Chapter 44: Assembly

The next day, Zedon presides over the assembly. He shares that his team has uncovered some evidence of Galmaran treachery.

Zyric also discloses information from his allies. "According to my sources and intelligence reports, it seems Epirus is involved in a plot to break off the Flisko-Galmaran alliance. He is also in league with a man named Pulshi. Both of them are trying to persuade the Galmaran King to ally with the Nybians and Mudrogos-Vel Empire instead of Fliska."

The assembly was shocked by the information he shared.

Alednos also steps forward. "My team and I worked with Desdan healers and staff in the infirmary. With the aid of Invoris molecular scanners, we discovered some traces of poison in Jarin's bed. We may not have an autopsy report but we have readings from Jarin's monitoring and life support machines.

According to the recorded readings, his vital signs abnormally spiked up just before he went into shock. His wounds though grave can be easily treated by advanced medical technology. However, it is anomalous that his health so suddenly and quickly deteriorated when the readings reported that his condition is stable and nearly healed. All the reports gathered are verified by the Desdanin authorities. "

The crowd murmurs again.

Zedon then speaks up. "The Galmarans have planned this all along. They wanted to betray us. Now, we must prepare. At least, our princess has proposed a better resolution to avoid further bloodshed."

"Thank you, my Duke," Elzilaura says. "And I am also pleased to announce some important news. As you all know I am free from my obligations to wed into Galmaran nobility. I have received proposals and I have made my choice.

I choose to be with Lord Zyric, Prince of Craiine. Our union will unify Fliska from within and will allow us to rebuild as a nation. May we inspire our people and all peoples in this difficult time." Zedon was shocked as well as all their friends but the assembly congratulated the couple.

Amid congratulations and well wishes, Queen Monandra began to cut in. "Forgive me Royal Highness, but what about my proposal?"

Your majesty, why do you question the authority of my sovereign?" Zedon spoke adamantly. "

"I just want to know how she arrived at her conclusion." Monandra arrogantly remarks.

Elzilaura felt hesitant as if she was placed on the spot. However, she toughened up. "I scanned your proposal, your Majesty. I must say that I am flattered to be considered as a suitable bride for your nephew but I must respectfully decline in favor of Lord Zyric, Prince of Craiine. I choose him for my people's peace of mind and my own as well."

The Queen of Ludin was shocked and disappointed with her reason.

"Oh, caring for your people? If you care for your people, an alliance from another royal family outside your planet and kingdom will strengthen your government with diplomatic ties. I do feel you are putting your personal preferences before your people's needs." She states.

"I will ignore that retort for the sake of gratitude. You know how thankful I am for administering the trial of light to me. I will always be grateful for that and be your loyal ally. The friendship between our kingdoms will last forever. That I promise you.

But I beg to differ when you mentioned that I have prioritized my matters. As a sovereign, I know what is best for my people. I have always put them first regardless of how I feel. My kingdom is broken. I too am broken.

We need to heal by accepting and strengthening from within. I am broken due to the unfortunate events that happened. I need to heal too. I need to choose a partner that I can trust fully to move forward and function perfectly as a Queen. In choosing a Fliskan nobleman, I am demonstrating that I am prioritizing my people first. Why should anyone question my decisions? I am not breaking any laws."

The assembly was stunned but most held admiration for what Elzilaura just said. She was scared indeed after standing up to the Queen. She thought she would shiver but Zyric moved closer and held her hand. Zyric looked at her with gratitude in his twinkling eyes.

"Very well then." Monandra drew back. "It seems I have misjudged you. I respect your wishes as sovereign of your kingdom and as you have mentioned, I too will be your ally for life. Rest assured that our diplomatic relations will last forever. I wish you well then in your engagement and upcoming marriage." The rest of the assembly claps in agreement.

"Thank you, your majesty, for understanding. Just so you know, my fiancée and I have known each other for a long time. We are the best of friends. Now, we know that we can be so much more. We care for each other immensely. That makes us a great team. By caring and inspiring one other, we will be better servant leaders inspiring everyone around us, especially our people." Zyric speaks up.

Delighted by his words, Elzilaura backs up her fiancé.

"Yes, we genuinely and equally care for each other. I believe all of us want that. We want to end up with someone who understands us and makes us feel safe. We all need to feel loved, cherished, and adored." Zyric draws closer to her side.

The room was speechless. Polini tugged at Yonanes' arm. He takes her hand and holds it tightly. From a distance, Zedon met Soradina's gaze as if they were exchanging vows again. Harrion and Kanunia suddenly glanced at each other. Lyna-Kyre holds Alsuva's arm tightly while the Gaulani looked at her lovingly. Alednos remembers his beloved.

Before they could say anything more, a transmission from Admiral Mirtaz and Defense Minister Ascop-Parr via communicators was locked onto a main screen in the assembly hall. The two Minthrians informed that Invoris has become their official ally and a contingency is coming to Desdan soon as part of their pledge to help Fliskans. Though Elzilaura explains that the battle has changed and there is no need to add troops, the Minthrians still insisted upon the aid Invoris offers.

Not long after transmission ended, the Invoris team communicated with the Desdanin seeking landing permission and informs the assembly that they plan to give an orientation as soon as possible.

Yonanes respectfully declines saying that he and his comrades needed to train for the upcoming duel to the death. However, he urges their subjects to take this opportunity to learn from their guests from Invoris.

Once the communication with Invoris ceased, the crowds congratulated the newly engaged couple. Their friends approached them before leaving the room.

