Chapter:4 Politics in the Fire Kingdom

The throne room of the Fire Kingdom was vast and imposing, with high ceilings carved from obsidian and veins of glowing lava tracing intricate patterns along the walls. Kael sat on his throne, crimson eyes fixed on the figure standing before him. His presence was commanding, radiating authority, and heat that made the very air shimmer.

Leona stood tall, her posture impeccable, hands lightly clasped before her. She met Kael’s gaze without flinching. The playful grin that usually danced across her face was gone—replaced by a look of calm, serious focus.

Kael’s voice was sharp, almost dangerous. “Why are you in my kingdom, Empress Leona? I don’t tolerate unannounced visits lightly.”

Leona inclined her head respectfully, her tone measured. “I understand, Your Majesty. I have come to visit my neighboring kingdom… to know it better, to understand its people, its customs, and its governance. As the newly appointed Empress of Elyndora, I must form alliances, understand my neighbors, and ensure stability between our kingdoms.”

Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying her carefully. “So… this is not a personal visit?”

Leona shook her head subtly. “No, Your Majesty. This is strictly political. I have no intention of causing disruption. My aim is understanding and cooperation, nothing more.”

Kael leaned back, folding his arms. “Interesting. Most rulers visiting the Fire Kingdom would start with pleasantries or gifts… not a direct approach to politics.”

Leona’s lips pressed into a firm line. “I believe diplomacy requires honesty, Your Majesty. To know a kingdom well, one must see it firsthand, ask questions, and observe its operations. Flattery and gifts do not create trust—they create expectation.”

Kael’s brow lifted slightly, impressed despite himself. “You speak boldly… and sensibly, for someone so young. Very well. Let us discuss what you wish to know, Empress Leona.”

Leona inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I wish to understand the Fire Kingdom’s administrative structure, its security forces, and trade policies. If possible, I would also like to discuss potential areas for cooperation between our kingdoms.”

Kael’s eyes flicked to the guards standing silently behind her, then back to Leona. “You ask much… but your reasoning is sound. Very well. We shall begin. Speak.”

Leona’s expression remained calm, her voice steady and confident. This was the Leona of politics—the Empress, serious and commanding, unafraid to meet an Emperor’s gaze and speak truthfully. Behind her, Nate and her entourage watched silently, impressed by her sudden transformation from curious whirlwind to composed diplomat.

And so, the first serious political conversation between Elyndora and the Fire Kingdom began, with no teasing, no playfulness—just the weight of diplomacy, strategy, and mutual respect filling the throne room.

Leona took a deep breath, her posture still poised and serious. After discussing trade routes and security protocols, she paused, eyes locking on Kael’s.

“Your Majesty,” she began, voice calm and measured, “if I may… may I ask… do you ever plan to marry?”

Kael froze mid-motion, crimson eyes narrowing as he stared at her. For a moment, the tension in the throne room shifted. Guards glanced at each other, unsure whether to intervene, while Nate let out a quiet, disbelieving groan from behind her.

“I… what?” Kael’s voice was low, gruff, and clearly annoyed. “This is a political discussion, not—”

Leona raised a hand slightly, cutting him off, but her tone remained unwavering. “I understand, Your Majesty. But… as neighboring rulers, knowing about potential alliances—including marital ones—can be relevant. It affects diplomacy, succession, and the stability of both our kingdoms.”

Kael’s jaw tightened, and he leaned back in his throne, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check. “You… ask everything, don’t you? Even… personal matters.”

Leona’s eyes never wavered. “I ask what is necessary for the stability of our kingdoms. That is my duty.”

A flicker of something—amusement? irritation?—crossed Kael’s face. “You are… remarkably bold, Empress Leona. Very well. That question… is noted. I am not considering marriage at present. The Fire Kingdom has matters far more important than personal unions.”

Leona inclined her head respectfully. “Understood, Your Majesty. Thank you for your honesty.”

Kael’s crimson eyes lingered on her a moment longer, a faint trace of grudging respect forming beneath the surface of his hot-tempered demeanor.

