her ankles before him, the boy getting one last check over to be absolutely certain he was decent. He, his brother and sister had only just arrived in Bonta with Joris as their escort, the nerves high. The master had been unusually quiet and withdrawn during the journey to Bonta after he extended his king's invitation towards the Eliatropes, and Alys was acting out of the ordinary with being more fidgety than ever before. She wasn't even dressed in her usual attire, be it for daily use or formalities, her dress rather simplistic for her doing. It was all a little suspicious.

No reason was given, the boys left in the dark about why the Bontarian king wishes to meet them. Joris refused to crack and say more, no matter how much Adamaï tried to pull something out of him. The fact that the master warned Alys to prepare for the worst was kept silent to not have the boys worry, something the female Eliatrope decided on the moment she became aware that this was no mere visit to the Bontarian royal court. But the silences and peculiar behavior from the ambassadors did make the young king and his dragon brother curious and fed their eagerness and excitement to the point it was about to overflow.

"You worry too much, sis," Adamaï remarked after Alys thoughtfully pursed her lips and gave Yugo's cheek a firmer rubbing, squishing the boy's round cheek and smothering his soft laughter.

"I worry the exact right amount," she said a little absentminded with Yugo's face cupped in her hands, her head slightly tilting to the side as she examined the boy like he was a painting which needed her criticism. Maybe she should brush his hair a bit while she had the time or would that be too much? Goddess, she should have told him to dress better before they left. Whatever would Theron think if he were to see the king of the Eliatropes looking like a… well, a boy from an Amaknian village?

She paused with grooming Yugo after something dawned on her, an eyebrow slowly raising.

Of course he looks like a boy from Amakna; it's what he is. He's no king with a fancy crown, a grand palace or riches, but a simple fourteen year old boy. Whatever is she thinking?

She sighed at herself when the realization hit her, feeling sheepish for getting carried away. Maybe she was worrying a little too much…? Perhaps overthinking it? She was, wasn't she? She smiled for Yugo after she internally lectured herself for being fussy and overbearing before she stood up, her gaze turning towards the closed door.

The room they were in was welcoming enough but she couldn't help but fret over too many 'what if's and it made her nervous. They were told to wait but for how long? Adamaï was also growing restless, though she was certain it was more because of how she was acting rather than him being impatient. They were all kept in the dark about things, even after they entered the city and Joris, he…

A grimace shimmered through the appearances she tried to keep up when she thought about him. He kept himself at a distance ever since they left Emelka, physically, socially and mentally… It was alarming how different he felt in comparison to previous meetings. She had hoped he would speak to her about why his king had summoned her and her brothers after they arrived at the palace, but other than giving small instructions as to where to be and what to do, he didn't talk.

Her attention catapulted back to the closed door when a knocking could be heard and the door opened shortly after, her heart pounding in her chest. The man she hoped to see wasn't the one opening the door but she was still happy to see the Lord Chamberlain standing in the doorway. "Sir Ponctual," she said in greeting while she stood beside Yugo and lightly touched the boy's shoulder," it is good to see you again."

"Likewise, Madame, and it is a pleasure to finally meet your liege," the spindly elderly man said and respectfully inclined his head for Yugo before looking a little puzzled when his eyes fell on the ivory dragon. He looked him over, at first not certain what to say as seeing a dragon wasn't a normal occurrence before he repeated the same notion of inclining his head to not be disrespectful. "His Majesty and a few of his council are ready to receive you and your kin, so if you would follow me."

Yugo and Adamaï threw a glance towards each other before they looked to Alys, the small nod she gave them a quiet answer to their unspoken question. It was time to finally learn about why they were in Bonta. The boys went ahead to follow after the Enutrof who stood waiting in the hallway, their sister right behind them before she was the one to break the silence.

"Is all well, Lord Chamberlain?"

"Oliver, Madame, call me Oliver," the chamberlain smiled for her after he glanced back from the corner of his eyes, though the smile soon disappeared in the wrinkles of his face as his more neutral but formal facial expression returned," I, unfortunately, cannot indulge you with the current state of affairs but the king will inform you shortly."

Another dead end, but at least their patience would soon be rewarded. Oliver was swift to lead the three Eliatropes to the war room, having hurried through the large throne room to not allow the young visitors to be distracted and delay their audience with the king. The war room was just like Alys remembered it, every bookcase and detailed map still in their place. The long oval table by which she sat almost two years ago to discuss allegiances was not as heavily occupied as back then, which surprised her a little. Theron Sheran Sharm was present and accompanied by Master Joris Jurgen, the blind Maester Dormu and an Ouginak Alys hadn't seen before. Including the chamberlain, this was a small gathering and it seemed they were in the middle of a discussion before they got interrupted.

