So guess who forgot to upload this chapter last week? I've been taking it easy and trying to work on my writing since all the legal jargon at work has literally killed my creative writing skills. Updates will still be slow AF. Bear with me Y'all. If anyone sees any mistakes please let me know.

The door behind them creaked as it closed.

Pine gestured to the wicker chair before her. "Sit."

She eyed him as he sat, cursing herself for her own pride. She refused to bring anyone to the meeting as a peace offering but now her sister's words were racing through her head: "Be very careful with his family. Be sure to have someone with you at all times. "

"We have much to discuss, your majesty," his eyes gleamed.

Alodia crossed her legs. "That we do; We have heard a rumor that your people are preparing for war."

She watched Pine frown. "And where did you get this information."

"People talk," she shrugged. "You have Invierno merchants that trade with human villages. We stopped at several on our way here. I was concerned but Storm informed me that it was all talk. Hearing a man in power, such as yourself, negate such a rumor would bring me more peace," she pointed out.

Pine waved his hand muttering something in Lengua Classica.

Alodia huffed, tapping her fingers on the desk in front of her. "I can't understand your language; are you planning on going to war with any of the human kingdoms?"

The Animagus grunted, training his hollow eyes onto Alodia. "No, from my understanding we are not arming ourselves for war with the humans."

Alodia tries to feign nonchalance. "If you say so."

"Now," he croaked. "I have something of importance to discuss."

Alodia raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes, I could care less about your insecurities," he snapped. "We are here to discuss my son's upcoming schedule."

Alodia's eyebrows flew up, jaw dropped a bit. He was quite demanding for someone who needed her, too.

Pine continued, pulling parchments of paper onto the desk. "We will need He Who Wafts with the Wind Becomes as Mighty as the Thunderstorm throughout the year. I need you to allow him to come to his homeland to perform rituals."

"I understand Zafira is dwindling, but you can't put all of this on Storm. The burden is far too great. He blessed a seed and nearly fainted. You can't seriously expect him to perform rituals for a whole kingdom."

She watched the Deciregus eyebrows furrow. "I didn't think you'd care."

Alodia scoffed. "I need my end of the deal alive for the treaty to remain in place. If you kill him due to exhaustion, how much good will he bring either of us?"

The older man let out short barks of laughter. "Yes, of course." He continued, "I am sure he can learn to measure the extent of his power. This does not change that we need him to be available during our festivals. The people need a sign of hope."

"As a prince consort, he has duties. He will need to be at my side during our own festivals," Alodia shot back. "He will be allowed to come to Invierne if it is absolutely necessary. During your spring festival when you are planting it makes sense; your people will need crops for harvest."

"We will also need him for harvest so our food will not spoil during the winter."

Alodia shook her head. "Unnecessary. Salt your meat and dry your produce. I will at least need him for harvest. He cannot be absent from all our festivals."

"Our people can die."

"For centuries my people have lived through winters. How is it that you need Zafira to survive yours?" Alodia countered.

The elder man tossed his hair back in frustration. "Joyan winters aren't as harsh as our own."

"Orovallen winter's," Alodia said through clenched teeth. "Are about as cold as your own. We see blizzards in some parts of our country; Sierra Sangre is part of my territory. Khelia is where our kingdoms meet and their winter is quite mild by our standards. Yet, somehow, even the coldest parts of my kingdom have managed fine by salting meat and drying produce."

His eyes narrowed. "And what if my people still die because the food rots before spring?"

"That is something I suggest you write to my sister. I am not sure she's aware of the extent of this problem. She made this mess; you cannot expect me to take full responsibility. I am willing to help as much as I can; you are now family," she said pointedly. "But, I do have my own kingdom to look after that is currently recovering from the destruction your soldiers caused."

Pine snorted. "I am sure your own people are responsible for the destruction of your condados."

Alodia eyes narrowed. "And what do you know of my own people?"

