51 Negotiation
Henry's very presence seemed to exert an invisible pressure that weighed heavily on the room, making the air thick and difficult to breathe. This pressure increased even more as his cold grey eyes heavily landed on each individual present in the room, resting longer on Marcus and Zuna, the most distinct figures.
A tense atmosphere hovered in the hall as the two messengers tried hard to maintain their composure, but the sweat on their foreheads betrayed their unease. For a brief moment, their eyes met with Henry's, leading to an indescribable sense of dread to wash over them. They felt their whole lives fleeting by their eyes, like a prey looking a hunter's eyes.
It made them instinctively take a step back as their hearts raced, threatening to jump out of their mouths as their hands got covered in sweat. It was as if Henry's grey eyes could strip their souls naked, digging out their fears and weakness to the surface.
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"- Henry's voice was calm and measured as he tapped his fingers slowly on the armrest of his throne. A seemingly polite smile never leaving his lips.
However, there was an unexplainable coldness behind that smile that made Marcus and Zuna's skin crawl. It felt like the hazardous winter winds were scratching against their bones and eating away at their flesh, as if they were standing in the presence of the Frozen Forest itself. They felt small and insignificant.
Marcus tightly clenched his fists, trying to shake off the fear creeping inside his very own soul.Why should he be afraid when he was the one with the most chips to bet at the table? He reminded himself that Stahl was already weakened and on its last breath, unable to stand against his kingdom's force.
After finding again his source of confidence, Marcus forced himself to meet Henry's unwavering gaze. This time an incredible hate raged inside his eyes. A hate for himself and the man in front of him, who made him feel fear.
With renewed confidence, Marcus took a deep breath and straightened his back to meet Henry's unwavering gaze. He refused to show any signs of fear or weakness, determined to hold his ground. He mustered a smug smile to mask the seething anger bubbling inside him and began speaking.
"I am Marcus." - he said, his voice laced with contempt and anger- "And I have come under the name of Aritreia to deliver some 'great news.' We will be taking on the 'responsibility' of watching over your mines as you restructure your kingdom."
He emphasized the word responsibility, making it seem like he was doing a great favor for Stahl by taking their main source of material to arm his soldiers and guarantee the survival of his kingdom. His words were filled with contempt and arrogance.
Henry's fingers momentarily paused their incessant tapping as he tilted his head slightly, his smile fading from his lips. The sudden shift in his demeanor sent a shiver down Marcus's spine again, and he could feel sweat coming back to his forehead and hands. But just as quickly as that smile had vanished, it returned to Henry's face, and yet the tension in the room remained thick, like an invisible blade hovering above their heads, ready to strike at any moment.
The smile was the same, but the emotion behind it totally different.
Henry simply nodded in acknowledgement before turning his gaze towards Zuna - "And what about you?"
Unlike Marcus, Zuna has always been more cautious and reserved in her approach, especially in enemy territory. She knew the old man standing behind Henry held immense power and could easily end their lives if they crossed any lines. Despite being there to demand the lifeline of Henry's rule, Zuna knew it was best not to further aggravate the already tense situation.
Zuna took a deep breath and tried to maintain her composure as she spoke. - "I am Zuna, messenger of Luak. We too have an interest in your mines and seek to come to an agreement with Stahl."
Henry leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. "And what kind of agreement are you proposing? I hope it's not the same as your friend over there," he said, nodding towards Marcus.
At his words, Marcus seethed with anger, but he quickly composed himself when Luther's eyes fell on him. He could do nothing in reality, but inside his mind, Henry had already been cut thousands of times.
Zuna hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering towards Luther before returning to Henry.-"We would like to request the right to mine for a period of ten years. In exchange, we promise to return the land to you and pay royalties to your kingdom. We'll take on all costs associated with mining and pay you for extracting and commercializing the cold iron."
Zuna paused, making sure that Henry was still listening attentively before continuing. - " By granting us this agreement, you will have enough time to restructure and bring peace to your kingdom. And we'll ensure your safety against Aritreia or any other country."
Marcus erupted with fury at her words. "This disrespectful bitch!" he shouted.
"SILENCE!" Henry's booming voice cut through the air, causing Marcus to shrink back, fists clenched in anger. He wanted to kill this king.
Henry turned his gaze back to Zuna and leaned back on his throne – "You can continue."
Not caring about Marcus's outburst, Zuna took a deep breath and continued - "In addition, we have noticed that your kingdom's city guards have been reduced. We propose to mobilize a few troops to help maintain order on your territory."
After finishing her words, Zuna bowed her head and swallowed nervously, unable to bring herself to meet Henry's eyes. Her heart pounded with fear as she awaited his response, praying that her proposal would not lead to her execution and stain her vibrant blue hair with blood.
Henry leaned back in his throne and closed his eyes, his fingers drumming against the armrests as he contemplated the two proposals – "Interesting. One is brazenly threatening me for the mines, while the other is attempting to take them from within, using a good proposal as a guise. Royalties…hm."
"However, this proposal is veiled in dangers. Ten years is enough time to take over my kingdom using the offered soldiers that should be maintaining the order and justice." – Henry concluded – "They will have the mines and my territory. A good plan indeed."
The second chapter of the week! Sorry for the late update!
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