Theron straightened up when the guests approached, the tapping of his cane sounding hollow against the carpet. He nodded to Alys in greeting before he focused on Yugo and Adamaï while he rested a hand against the back of his chair, a smile growing visible behind his trimmed beard and mustache. "Welcome to Bonta, Your Highness, Master Dragon. I thank you for treating the invitation with urgency," he said, seeming to take Yugo seriously no matter the age he appeared to be," please, have a seat."

Yugo was the first to sit down after Theron gestured towards the three chairs across of him and his inconclusive council while Adamaï was a little slower, not because of reluctance but because he didn't fully trust the situation. It was about time someone talked and explained a few things; he didn't like this silence and stiffness one bit.

Alys, who was dressed in a plain hooded dress to not outshine her king, was the last to sit down, her gaze flickering between the four men who sat across of her and her brothers. Making eye contact with the small master was out of the question even though she tried after everyone was seated. Was he avoiding her?

"I apologize for the lack of introductions," Theron said after Oliver went around the table to make certain all was in order," or the mystery behind the summon. It was a necessary precaution to assure your safety and prevent anything ill from happening. This is a complicated and delicate matter which needs to be discussed in the privacy this room has to offer. Master Joris?" The Feca looked to his advisor, giving the floor to him.

Joris sat up in his chair and folded his hands on the table, his eyes gliding over everyone present with a cold glance which was shrouded in shadows. He didn't look nervous, neither did he seem tense but something did feel off about him. "Two envoys from Brakmar arrived in Bonta yesterday to request our cooperation in forming a truce between the nation of Brakmar and the Eliatrope people," he began, his voice gravelly," the Prince and his council offer peace, resources, and land for future settlement if the Eliatropes accept Brakmar's proposed terms and conditions."

"A truce?" Yugo's eyebrows knitted together underneath his hat as his brown eyes turned to Alys, receiving a baffled glance in return when she met his gaze. The relationship between Brakmar and the Eliatropes was wobbly at best so this approach came as a surprise. "In exchange for what, exactly?" With the Eliacube out of everyone's reach and all known Eliatrope Dofus kept in hidden locations, what could Brakmar possibly gain from a truce?

Theron placed a loosely rolled up parchment on the table, its red wax seal already broken. All eyes were on the piece of long paper, even after Oliver picked it up to deliver it to Yugo and allow the king of the Eliatropes to read whatever it may say. Yugo was reluctant to take the parchment from the chamberlain, not liking how steeply the atmosphere had dropped in the room; it felt ominous. He unrolled the parchment after he accepted it from the white-haired Enutrof, not certain if he should read it but he knew it was expected of him. Adamaï leaned in close to read along when Oliver returned to his spot somewhat behind Theron's chair, the Bontarian king observing them in silence before he answered Yugo's question," Brakmar wishes to unify their nation and the Eliatrope people through marriage."

"Excuse me?"

All eyes turned to Alys after she blurted out in startle, shock written on her face. Her eyes were large and round while she awaited an explanation from any of the five men across of her, her thoughts in disarray. Marriage? Between who? Did she understand what was proposed in the message or was she assuming wrongly? There were but a few Eliatropes on this world and most of them were children… except for her. Oh Goddess, no… Color drained from her face when the realization hit her hard, her heart sinking while she hoped with all her might this wasn't happening.

"He-he isn't lying, Alys," Yugo said with a baffled stutter, his wide eyes resting on a section of the writing he thoroughly read through," they are asking for your hand…" He handed the parchment over so she could read it for herself, her hands quivering as she took it from him. She swallowed to gather her courage before she began to read the message with a reluctance everyone in the room could taste, the tension rising.

"That's a no then," Adamaï snorted and uncoiled his arms from his chest to lean with an elbow on the table to glance towards his brother and sister," we don't need Brakmar. We have been doing well enough without them and we will continue to do so."

"There is more to it, Master Dragon," Bestor cut in to interrupt Adamaï," if the Lady Alys receives your blessing and accepts Brakmar's proposal, the prince will be crowned king. Their marriage is his coronation. Brakmar will grow stronger through this unification and therefore won't take kindly to refusal; they have too much to gain from this."