Just before they left the great hall, Zyric grabbed Elzilaura's arm. "You were amazing Ella."

"So did you. Good job, my lord fiancé." Elzilaura says.

"Well, we make a great team." He replies.

"Yes, we do." She replies. "And I believe our love can change this universe." Her eyes were filled with gladness.

Before they could share a kiss, Yonanes calls on Elzilaura. The couple chuckles due to the halt. Zyric just taps her shoulder. "I'll see you soon." He leaves to join Harrion and Aledno while Elzilaura rushes to Yonanes.

"Congratulations, my dear," Yonanes says.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Elzilaura responds.

"I've already known since the day we met that you and cousin Zyric are way too in love. That is why I kept hinting at him and also placing you both in certain situations to stir your emotions and catalyze your decision to be together. Remember the archery tournament? I told you your true love would win." Yonanes winks at her.

"My Bealyx?" Elzilaura was surprised.

"We, the Desdanin, are incurable romantics. I want you and cousin Zyric to be happy." He explains.

"I appreciate everything that you have done for me and my fiancé. I am in gratitude for giving my whole team refuge and for bringing us together. I promise you loyalty beyond compare."

"Gratitude, Crystal Princess." The Bealyx bows his head. " For now, let us join the others for our meditation." They hurry on to catch up with the other gem bearers.

In Nybos, Kyron also regroups and calls for his allies after their communications ended with the Fliskans and their colleagues.

"My lord, we will make sure we will win." Lady Mortezia affirms.

"Yes, my lord." Lenron agrees. "RAXA tech will help our Nybian scientists to make sure we will have the upper hand."

"Our adversaries have sustained more injuries than us. For sure, we can easily defeat them." Bartava claims

"Enough." Kyron roars. "Do not underestimate them. That is how one gets off-guard."

"Forgive me, my lord." Bartava bows his head.

"We must prevail. No more mistakes even minor ones from this moment on. Is that clear?" Kyron continues.

"Yes, my Lord." They answer him.

Otherwise, you know the consequences." He storms out of the meeting room.

He then went to the Nybian moon, Balyn, to see his half-sisters. He was informed that all of them had the gift so the princesses were made to drink the hajana. The ruler of Nybos was just in time to witness their trance and hear what they had to say.

All of them answered in unison. "In this pending battle, one side will win, one side will lose, and there is one whose existence will be erased." Afterward, they all fainted simultaneously. The healers rushed to the princesses and they discover that the eldest, Princess Kaledina, is dead.

Kyron was disappointed. He commanded his men to take Kaledina's body and prepare her for burial. The rest of the princesses were brought back to their resting quarters. There was nothing else he could do.

The Bealyx of Desdan brought his comrades far away from the palace where they were to begin their meditation practice and training sessions regarding offense and defense. It allowed them to bond with their gems more and with each other. In their previous battle, some of the gems experienced minor damages but with the meditation, they appeared renewed.

Yonanes teaches himself to slow down his pacing of the energy flow and figures out that he can control all of marine life which he can use to his advantage.

Zedon understands the flow of energy and develops the ability to control the weather.

Ovded figures out a way to not overburn through the meditation exercises. This way, they learn to conserve energy.

Monandra allowed herself to soften her demeanor. She was as cold as ice but slowly she came to understand that ice at times can turn to water which can be beneficial too.

Elzilaura learns to be assertive. After discovering she can flow more energy into the crystal cross and yield it, she toughens up and unleashes bright light. She understands her internal conflict and moves to resolve it. This allows the light she emanates to burn brighter.

Elzilaura also realizes the flaws in her previous handling. She let panic and fear first before channeling the energy. She let the situations overwhelm her. Now she comes to understand she can't fight all her opponents and all her problems all at once. She needs to tackle her obstacles one by one. This way she will solve her problems slowly but surely.

They isolated for two days from their teams and stayed in the open. They learned to work together and join their powers to create an energy dome which became both their shelter and training ground for the duration of their isolation. At the end of their training, they joined forces again to dismantle the dome and returned to the royal palace to be reunited with their respective teams.

Back at Desdan, the Fliskans, and their allies were collaborating with the Invoris team. Commander Shunei Dovo Akt leader of the Invoris team together with Princess Kanunia and Bealyxelle Polini oversees these exercises.

Major Taaro Obelc assists Zyric and Harrion in testing Invoris-developed battle suits which enhance the wearer's agility. Soon all sides were doing military exercises.

Dr. Cordin Manadu works with Sabaria and the healers of Desdan sharing information regarding Invoris treatments and medical services.

Invoris language and communications experts then discuss with Lyna-Kyre, Alednos, other diplomats and advisers present in developing communication channels for everyone.

As the exercises went on, Polini looks out the palace balcony seeing the teams wrap up for the day.

As she turns, she sees Kanunia watching her.

"You're majesty." The princess curtsies. " I have here the reports of our communications training with Invoris. It seems we will have more updates regarding auto translators soon."

"Good job princess." The Bealyxelle smiles but then stares far into the distance. Her worries were painted on her face.

"May I ask what troubles you?" Kanunia bravely inquires.

Polini sighs. " I am glad our teams are making progress but how about my husband and your sister?"

"I believe in their capabilities. They are all right. You need not worry. Besides, they are on their way back. They'll be here any minute now." Kanunia confidently retorts.

"Maybe for now but what about the future battle?" Polini walks to Kanunia. "I feel something is not right. Something terrible is going to happen."