Wielder Of Time

Khione blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the Queen's question. She glanced at Bella, searching for her reaction. Her expression was mostly neutral, but Khione noticed a flicker of confusion in her eyes, a rare display of uncertainty from someone so composed.

Before Khione could form a response, Bella shifted slightly in her seat and spoke first.

"Your Majesty," she began, her voice even, "I was under the impression that this alliance was supported by the majority of the nobles as well. But your question makes it seem as though this is solely your intention."

Queen Nereia took a small sip of her tea before responding. "Yes, some nobles do support the alliance. However, the idea was mine from the beginning."

Bella's lips pressed into a thin line as she processed the information. Then, after a moment, she inclined her head in acknowledgment. "I see."

Straightening in her seat, Bella took a measured breath before continuing. "In that case, my answer remains the same. I believe the Isles expressed interest in an alliance due to the potential for shared economic and military benefits. The Asterios Empire is a pillar of stability, and by aligning with it, the Isles would secure a stronger position in both trade and defense."

Khione gave a small nod, signaling her agreement.

Queen Nereia leaned back slightly, a faint smile playing at her lips. "A reasonable answer," she said, reaching for a cookie from the tray in front of her. "And yet, that is not my true reason for wanting this alliance."

She took a bite of the cookie, her expression unreadable as she chewed. Then, placing the half-eaten treat back on the tray, she continued.

"The Isles are in a state of political unrest," she admitted, her voice carrying an air of inevitability. "A divide has formed among the nobility—those who stand with me in support of the alliance, and those who oppose it."

Bella's gaze sharpened. "And the ones who oppose it follow Duke Theran."

The Queen gave a slow nod. "Yes. Duke Theran has gathered those who believe that aligning with the Empire is an act of submission—an acknowledgment of our weakness rather than a means of strengthening ourselves. They view it as bowing our heads."

Khione listened intently, her mind piecing together the situation. It was a common enough pattern in history—internal factions forming over how a nation should handle external relations. But something about the Queen's words made it clear that this wasn't just a minor political struggle.

"No one knows my true reasons for pushing this alliance," Queen Nereia admitted. "Not even my closest allies. They assume, as you both did, that it is a matter of mutual benefit."

She exhaled softly before turning her gaze to Khione.

"Tell me," she said, her voice steady, "what would you do if you knew your Empire was destined to burn to the ground?"

Khione felt her breath hitch at the unexpected question. A cold sensation crept down her spine, but she forced herself to remain composed. There was no hostility in the Queen's tone—only solemnity.

For a brief moment, an image flashed in her mind—Asterios reduced to ruins, its banners torn and scorched, the streets filled with the echoes of destruction. It was an impossible thought… wasn't it?

She met the Queen's gaze and answered firmly, "I would grow as strong as I could to prevent that from happening."

Queen Nereia nodded, as if expecting that answer. "And what if you couldn't grow strong enough in time?"

Khione hesitated but quickly found her resolve. "Then I would seek allies. I would find those who could help protect my homeland and stand against the threat."

A small smile touched the Queen's lips. "An answer worthy of an Asterian noble."

Bella, who had been listening intently, narrowed her eyes slightly as she put the pieces together. "Your Majesty… do you believe the Isles are at risk of collapse?"

The Queen's expression didn't waver. "If nothing changes, then yes. The Isles will be destroyed."

Silence fell over the room.

For the first time, Khione truly understood—this alliance was not just about strength, trade, or influence. It was about survival.