Adamaï's eyes narrowed as he glared at the Ouginak, his temper beginning to show. "What are they going to do?" he asked with a snap in his voice," declare war against the Eliatropes? There's only five of us; until we decide for the Emrubians to come to this world, Brakmar has nobody to wage war against. We can easily refuse. Brakmar deserves nothing we have to offer, especially not one of our own."

Bestor shook his head. "You are forgetting the involvement of Bonta and along with it your other allies. Why do you think Brakmar came to Bonta first and asked for our cooperation in this predicament?"

"They will turn to you if we refuse."

"Precisely," Bestor nodded when Yugo showed understanding to what he was hinting at," it has come to Brakmar's attention that Bonta's allegiance with the Eliatropes is strong. If you decline their request for your sister's hand in marriage, they will demand of us to cut the ties with your people. It will cause a chain reaction… The allies you managed to gain will be questioned and some won't risk their connections with Brakmar for this. You still have to prove yourself towards the world, no matter your previous achievements. You'll lose precious allies if you don't think this through."

Adamaï rose a little in his seat and placed both his claws on the table before he asked with a glare which was as sharp as glass," so this is a trap? Back us into a corner and then force us into a truce with them? We'll take the risk! Alys isn't going to marry that pompous prince or anyone else from Brakmar. Not while I have a say in it! If other allies crumble and retreat with their tail between their legs then they weren't worth to have."

"Adamaï…" Alys turned her head a little towards the young dragon but didn't look at him, the look in her eyes distant and hollow," it wasn't easy to convince these people to join forces with us. Losing them will deal a heavy blow to the progress we have already made… I am certain Brakmar foresaw this."

Yugo subduedly shook his head to express his disapproval," you shouldn't have to… this isn't right." He threw a glance towards Theron to see if he had his support but the king was as silent as the small master seated beside the blind Huppermage. It was up to the Eliatropes to decide how they were going to face this problem as they had the final say. With no response given, the young Eliatrope instead turned to Joris," Master Joris, isn't there something you ca-?"

"I have to," Alys suddenly said, intentionally interrupting Yugo so he wouldn't involve Joris any further," I have no choice in the matter. There's too much at stake, Yugo… The Eliatropes need their allies for their future survival. No matter how we personally feel about it, it is better to have Brakmar with us than against us."

"What are you saying...?" Yugo felt the doubt gnawing at him, the boy in deep denial. He refused to believe that this was the only way to handle this. Nobody should be forced to marry anyone; there was no happiness to gain from it, especially if the groom were to be the very prince of Brakmar. Alys would be miserable for years to come. "You're not accepting their proposal, are you?"

"I am."

Her answer caused the whole room to fall silent though all she could hear was the heavy beating of her heart pounding in her ears. Duty. Duty always came first, this was no different. Although it disgusted her, she would do this for the children and their future. If being wedded to the Brakmarian prince would ensure strong allegiances with the other nations and delegations, then it shouldn't be considered a loss. She can't be selfish now, no matter how she and others felt about it. This was far too important; her own feelings didn't matter.

Alys couldn't help but glance at Joris but was unable to see his eyes, his continued silence weighing heavy on her heart. He did warn her for this, to prepare for the worst, but how could she possibly have prepared herself for this? Did he know what Brakmar wanted? Was that the reason for the distance he kept ever since he came to fetch her? How could he have kept it silent from her…?

She clenched her eyes shut before she calmly lay the parchment on the table and stroked her fingers along the curling edges, her hands trembling though she didn't even try to hide it. Instead, she tried to keep her composure when she turned her attention to Theron, at first looking uncertain before her expression hardened and she spoke clearly," with Bonta as our witness, I accept Brakmar's proposal for my hand in marriage. May our…" She swallowed as the struggle to not throw over the table she sat by wavered, her voice quieter than before," may our union be prosperous…"

"May it be so," the Bontarian king muttered while Bestor and Dormu repeated his words, the young Eliatrope king and his draconic brother staring at Alys in disbelief with open mouths. Theron slowly rose from his chair, the smile he had before far gone. "We will inform the Brakmarian envoys about your decision. The war room is yours for the time being."

The female Eliatrope nodded in thanks before she closed her eyes and waited for the king and his councilors to leave the room, the negotiations done with. Bonta was nothing but a mediator, a mediator which had no say in the whole affair; there was nothing more to do or say for them. They were Brakmar's lever to make the Eliatropes cooperate… and it had worked well, to the dismay of Bonta and the Eliatropes alike.

