I don't have much to say, other than that I am very grateful for all the reviews and for those who have read my story.

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Everyone in the meeting room is looking between Mikolas and senator Menelaus. I included. I know that we aren't allowed in and definitely not listen to an important meeting. But did his son just propose to Aria!

Buk looks at me and shakes his head. He knows that I like Aria. He doesn't want me to get in trouble.

Mikolas coughs to get everyone's attention. " Excuse me, senator, your offer is very generous but I'm not going to accept it unless it's okay for my daughter."

Menelaus nods in understanding. "That's alright captain. I and my men are going to stay in the palace for a couple of weeks. You've got plenty of time to reconsider my offer."

I turn away from the opening and breathe out. That was close. I don't think Aria or any girl for that matter would like to have there future planed by someone else. Nothing happens after that and it becomes a normal and boring meeting.

We stand by the entrance and wait as the emperor and all the senators walk away with there bodyguards. Buk begins to walk and I after him. But then someone drags me into a corridor. It's Mikolas. What is he doing?

"Boreas, I have an important task for you.", he whispers. "Can I trust you?"

I look at him with surprise. Of course, he can trust me, he is my captain. "Absolutely, you can count on me, sir." He looks pleased with me and smiles.

"This senator Menelaus or whoever he is, I want to know what he wants with my daughter." Says Mikolas with concern. "Right now I want you to keep an eye on her. Can you do that."

"Of course!" this is exactly what I wanted. This is too good to be true. He puts his hand on my shoulder. "But she can't know anything about this. Understand!"

I sight, of course.

Aria's room (Aria's POV)

I sit on my bed as I play with my necklace. My father is in a meeting with the emperor and the senators. I wonder what it's about this time. Maybe there planning another INNOCENTS man's execution!

It's been a year since Calchas' execution, but I still can't let it go. I can't let him go. It's destroying my life. I haven't seen my friends in months and I haven't forgiven my father.

And I never will.

not after everything he's done...

"Aria, can I come in?"

Oh no, it's my father. "Sure why not." He opens the door, goes to my side, and sits on the side of the bed. He moves uncomfortably and gives me a forced smile.

"Why did you come here?", I ask with a raised eyebrow. He looks into my eyes and takes my hand. Okay...this is really weird.

"Aria today at the meeting senator Menelaus wanted to help me reinforce my troops." I shrug, is that not great news? "So?"

"Well, he wanted to make a deal with me", says he with concern. He takes a deep breath. "Aria he wanted a marriage between you and his son."

I rise up from my bed. "What?" I can't believe it! My dad is going to give me away to some stranger. I just can't believe it.

"Get out! NOW!", I yell angrily.

He looks at me confused and raises his hands. "Aria let me finish-"

"GET OUT!"

He goes out and I slam the door shut. Then I run to my bed and cries into my pillow.

Hope you enjoy it!

I will see you next time...