He spread the maps over the rge table, quickly aligning them as the huge map took shape. He made sure everything was in the right pce, then turned and bowed towards Melora and Adeline.

  “I have compiled all the information on the surrounding kingdoms,” Constantine spoke.

  “Which one is the closest?” Adeline got up and stood next to the table, assessing the map.

  “We have the port city of Joma to the west, and it is closest to the forest. Over the mountains to our north is the holy kingdom of Ragnar. It is retively small compared to others but is the center of all the religions,” Constantine pointed as her eyes remained fixed.

  “Holy Kingdom, hmmm.”

  “We have three kingdoms north of the empire; they are a coalition. You could consider them an empire of sorts. The person who runs the show is King Edward Valentine from the Kingdom of Valentine. Finally, there is another Kingdom to the far east of the continent, which is secluded and covered by uncharted forests,” Constantine concluded. Melora, who was still seated, turned to Arel and Azazel.

  “Arel, by any chance do you know of them?”

  “I wouldn’t call them a kingdom but a rge tribe of humans and orcs. I thought they would die off due to how hostile the area is, but they thrived,” Arel answered.

  “Humans and orcs? How did that come to be?”

  “Long time ago, humans used to throw unwanted children into the forest as some religious ceremony. The orcs decided to take them in. Over time, they were fully integrated into the orc society,” Arel expined.

  “When I was ambushed by the empire, they seemed to be able to control the orcs. Could it be one of those humans?”

  “Might very well be; I will contact the fairies to investigate.”

  Adeline was still fixated on the map as her eyes scanned the different terrains and retion to the other kingdoms.

  “Does the empire do trade by sea?” Adeline spoke as she pointed at Joma.

  “Yes, they do, but it is mostly goods from the holy kingdom and grains farmed on the surrounding area,” Constantine answered.

  “How developed is naval warfare?” Adeline stared at Constantine, who looked confused.

  “There are hardly enough trading ships to begin with.”

  “Old man, start doing research on boats. We will need a very big one that can carry hundreds of people. We should attack the port city first and secure it; it shouldn’t be hard.”

  “With all due respect, I don’t see the importance,” Constantine stared at the map, looking for an answer.

  “It will be easier to attack the coastal cities of the empire and also be able to directly supply Credoa,” Melora spoke. Adeline turned towards her with a huge smile.

  “I see, as expected of her Highness,” Constantine nodded once he realized. He was indeed still cking in most things.

  “I have an idea on how to deal with the coalition,” Tymon broke his silence.

  “What is your pn, Tymon?” Adeline turned to him.

  “We just need to sow distrust between them and let them devour each other. With your permission, I would like to start formuting my pns,” Tymon finished as Melora and Adeline stared at each other as if sharing a private conversation.

  “What resources will you need?”

  “I will need some few humans since I have horns now. They need to be skilled and quick on their feet; my pn will mainly rotate around disinformation,” Tymon answered as the two stared at each other once more.

  “I am sure my daughter will do very well; I will prepare her adequately,” Bihse spoke with great pride.

  “We will permit it; just be cautious about it,” Melora spoke with Adeline nodding in agreement.

  “I will not disappoint your highness.”

  “Is there anything else we need to discuss?” Melora spoke as she scanned the room.

  “When will you two get married?” Gena finally spoke as the two turned towards the magic crystal ball.

  “I uh…” Adeline was flustered as she turned to Melora, who was quietly blushing.

  “YESSS WE CAN GET MARRIED TOGETHER!” Bihse shot up screaming as Tymon covered her mouth and tried to restrain her.

  “It is still too soon for that,” Melora answered.

  “Don’t keep us waiting,” Gena spoke with a rge smile.

  “Tymon, where are the delegates?” Adeline quickly changed the topic.

  “They all left shortly after your departure. So we are unsure if the peace talks will be implemented but we attached a tracking spell on them so we will know all their movements.”

  “We need to move quickly. When is the army arriving, Gena?” Adeline turned to her.

  “They should arrive tomorrow or the day after,” Gena answered.

  “How are our defenses, Bihse?” Adeline turned to Bihse.

  “My trolls have maintained a steady line while the remaining, including citizens, are building a wall with the instructions of Risin,” Bihse answered confidently.

