Mel chuckled as he took back the letter, folding it neatly before placing it on the small round desk beside his throne.  "Tell me, bishop, what are the chances for me to get a knife in my back once I attend that meeting?"  the king stood up as he took off his teal long-sleeved upper garment, hanging it by the armrest of his throne.  The rose sat safely in a water-filled vase on the desk as well.  The king strode over to the back of this throne, pulling out an ornate-hilted curved sword, almost like a scimitar.  In the center of the cross guard, an encrusted ruby filled the gap.  As the king shed off his rather thick costume, leaving him in a sleeveless shirt, he breathed a sigh of relief as the cool air began to fan his skin.  Then, he raised the hilt until a ray of sunshine pierced through it, causing a kaleidoscope of colors to dance on the hall ceiling.  "The leaders of Michael and Raphael are naïve, easily swayed by emotions, they are.  There is no doubt that young Auberon and his sister, Adeline, are still mourning for the death of their parents.  They would be more than happy to slit my throat if only to sate their desire for vengeance.  What's more, but Valentine and Raphael.  We remember how we discovered Raphael's cowardice-- pretending to be allies with both kingdoms, ready to side with the winning one.  At this point, I see no reason as to why Auberon would not marry off his sister to Valentine if only to secure an alliance between the two.  And, their very first allied plot?  To kill me.  Or, that's what my father would say."

A deep sigh escaped Mel's lips whilst he swung the blade, causing the colors to spin and dart around the ceiling before he settled his eyes once more on his bishop.  "These youngsters are easily tainted by vengeance, bishop, but at the same time, they might also genuinely desire a reformation of the alliances.  On which side should we bet?  Their adolescent and fluctuating emotions, or their far-fletched romanticist dreams?  Valentine might be a coward, but he is not a stupid one.  If he says something about an uninvited king, then, I am inclined to take it into consideration."  Like a child, Mel plopped himself on his throne, arms behind his head in thought.  "This is why I need your counsel on it, bishop.  Would it be wise to attend this meeting?"  Then, a smile formed on his lips.  "Well, either way, our kingdom might be facing war.  If ever they would slay me in that meeting, at least, all doubts have been severed.  No more will my people think that Michael and Raphael are still our allies."

Mel shook his head as his cerulean eyes trained on the female bishop.  "Tell me, Daniella, are the angels on our side in this matter, or are we still dancing with devils?"

[hr]

"Your Royal Majesties,"  Rancor performed a half-bow before placing the tray on a nearby desk.  Rancor observed the two monarchs who he had grown up with.  While they did grow up in different conditions, the servant had seen Auberon and Adeline in their youth.  The former was already a loner back then, but the latter's smile hadn't failed to inspire a lot of the castle staff.  She bloomed like a rose back in the days, only for her rich, white color to be stained with red when the monarchs were assassinated.  Rancor heard tales of how the siblings grew colder, and although Adeline still smiles at the people, never had she been able to grin with life like she used to.  Only a few remember that smile, and Rancor was one of them.

Nonetheless, Rancor returned the greetings from the famous Hadrian and his rather beautiful daughter, Olfina.  Unlike Rancor, Olfina had a rather specific duty other than just being a servant.  She functioned as a portable bodyguard, and as such, she was one to be feared.  Her reputation as Hadrian's daughter only made her appear more dependable to the monarchs, and rightly so.

Technically, Rancor possessed the lowest ranking out of everyone, and as such, he politely declined the offer for a seat, excusing himself as being able to pay better attention if standing up.  Instead, Rancor took a stance near the tray of tea which he had prepared.  As the tension in the air became heavier than steel, Rancor brushed a rather annoying lock of hair away from his face.  In doing so, he mistakenly slapped his own nose, causing him to twitch in pain before straightening himself in hopes that everyone was too busy focusing on the twins for them to see his rather recent failure.  As he waited for Adeline to speak, Rancor scrunched his reddening nose as he attempted to look serious and ready for whatever ill news the monarchs would bring.