"Your condes are vipers," he said inspecting his nails. "All you humans enjoy trying to step on one another. You are no different." The man's sharpened teeth were bared to her. "I am willing to ignore it. After all, you are now becoming family," he hissed.

Alodia's forced her features to settle. "I assume you have nothing to do with my current problem, after all, it doesn't benefit you," she said coolly.

"Of course not. I want access to Zafira. I cannot get access if your kingdom crumbles. Your sister won't have it," he mutters.

Alodia bit her lip nodding slowly.

"Well then," she said tapping the blank parchment, "write your dates down for me and I will review them with my betrothed. I will do my best to provide your people with the support they need. As long as you are willing to do the same," she pressed.

"Yes, it is expected for me to help you, Your Majesty." Pine cleared his throat. "Now about your union."

Alodia blinked. "I am assuming you wish to set a date?"

"We do not follow your culture. We have a small ceremony for Animagus who choose life partners. It is what is recognized by our people. I strongly suggest it gets done before you leave. Our spring rains are quite harsh; I would hate for something to happen to either of you before then."

Alodia nodded and did her best not to smirk. "What would happen to me before the spring?" she inquired innocently.

"Well, no," he retracted. "I mean, the travel here during the spring is rough. I would not want, Majesty, to expose herself to the harsh weather. Especially if you were to bear my grandchild."

Alodia choked on her own spit.

"I assumed that neither has protested the accommodations because you have taken a liking for one another," he droned on, ignoring Alodia's coughing fit.

"It is common to consummate before the bind of life partners. It is a serious matter and cohabitation is expected. You cannot just jump into a bind without fully knowing the person. These binds cannot be undone." He continued, watching her flush several shades of red. "I noticed your mutual feelings considering how often you take each other into account."

"No," she managed to wheeze. "I think," she cleared her throat, "there has been a misunderstanding."

The animagus in front of her looked quite amused. "Is that so."

"Storm and I believed you wanted us to share a room -"

"I did; otherwise how else would you bind? It is expected and even necessary to cohabitate. I'm concerned Storm did not think this was coming," he said, steepling his bony fingers.

"Ah, well yes. We assumed the Orovallen marriage would be joined with the binding ceremony," she lied. How was it that Storm never covered the important points of any conversation? She was starting to think his priorities were skewed and he somehow assumed she knew enough of his culture.

"That simply won't do," the Deciregus chuckled. "That would require an audience of all nine Deciregi and I am sure there is no lost love for Invierne royalty in your kingdom. Considering the current state of events, do you really think it wise to bring all nine prophet kings in mid-spring?"

She heard her heartbeat drumming in her ears. "Mid-spring?" she echoed.

"Of course, you must get married at once," he said quickly. "There is no need to delay this. We do the binding ceremony here and I will represent all nine families at your marriage in Amalur. Less complicated, and no need to air out your dirty rags to the rest of the nine families."

Alodia paused, lips quirking up. "I take it no one outside of Crooked Sequoia knows of my kingdoms situation."

"A queen shouldn't be proud of not having a throne," he sneered through clenched teeth.

"I have a throne; I am simply having issues with zealots. Considering your own rush, you must have your own power play. I understand and am willing to comply. That is, if I can secure my safety and the safety of my supporters at that time."

He shook his head, his thin white hair rippling with the action. "You think it will take longer to regain control for a simple rebellion? Your denial is as bad as your lying, Joyan."

Alodia frowned. "First of all, I am Orovallen. Second of all, your own enemies must be working against me; there were sightings of Inviernos at the last attack. Who else would have the ability to burn an entire Condado to the ground?"

The Deciregus waved his hand as if she were a pesky fly. "That is sensational reporting from biased people who wish to end this union. Do you want safety? I'll give you my own men. But it comes at a price."

"I am not giving you Storm longer than necessary," she said firmly. She needed Storm's presence to defend her from her own council. Not that she would ever admit that to Storm's father.