Alys slid her chair back and stood up the moment the door closed and a heavy silence fell over the room, her chest rising with the deep breath she took. Her hands were pressing down on the parchment, her fingers white from how hard she pushed them against the table. Her brothers weren't certain what to say or do, the situation having rendered them speechless. Yugo opened his mouth to speak but instead held his breath as Alys dug her nails into the paper when she heard him make the attempt to form words.

"Why didn't they send this Emelka?" Her voice was trembling as the anger she held back on made her shake, the crinkling of the paper echoing how she felt. "Why Bonta, of all places? Why here?" She knew why. It was all done on purpose and it made her sick to her stomach.

"You don't have to do this. We'll find a way to nullify these terms for a truce without Brakmar taking it out on anyone."

"Don't I?" Her question was bitter, her attitude nearly pitch black, the tone of her voice desperate and giving away she was on the verge of losing her composure. "You know as well as I do that Brakmar wouldn't have accepted any other answer than yes, Yugo," she said, struggling with finding the words or the will to talk," we've had enough dealings with them to know this is a ploy I cannot turn away from without severe consequences. They offer land and resources… the things we are in dire need of and cannot risk to turn down. It is a chance we can't and shouldn't squander, a chance they took advantage of, but I-"

She stopped herself as she hung her head and shook it, not wanting to expose her brothers to how she felt. Goddess, she dreamt of marrying someone she loves, she romanticized the idea so often ever since she learned about the sacred custom but with the Brakmarian prince? It was a nightmare worse than the ones which made her search for her Dofus. Her feelings were meant for someone else and he… he…

The sides of her hands slammed down on the table before she roughly shoved her chair aside and wandered away from her brothers, her hands digging into her thick hair and across her scalp. It was difficult to think rationally. Her mind kept going in between what needed to be done, how she felt, what the children needed and the wonder to how Joris felt or thought about this. Was he as appalled as her, perhaps regretting that certain feelings and thoughts would remain unspoken, if there were any? She did… She was almost drowning in the regret.

"Alys…"

She tilted her head back and slowly pulled her hands out of her hair when Yugo tried to get her attention as carefully as he could, her back turned to him and Adamaï. She took another deep breath before her hands balled into fists and pressed against her thighs, her muscles tense as she attempted to prevent her body from shaking as she made a decision. "You will return home."

"What?!" Adamaï almost jumped onto the table in shock, the young dragon standing on his chair with his claws nearly sinking into the wood of the table. "If you think we're going to let go you to Brakmar without us, you can forget it!"

"This is not up for debate!"

The raising of her voice caught the boys by surprise and shut them up, not used to her shouting at them, if anyone. Yugo lowered his gaze down to the table while Adamaï stood with his blue lips pressed together, neither of them daring to speak their minds or make the situation more complicated than it already was.

"You will return home," she repeated sternly, though softer this time," if anything happens, if this is truly some dark plot, then at least you will be safe. Nothing can happen to either of you, you are who our people will turn to and follow once it is time for them to return to this world. We all know there is more to this proposal than what Brakmar makes it seem, but I will take the risk for all those children. They need this…"

Adamaï's eyes narrowed when Alys treated herself as less important than him or Yugo. She was hardly ever selfish and had made multiple sacrifices for them and those children she was desperate to protect, but this was a far too large sacrifice to make, even for her. "And what if Brakmar doesn't keep their word? What if they keep you hostage to ensure they'll get what they want? What then?"

"They won't. While we can't risk denying their request, Brakmar can't risk throttling back on their own word. If they do, they will lose the faith and trust of their allies and their allegiances will crumble. The prince may not be the most courageous or the sharpest tool in the shed but he isn't stupid. This is far too well planned out to be just a whim decision."

"I don't want you to marry him."

Alys finally glanced back when Yugo spoke honestly, her shoulders drooping. She watched him and his brother as they sat on the other side of the table, two defeated and upset looking boys who were powerless to prevent this from happening. "Neither do I," she admitted, finally feeling the pricking of tears," but I will give this the benefit of a doubt. Perhaps he will make a better husband than he does a prince…"

Lies. Terrible lies. She didn't even believe herself and obviously neither did Adamaï or Yugo. This was not the husband she had in mind for herself. The silence which followed made her feigned weak smile fade. There was so much she wished to say, so many things she wanted to break or throw about. She wanted to scream, she wanted to run and never look back but all she could do was look down to the floor and let her sadness overtake her.

For the children… For a future.

