Like always, Stella had put together another great ensemble. With royal blue dress pants and top to match, it was a very professional look. She kept my makeup to a minimum and pulled my hair up tight into a clip. It baffles me that she has such a knack at making me look perfect daily. If I had to do it myself, it’d be disastrous.

“As always, thanks, I shouldn’t need you till late tonight depending on how long this runs.”

Before she left, she gave me a quick hug and good luck squeeze. Once alone, I finally felt the stress that came with today’s meeting. The first Zion and Sheol meeting to happen in my lifetime, so the pressure is heavy for it to go well. Even heavier, with the loom of war above our heads.

Like Sasha could read my mind, the feline came into the room, making a beeline to put her large head onto my lap. Instantly, tension subsided, and I began to murmur praise to her while stroking her thick red coat.

Even with her size and demeanor, she has never nipped or tried to hurt me. Showing her loyalty to me by being gentle and comforting. Though due to her sheer size, every servant is terrified of her. And she knows it too, growling lowly at passing maids, hoping to get a reaction out of them. But to me, always the sweetheart.

And because of her added scare effect, whenever I’ve got somewhere to go around the castle, I bring her with me. Its even more exciting to bring her to the meeting with these Seraph Aristocrats. I heard that no animal in that kingdom that is considered dangerous is kept as a pet. I’d like to see the look on their faces when they lay their eyes on Sasha. Serves them right, making me come to such an early meeting while I’m hungover.

………………………………………………………….

Sitting at the oval granite table, was my father on one side, and on the other, the two Zion representatives. One had a bald head, which was shining with sweat, and the other had large horns and a thick beard. Both sitting there, fear radiating off of them. Either because of me, my father, or my pet. It was a delightful sight.

The two stood to greet me, Sasha growling at their sudden movements, in turn making the one whimper. The horned one called himself Alfred and the other Eugene. I nodded to both and sat down. My father piped up to greet me as well.

“Good morning darling,” he smiled at the feline,” And good morning to you too.”

My father was always fond of dangerous animals growing up, so as a coming of age present, he gifted me Sasha.

“Morning father, let’s start, shall we?”

Nodding he spoke,” Yes, no need to procrastinate any longer, gentlemen, please read what the Seraph family sent.”

It was quite amusing to see the two jolt to life, clumsily open the brief case they had brought, and taking out a document. I expected it to be a very long and drawn out packet of papers, instead there was only one form. Eugene stood up with the document, clearing his throat, and began to read aloud.

“As speakers appointed by the Seraph family, we have come to discuss matters to an alliance between both territories. Do to heated tensions at the border, it was hoped to make this alliance equally beneficial to the Seraph and Hellion families. The Dynasty of Zion suggests that they’ve come up with a solution. As you should know, King Jah and Queen Amity have an heir. He is unmarried and a suitable age to do so. His Majesty has proposed to your kingdom, King Lucifer, you offer Princess Ravenna’s hand in marriage to their heir, thus having an unbreakable marriage alliance.”

There was complete silence in the room after the man sat down, my head was spinning. Out of everything I thought I was to hear today, it for sure wasn’t this. I looked over at my father and he was looking at the paper on the table, as wide eyed as me. For the Seraph family to propose this to us, after an entire history of being isolated away from us, not to mention also away from their own public eye. It seems absurd.

My father couldn’t possibly agree to this, sending his only heir to what could be a death trap, right?

“This proposal is laughable gentlemen; the Seraph family couldn’t be serious with this?” With every word his voice rose in volume,” How could they have come up with this! Sending my daughter to a place not even I have seen?”

The two men looked ready to run from the room, sure my father is loud, but they haven’t seen him truly angry. And I’m not happy either, but what choice would we have other than this to ensure we don’t go to war.

The king growled, “And what if I was to deny this offer?”

The horned man spoke up, ”Apologies, Your Majesty, if you were to decide to decline the marriage alliance, we were instructed to inform you that the Kingdom of Zion would declare war on the Kingdom of Sheol.”

As the last word left his mouth, he looked as though he regretted it because my father had started to smoke. Like me, he could also manipulate fire. The aristocrats looked ready to shit themselves. I could let my father stay angry and set fire to these men, but then that would surely mean war for us. And of course, I believe full heartedly that our forces would win, yet, it’s a waste of lives. Especially when they’ve given us a solution.

“Father, you know what we have to do, right?” I looked over to the men,” We will accept the Seraph family’s proposal.”

The King looked over to me, not angrily, but knew I had made up my mind and to not make any rash decisions, because he too didn’t want to waste with a war.

“Fine, where do I sign.”

After signing the document, he stormed out of the room, still smoking. The representatives looked to me next, waiting for further instructions.

“When do we leave?”

“We will be leaving tomorrow morning Princess.

……………………………………………………

Stella and Damon came to my rooms that evening. Well, more like she dragged Damon along. Even though there has been some tension between him and I, I was glad to see my two childhood friends tonight.

Stella looked close to tears already,” Are you really leaving.”

Seeing Stella tearing up was one of the only things that made me sad as well, I almost wanted to go back on the agreement to make her happy, but of course, I couldn’t.

Nodding,” I had to, you know that. There’s no way I could let war happen if I had a chance to stop it. Surely not, with such an easy solution.”

Damon looked like he was growing extremely frustrated with my words.

“A simple solution? Are you kidding me?”

Stella tried to interrupt him, but he continued to yell, “No! Raven, how is giving up your freedom a simple solution?”

“Truthfully? I have no real way to answer that, aside from that it’s my duty.”

Stella hugged me before saying,” Oh honey, he’s just frustrated you’re leaving us, we both know that you always make decisions like this with a level head. You know what’s going to be best for everyone, that’s why you’ll be Queen one day.”

I knew she believed that, Damon too. I also understood the feeling they felt, I was leaving, and most likely, I would never return. Maybe never see these two again. Out of all the news I’ve received today, the reality of potentially losing them hit the hardest.

Author’s Note: This is the end of part one. Please give me some suggestions for names for servants, animals, etc..!