"You can keep him for your own political gain. I require a child," he said with a venomous smile.

Alodia eyes widened. She was genuinely speechless. Out of everything the prophet-king could ask for, she wasn't expecting that request.

"I will not keep the child here," he continued, "for it will be a mula. I need you to grant me a grandchild. The sooner the better. This needs to be stabilized and children are how we do it in our own kingdom. Your marriage means nothing to us. Our binds are not complete without Zafira."

Alodia after finally finding her voice again, spoke up, "Storm has access to Zafira; I don't see why we should rush children."

Pine ignored her. "My son could be the child's nurse; he is no use in politics, that is why he was sent off to Joya D'Arena in the first place. He even failed then."

Alodia glared. "I wouldn't call befriending the Empress of Joya D'Arena a failure. The only reason you're even getting this opportunity is because Storm allows it. I am sure if he were spiteful he could have passed this along to any other family. He is your access to Zafira and the only way you can assert your family's dominance over the others. For being your so-called failure, he sure has brought much honor to your family," she spat.

"You know nothing of Invierne politics, foolish child," he hissed.

Alodia smiled sweetly. "But, I know how to play the political game. Invierne women cannot have children due to the lack of Zafira. If Storm and I were to have a child by next spring, it would be a spectacle for you to flaunt. The people would see Zafira's power in your son. Mula or not." Alodia shrugged. "It would be a beacon of hope to all Invierne that not all lost. Not to mention, you gain respect for sacrificing your family line through your son."

Pine slammed his hand onto the wooden desk. "Do we have a deal or not?"

"How will having a child benefit me," snarled Alodia. His intimidation tactics were weak. He needed her. She wasn't going to allow him to stomp all over her.

"Stability in your kingdom along with military aid provided by myself." he snapped. "It is a good offer. You need the manpower, pretend queen."

"Insulting me will get you nowhere. As for the manpower, that can easily be acquired," she said, straightening the ruffles in her skirt. "You are forgetting who my sister is."

"I will send you a group of our best men and an Animagus, separate from my son. He will be able to teach my heir how to properly harness Zafira. He is no use to you without a proper teacher. They will guard both of your lives. And of course, the child's. My son can even handpick the guardsmen. He trained with most of them," he quipped.

She bit her lip, running the offer over in her head. She looked up to meet his eyes. "I will consult with Storm and my own council. Expect an answer soon."

She watched the elder man massage his temples. "Yes, fine. It better be soon. The binding will still happen. I will begin with the preparations for it."

"Fine. But if Storm is against it, I will follow his lead," she warned.

"I doubt he will," Pine muttered.

"Absolutely not," Zito snapped.

"It's a good offer, Zito," Alodia countered.

Stormed raised an eyebrow. "I'm more shocked he even agreed to aid you, my father isn't one to give aid so easily."

"More reasons to not trust him, Your Majesty," Zito pressed.

"But we need the manpower, Zito. It wouldn't hurt and Storm was even allowed to handpick the Animagus and guardsmen." Alodia gestured to her betrothed. "You even mentioned how you need more knowledge about your craft, imagine being taught by a full fledge animagus! How is this deal not a Godsend?"

Storm's mouth hung open. Zito's groaned, "But at what cost."

Alodia felt her face flush at the question. "Something that could be arranged easily. We may still have something over him."

"And what would that be," said Storm, crossing his arms.

"I mean, it's rather obvious isn't it," she muttered. "By the way, was it that hard to explain that our current room arrangement is because your father was rushing the binding ceremony." Alodia took a sip from her wine. "A warning would have been nice, he absolutely blindsided me with the preparations."

"We're having the binding ceremony here?" he exclaimed, his voice going into a higher octave.

She turned to face him once more. "All nine families must be present," She huffed. "Shall we take them to my raided palace or better yet, why not host the wedding at Ricardo's?"