"If you go," Yugo said with a quiet voice as he slowly rose his chin to peer towards Alys from under the brim of his hat," we won't see you again for a very long time…"

Her already fading smile twitched, the corners of her mouth pulling downwards before she dropped her head and clenched her eyes shut, not able to prevent the tears from welling up after Yugo said aloud what everyone was thinking. Her shoulders shuddered as her hands crept over her face, the fight against holding back her tears falling apart.

She didn't see the flash of cyan beside her but she did feel the weight which suddenly pressed against her and the grip of two arms clamping around her waist. The Zaap closed after Yugo brought himself closer and clung onto the Eliatrope, his tight hug causing her shaky and weakened knees to buckle. She slumped on the floor beside him as she sobbed into her hands, unable to stop herself as she crumbled.

Goddess, she did not want to do this.

Adamaï watched as he lingered on his chair, his eyebrows twitching as he had to hold back on giving into his burning frustration. They were giving in far too easily but then what else could be done? He didn't know. Alys is going to marry that jerk of a prince and grant him his desired coronation, all so that the Eliatropes can have land to settle on and resources to thrive with. To prevent wars and disputes. To give their people a chance. It was a bold move from Brakmar but so well calculated and Adamaï hated it.

He slowly approached his siblings after he climbed off the chair, hesitating before he reached for her shoulder to touch it. Her arm was around his neck before he could even blink or touch her, his body soon pressed against her bosom while her hand rested on the back of his head. She embraced the boys and held them tight, not wanting to let go while knowing this couldn't last forever. She will be gone from everyone she loves and surrounded by people who have only shown malice towards her kin. This may be the last hug she will have in months to come and she couldn't savor it even if she were to try.

She was the one to break the tender moment and the one to head for the door, the time to part ways having come far too quickly. She wiped her tears as she walked before she opened the door and entered the throne room, her gaze falling onto the king standing in front his throne with the Lord Chamberlain and Maester Dormu. Bestor and Joris were nowhere to be seen, the absence of the small master only adding more weight to the anguish which pressed down on her.

"Your Highness…" Her voice was broken and shaky when she made her way over to Theron, the king nodding to her as he respectfully turned to face her. He waited patiently for her to approach, sympathy present on his worn face. "I don't believe I have the right to ask Bonta for a favor, not after getting you involved in this matter," Alys continued after she gathered the courage," but could I ask for my brothers to be safely escorted home to Emelka? Please…?"

"Of course…" His nodding was slow before he gestured to Oliver with a small wave of a hand, not needing to tell the chamberlain what needed to be done. He bowed for his king before he hurried off to prepare the requested escort, acting swift as he always did. "I hope you will forgive me for our first meeting turning out this way," Theron said as he looked to Yugo," I had imagined it differently and under more pleasant circumstances."

Yugo could only nod. When Alys told him and Adamaï they were going to see the Bontarian king, he surely didn't expect to give his sister away. She hadn't been long in his life, almost three years ever since she was found in Sadida, but it felt much longer. She was a part of his family, no matter how rag-tagged it was and it was therefore difficult to let her go. What would Alibert say? He looked up when Oliver returned with a single guard, the preparations dealt with quickly. It was time…

"Go on," Alys softly urged as she placed a hand lightly against Yugo's back, once more keeping up appearances to not show weakness or worry anyone further. This was as difficult for Adamaï and Yugo as it was for her. Even the onlookers were having their doubts and little troubles to not be affected, but it couldn't be helped. The Eliatrope and dragon trailed after the guard when Yugo managed to step forward after his sister gently nudged him, the king's reassurances that she would be fine and that Bonta would look out for her falling on deaf ears. How could she possibly be fine? How could anyone be fine with this?

She wondered that too as she watched her little brothers unwillingly take their leave, the regal presence of Theron next to her and the slender hand of Dormu resting on her shoulder not giving her any comfort. She felt cold and alone, so very alone.

Her shoulders and chest rose with the deep breath she took after she could no longer see her siblings, the look in her eyes filled with sorrow and defeat. There was no turning back now, no escape from this nightmare; this was real and it was happening. "Please take me to the envoys when they are ready," she said after she reached for her pin and lay her hand over it, holding it tight to not waver in the courage she feigned to have," before I grow sensible and change my mind…"

Oliver abided with a small courtesy before he led the way to where the two envoys and their armed escort were waiting, the Brakmarians' patience having worn thin. She had no idea what she was walking into but then she didn't care… not right now. She was numb after she mentally retreated to remain in ignorant but blissful denial, not wanting to think about her husband-to-be or the family she was leaving behind. All she wanted was to drown and slip into a slumber from which she wouldn't wake until this was over.

Goddess have mercy.

To be continued.