"Hmm. I see. We can also do that. But they might be the ones who would not agree to co here in fear of what might happen since we can also use her as leverage over Crux."
Alwin’s point was also right.
As much as eting with Princess Seraphina was risky for Arabella, the sa was true for the forr.
If Seraphina was willing to take this much risk, it would either be because she was desperate as her letter had indicated or forced by her family to do this.
Arabella thought about what they could do and suggested, "Then, what if we do not disclose the location of our eting? We can use it as my condition in eting her: I would et her but only if we are the ones who decide the location, which we would not disclose for my safety."
Alwin thought about Arabella’s words and said, "Yes, we can do that and see if they agree. If they do not, then it ans she is not as desperate as she was making it seem in her letter. You have higher than she does too."
Alwin pointed out that since in terms of status and hierarchy which Eliora follows, Arabella was in a much higher position than Princess Seraphina so they had to uphold it.
After all, Lobelius, which was Arabella’s holand, was much more prosperous than Crux. Then Arabella was wed to Ferdinand and beca the Empress of Valeria which was the most powerful nation in Eliora.
Arabella was fine with adjusting but she had to maintain her image as an Empress and uphold Valeria’s honor. She cannot be the one "bowing down" to a lower territory or else she would be shaming her husband and this empire.
Especially since it was Crux who dared to offend Valeria in the worst possible way.
"If we let them do as they please, Crux will further think they can just do whatever they want and not really face the consequences," Alwin emphasized.
"Alright, let’s have it that way then. If she refuses, the deal is off," Arabella concluded.
They cannot make it easy for an enemy nation even if they were presenting a chance to talk things out.
This was not the king but his daughter. However, Princess Seraphina had to take a risk to get the opportunity she wanted.
If the princess could not do that, then she may not be as serious as she claims to be about the change she said she wanted in her kingdom.
They discussed a bit more before Arabella wrote her reply.
***
To Princess Seraphina Alba Crux
I have received your letter in good condition.
I am happy to hear that there are people in Crux who have realized that slavery is not a normal practice in the world nowadays.
I understand that it is indeed deeply rooted in your culture. However, since the law to abolish slavery was already approved and implented, just as you and your companions believe, I also hope to see Crux change in the future.
I look forward to more people you and your twin could enlighten in Crux.
Thus, as you have asked, I can et with you if we reach an agreent.
I am also curious to know as to what information you hold which can be useful to .
However, for safety purposes, I would like to be the one to decide on the location of our eting.
Rest assured that it will be a private eting as you asked for. Only and my most trusted guards will be there with us as we converse.
If you can agree to this, then we can discuss when our eting will be.
(Please send back your reply with the ssenger bird that delivers this so I will receive it imdiately.)
Sincerely,
Empress Arabella Lobelius Valeria
***
Arabella re-read her letter before folding it. She placed it inside a plain white envelope just as Seraphina’s letter was. She also ensured the envelope was still made of quality materials.
"Alright, please send this back," Arabella handed Alwin the letter.
The date on Princess Seraphina’s letter was several days ago after the deadline was given to Crux.
Letters for the Empress arrive faster than normal letters especially if they were sent by other royalty.
’Since Princess Seraphina was in another kingdom, she must have borrowed soone else’s authority for this to be sent quickly.’
It was likely the royalty of where Princess Seraphina was temporarily staying. The letter itself had no seal but they sent soone to ensure it was sent to Arabella.
Both Arabella and Alwin had seen Princess Seraphina closely conversing with one of the princesses in a kingdom near Valeria. There were marriage talks for Seraphina and the said princess’ older sibling.
Thus, it was not difficult to figure out their location. It was in a kingdom that shared borders both with Crux and Valeria.
It was one of the unexpected sights since royalties of Crux were usually married only to powerful houses in their kingdom or to fellow nations who had slavery.
However, the one whom Seraphina to be engaged with was soone from a kingdom that didn’t have slavery.
Now, they know the reason why. Seraphina was unlike her siblings and could live in a place that did not have slavery.
"Let’s wait and see how they respond," Alwin said as he summoned his magical ssenger bird and set it to send the letter directly to Princess Seraphina.
They both resud working and after about just half an hour, Alwin’s ssenger bird returned.
"They responded faster than we thought," Alwin comnted as he received the letter and inspected it as usual.
"Indeed. I thought she would have to discuss it with her twin and the people involved in their cause before making a decision."
Arabella and Alwin were both surprised so they quickly opened the letter once the usual inspection was done.
***
To Her Imperial Majesty
Arabella Lobelius Valeria
Greetings to Your Majesty!
I am elated and grateful to receive a response.
I agree to Your Majesty’s terms.
However, please also allow to be accompanied by my most trusted knight and two servants.
Respectfully yours,
Princess Seraphina Alba Crux
***
It seed that the princess was willing to adhere to Arabella’s conditions, albeit with a slight modification to include her own companions.
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