"Alodia," chastised Zito.

Alodia put down her chalice. "It makes sense to have the binding ceremony here. Unless you have anything against it. I warned your father that I would follow your lead on this."

Storm looked down. "This is a serious decision. We cannot back down from this, Alodia. Zafira will bind us. Under law and God, we will be bound. We will be considered one."

"Yes, I understand, it is your version of a marriage."

"This is a far more serious oath. I understand why my father wants it because it is one that cannot be broken." He shook his head. "My own father did not bind with my mother. Not many choose to bind with their significant others. It far too great of an oath to be taken lightly."

She watched Zito pinch the bridge of his nose to ward off an impending headache. "So he made her promise to do a magical oath, that he himself didn't commit to?"

Alodia thoughtfully twirled her fingers in her hair. "Could I die?"

He shook his head. Quickly glancing at Zito he cleared his throat. "No."

She cocked her head to the side. "Is there anything that we could do within our marriage that could possibly kill us?"

"Not exactly. We do not suffer consequences as long as we do not break the oath."

She gestured for him to continue. "What is the oath?"

"We live as one. We are equals. We make decisions together and look out for one another."

Alodia snorted. "Nothing about unfaithfulness to your partner?"

"From my understanding, the loyalty is understood," he retorted. "Is there something you wish to discuss?"

Alodia's raised an eyebrow. "No, just curious."

"What are the consequences?" Zito said, sitting at the edge of his seat.

"From my understanding it is pain. You do not die but you are in pain without your partner. Longing is worse. A part of you is missing."

Alodia sat back, steepling her fingers. "This might present a problem. How bad is the longing?"

Storm tilted his head and stroked his chin. "I heard of people being bedridden without their loved ones."

"You will be gone for rituals. Will it affect me?" she questioned.

"As long as we aren't angry with one another, it shouldn't be a problem. We must clear the air of fights if I were to leave."

Alodia nodded. "We can do that."

"Fine, but what shall we do about the other condados that were attacked." Zito sighed, "We can't stay away from the kingdom any longer. General Eduardo, is acting as quickly as he can but so far that's three condados. People are starting to question your rule since you've been gone."

"Send word that we are coming back with reinforcements," said the young queen.

Zito let out an audible sigh of disdain.

Alodia rolled her eyes. "Any word on my sister?"

"She too will send reinforcements along with her best spy." Storm reported. "We might meet them in the palace if we leave within the next week."

"Perfect. Zito, you are dismissed."

Lord Zito bowed and carefully walked out of the room.

Storm swiftly turned towards her. "What exactly did you use as leverage towards my father?" he demanded. "Zito may have not pushed out of respect but I know my father. He is a cunning man who cares little of others. He would not offer a binding ceremony held here, much less reinforcement without something in return."

Alodia blinked at his sudden outburst. "Are you that against the binding? I'm sure we can stop it. I told him that if you didn't agree to it - "

"I don't mind being bound to you, Alodia. That is not the problem. A binding is such a huge expense. He will need to provide food, drink, and entertainment for all nine families. It is expensive and hardly ever done in our culture." He raised his hand to stop her protest. "I think the binding is the best way to ensure our treaty. It will be recognized through the families as something much more real and tangible than a simple oath by an Orovallen queen and a signed treaty by a Joyan empress. My people do not trust yours but we do trust Zafira and our God. The binding cannot be undone. Do you understand that?"

"Until death does us apart?"

"Correct."

She nodded. "It would be the scandal of a lifetime if I simply took in a lover."

"But yet your royalty is known for its unfaithfulness. I watched Alejandro dote over a woman that wasn't his wife," he countered.

Alodia's eyes narrowed. "Joyans are like that but Orovallens are of a different culture. My father was never unfaithful and refused to take in a mistress even after my mother's death. I believe I will be the same."

Storm's eyes softened. "I do not mean to offend you."

"You already have but that's not going to change any time soon," she snapped.

