Episode 9

Princess Daian, one of the daughters of the King of the North, had been kidnapped. She managed to escape, injuring herself during the ordeal, and ended up on the border where Valery and her friends played.

When they saw the girl, they helped her, fostering a strong friendship among the youths.

Daian needed to return to her father, so she attempted to go back to her kingdom. She eventually did so when a group of soldiers searching for her found her.

Upon returning to her realm, her perspective had changed, shaped by the weeks she spent with Valery, Carlos, Tadeo, and Benjamin. She had also witnessed the suffering of both peoples, with the war leaving deep scars.

Valery's idea of a political marriage to unite the two kingdoms resonated well with Daian.

She immersed herself in learning, especially in politics and social issues. Her father allowed her and directed her tutors to educate his daughter without limitations.

Daian was a young redhead with green eyes.

Over the years, Valery had distinguished herself in her military career, so much so that at the age of twenty, she was a captain in charge of an elite squadron, with Carlos and Tadeo as her deputies. Benjamin had become a doctor, finding his calling with the support of his friends.

Throughout the years of conflict, Valery had sustained injuries and bore scars on her body, yet she remained strikingly beautiful with a well-formed figure.

Valery's delicate features, her lovely hazel eyes, and her chestnut hair added to her beauty.

The King of the North had five children, three of which were daughters. The eldest, Melina, married a count, his second daughter Ivon, the wife of the Counselor's son, and his third daughter Daian, still firmly believed that a marriage would be advantageous for an alliance and peace between the kingdoms. His son Octavio served as an officer in the army.

His youngest son, Abel, had been educated in many fields, but his sister Daian had always instilled in him that ambition was not beneficial, as it was the people, especially the peasants, who suffered.

Nineteen-year-old Prince Abel was very close to his sister and promised to adhere to all that she had taught him.

The day came when the King of the North sent a messenger to King Leonardo with a peace treaty, which suggested a marriage to unite the kingdoms.

After reading the treaty, King Leonardo convened his children.

Leo: Father, I've reviewed the peace treaty, and it seems like a good idea. I am not yet married, and if the King of the North agrees, I am prepared to marry his daughter to end this war.

Leonardo: I agree. I will send a reply with the messenger.

Upon the messenger's return to the north, the king calls for his daughter.

King of the North: Daughter, Prince Leonardo is willing to be your husband, though he is eleven years older than you.

Daian: Father, I accept, but I wish to be escorted by General Roberson's army.

King of the North: Very well, daughter.

Thus, the messenger returned with Leonardo's affirmative response, signaling the imminent return of peace to the kingdoms.

Jaiden had wed a village girl who was expecting their first child, little Angel was seven years old.

Lucas made sure everything was in order at the border, where many of his soldiers remained because their families lived there. Meanwhile, Marcos, along with his mother and son, joined the army en route to the city. Tadeo was left in charge of the border troops, and Benjamin, the doctor, also remained at the border.

The friends bid each other farewell with warm embraces and promises to reunite soon.

Valery faced mixed emotions; she longed to return and see her Tomas but would miss the village where she grew up.

An assembly of people stood in formation, awaiting Princess Daian's carriage to escort her to the city.

King of the North: General Roberson, from one father to another, I entrust my daughter's protection to you.

Lucas: Your Majesty, your daughter will arrive safely in the city. You have my word.

So the army set off for the city, a grand caravan of soldiers and two carriages—one bearing the princess and future queen, the other occupied by Greta with Angel, Margo, and Elizabeth, who was two months away from giving birth.

Several rest stops were made during the journey to the city for the attendees' comfort.

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