  “He’s finally being useful. Things will be easier when reinforcements arrive. In the meantime, I have a new assignment for you, Bihse,” Adeline spoke as a wild smile appeared on Bihse’s face.

  “I want you to form an elite group; they will be training using the big birds. If we can move our personnel faster than the empire, we can box them in and also unch multiple attacks simultaneously,” Adeline spoke with conviction while emitting killing intent.

  “If things go as pnned, we can also take out the surrounding kingdoms and form a unified continent under one rule,” Melora got up and made her way towards Adeline, grabbing her hand.

  “Under our rule!” Melora procimed as the group started to cp. With that, the meeting was concluded, and everyone left, leaving the two behind.

  “All that talking got me hungry,” Adeline held her stomach.

  “I can fill you up with something else.” Melora’s hand gripped Adeline’s behind as she jerked forward in surprise.

  “People might see us, Melora,” Adeline scanned the empty room. Melora tightened her grip as her fingers sank between her cheeks. Adeline let out a small moan but quickly regained her composure.

  “We can do it ter; I have a surprise waiting for you,” Adeline spoke in a low voice as Melora released her grip.

  “I will be waiting,” Melora spoke as she walked towards the exit. Adeline raised her dress and could see a small wet patch on her underwear.

  “Are you still hungry?” Melora turned as Adeline quickly let go of her dress and made her way over.

  The two walked around the castle as they shared small talk and looked at the trolls and humans working hard. They decided to leave the castle and visit the nearby shops. The town was mostly a ghost town with very minimal movement, but as, a small bakery could be seen open. The smell of freshly baked bread was alluring as the two stumbled inside. They saw several empty tables and chairs and decided to take the one near the window to enjoy the view. They waited for a few minutes until a child approached them.

  “Oh, pretty dies with horns, oh yes. Hello, uhm, honorable guests. We have, uh, fresh bread Mommy made,” the child stuttered as she looked for words.

  “We would like your best bread and tea, please,” Melora spoke as the child nodded aggressively and ran to the back of the shop.

  “Children admire us while their adults fear us. Bihse even adopted a human child,” Adeline spoke as she turned and stared outside.

  “Children don’t know the world around them, but my mother always thought they saw people for what they are,” Melora spoke while looking at Adeline with a smile. Their conversation was interrupted when a middle-aged woman carrying a tray with a teapot and two cups appeared. She instantly froze at the sight of Adeline and Melora. Her child carrying the bread passed her and pced it on the table. She turned towards her mother with a confused gaze, but her mother recovered and pced the tray on the table.

  “I didn’t know the Queen and the Grand Duchess would be present. I could have prepared more adequately; please forgive me for cking,” the woman bowed without raising her face.

  “There is nothing to be sorry for. We both feel like you have properly accommodated us,” Adeline spoke with a smile as the entrance door opened. The woman turned and saw Tymon and Bihse enter.

  “I have been looking for you two romantics.”

  Bihse grabbed the nearby chair and pced it opposite the window and sat down, with Tymon following suit. The woman started to panic once more as she saw the three rubies on their clothing, signifying a high status. Rumors had already been spread throughout the town of these people in bck and red clothing; it was mostly spread by Fey. She already understood how the flow of information worked, so she skillfully spread it, making governing easier.

  “We would also like some tea and bread,” Tymon spoke as the woman bowed and hurried back. She soon returned with two cups and steaming bread. She poured the tea into the cups, then reached for some spices tucked in her pockets, adding an aroma. The group took a sip and savored the very unique taste.

  “This is very good,” Adeline spoke as she reached for the bread, which tasted equally good. The group enjoyed their lunch; they didn’t even talk to each other. Tymon and Melora threw away decorum and stuffed their faces with bread while chugging tea. An hour passed as the group was finally full and id themselves out on their chairs.

  “Mommy knows how to bake,” the child appeared as she started to clear the table.

  “Can I make royal decrees?” Adeline spoke as she turned to Melora.

  “Yes, you can. One of them should definitely be making her one of our cooks,” Melora spoke as she let out an undignified burp.

  “I don’t think I can return to eating anything else. How can someone make such good bread?” Bihse added with a louder burp.

  “I will make sure she joins the castle staff by the end of this day,” Tymon assured as the group remained still in a food comatose.