Storm sighed, cradling his head in his hands. "The binding ceremony alone isn't enough for my father to send aid. He wouldn't send aid to his own son in times of trouble. What did you promise?"

Alodia pressed her lips together in thought. Had she made a mistake? She looked up to meet Storm's gaze. "I promised him a grandchild by next spring."

Storm's eyebrows flew to his hairline "A Ch-Child?" he sputtered.

"He said he did not want to keep it. He just wanted one made," she smiled sheepishly. "But like you said before, without Zafira Invierne mothers cannot bear a child. We cannot even have an animagus perform a binding ceremony on us," she said quickly. "You will have to perform our own binding ceremony. To me, this is all a power play on behalf of your father to assert dominance over the nine families. His son is now the only functioning animagus that has enough power to do his own binding and an even further proof is by next year the only Invierne child to be born will be ours. Zafira has dwindled greatly, this is his way of showing off."

Storm slouched in a chair. "Are you even remotely aware of how dangerous this is?"

"I don't follow, your family's success is our success, too. I know they have made mistakes before but if he is willing to help us out, I don't mind doing him the simple favor."

"Simple favor?! Alodia, I can't even get close to you without you trying to take my head off. I understand your mistrust, I have seen what your condes are capable of, but we have barely attempted to court each other out of fear of one another."

"I am trying to trust you, you constantly keep leaving very important details out," she accused.

"I apologize for not regurgitating everything I remembered from my stay in Invierne. It's not like I lived in another court for almost a decade," he spat. "It's not like I was shunned as a failed son." He glared at her. "I mean; I was held to the same level of the servants before I left. What exactly do you expect me to do if I forget certain things, Alodia?"

The young queen looked away first. "I'm sorry."

Storm blinked.

"I admit; I am not the best partner. I will do better," she promised. "I don't really have any other option really. Neither of us does."

"Alodia - "

She raised her hand. "We don't have a choice, Storm." She shrugged. "Would you like to face honorable death at the hands of your father?"

"No," he grinned, "Not exactly."

"I didn't think so," she smiled back. "Then we will make this work to the best of our ability."

She looked down and picked at her fingernails.

"I apologize if I was too forward without consulting you first but I am desperate. I don't mind trying, ah, holding up my end of the deal to your father," she winced. "I know it will take a while but once we get to Orovalle we can take time to get to know each other. We have time. Orovallen women bear children in 40 weeks. We have more than enough time to get to know each other by next spring. We can even have the wedding before then."

"You want a relationship in our marriage, then?"

Alodia frowned. "Isn't that what the binding is all about. We might as well try. We will be bound until one of us dies."

"You believe in love," he smiled. "Is it strange that I did not expect that from you?"

Alodia laughed. "My father and my sister have experienced love in their marriages. I may have an arranged marriage but I should at least try. You will be my most trusted ally. I already sleep next to you, what more signs of trust would you like? You are here during my meetings; your opinion even matters to me. If love comes out of this, we will have more trust in one another."

"I didn't mean to raise my voice. I apologize." His gaze softened "I also wish to find love in this. I cannot fathom having to dedicate the rest of my life to someone I do not love."

Alodia smiled and tilted her head. "I thought after I died you could bind again. You will outlive me after all."

"Yes, but after a bind that lasts so many years, it will hurt immensely to not feel you anymore." Storm folded his hands on the table. "I know of men who have followed their partners after their departure to the afterlife. It's sometimes too painful to bear."

"Well, that simply won't do," she quipped. "You have a responsibility to your people and to your family."

He sighed. "I am aware."

"So." She scratched her head, feeling a flush climb her neck. "We will go through with both the binding and the child."

He gave her a coy smile. "Yes, we will do both the binding and have a child by next spring."

"Good," she cleared her throat. "We are in agreement."

Fluffy as hell. I know. I think I've been binge watching too many Kdramas.