Leona straightened, her expression returning fully to serious diplomacy. “Now, if I may continue… the matter of trade agreements between our kingdoms—”

And so, even with her bold, borderline reckless question slipping through, the political discussion continued, the tension in the throne room a mix of strategy, authority, and an unspoken challenge between two fiery rulers.

Dinner time:

The throne room had emptied, replaced by the warm glow of the palace dining hall. A long table of polished obsidian was set with delicacies from across the Fire Kingdom, the air thick with the scent of roasted meats and exotic spices. Guards stood silently along the walls, watching attentively, while Leona’s entourage hesitated, unsure how this informal meeting would unfold.

Leona, however, wasted no time. She leaned forward slightly, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Wow… all this food looks incredible! Your palace chefs must be amazing. What is this dish called?”

Kael, seated at the head of the table, pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly exasperated. “It is called fire-roasted stag, Empress Leona. You do not need to comment on every dish.”

Leona giggled, ignoring his gruff tone. “Oh, come on! You have to tell me! I’m curious—how do you even roast it without setting the hall on fire? And… do you always eat like this?”

Kael’s crimson eyes flicked to her, voice sharp. “Curiosity without restraint can be dangerous, Empress. Remember that.”

Leona leaned back in her chair, a cheeky smile playing on her lips. “Dangerous? Maybe. But fun! And isn’t life too short to not ask questions?”

Nate groaned softly from beside her. “I should have stayed in Elyndora…”

Ignoring him, Leona turned back to Kael, tilting her head thoughtfully. “And your guards! Do they eat the same food as you? Or just… plain stuff? Oh! And the palace… do you ever have fun in here? Games, music… or is it all just… work, work, work?”

Kael’s jaw tightened, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—a mix of irritation and… maybe intrigue. “I do not have time for frivolities,” he said gruffly. “Discipline comes before pleasure.”

Leona leaned in slightly, her grin widening. “Hmm… I’ll have to test that theory someday. Maybe I’ll sneak in a game or two when no one’s looking!”

Kael’s crimson gaze burned into her, but he said nothing, only taking a slow bite of his food while Leona continued peppering him with questions about palace life, food, and customs.

The guards, Nate, and even Kael’s own attendants could only exchange exasperated glances. Leona’s curiosity was unstoppable, a whirlwind of questions that seemed intent on testing the limits of the grumpy Emperor’s patience.

And Kael, for all his irritation, found himself… slightly unable to look away.

-

Leona leaned back in her chair, her grin widening as her eyes roamed over Kael. She spoke with mock seriousness, voice low enough for only him to hear.

“Tell me… Your Majesty,” she said, tilting her head playfully, “you look like a bit of a playboy. That body, those shoulders… you don’t deny it, do you?”

The hall went silent. Nate’s jaw practically dropped, and the guards stiffened, hands twitching near their swords.

Kael’s crimson eyes snapped to her, wide with shock and fury. “Excuse me?!” His voice boomed, sharp enough to make a few candles flicker. “Empress Leona! That… that is highly inappropriate!”

Leona’s grin only widened. “Oh, come on! I’m just… curious. I mean, if I were neighboring Empress, I would want to know if the Emperor next door is a player or not, right?”

Kael slammed his palm on the table, his heat practically radiating through the hall. “You… dare speak such nonsense to me, in my own palace?!”

Leona leaned forward, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Nonsense? Maybe. But honest nonsense! You do look like someone who enjoys… attention.”

Kael’s crimson gaze blazed, and for a moment, the grumpy Emperor looked like he might explode. His guards exchanged nervous glances, unsure whether to restrain him or just hope for the best.

Nate groaned from beside Leona, burying his face in his hands. “I cannot survive this…”

Kael’s voice was low, dangerous, and dripping with barely restrained fury. “Empress… you are… insufferable.”

Leona leaned back casually, completely unfazed, and whispered with a sly smile, “I like to think of it as… being honest. Besides… it’s a simple question. You can answer if you want.”

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. His crimson eyes remained locked on her, a mixture of irritation and… curiosity.

And thus, dinner continued—not as a formal meal, but as a battlefield of glances, words, and unspoken challenges between two fiery rulers.

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