starter for @kingcenred
The war had been long, and she was tired. A truce was the only logical option between their kingdoms. She had volunteered to negotiate their terms at a neutral area away from their lands. What Lilé had not expected was to see King Cenred and for a strange, insistent pull to suddenly tug between them when they both entered the negotiation room.
No, her mind whispered, horrified as the truth chilled her like a bucket of ice to her bare skin. No. This cannot be.
There was only one reason for that pull. A less adept diplomat might have paled in shock. Lilé did not want this. She did not consent to be bound to her enemy, even an enemy who agreed to discuss a truce. Judging by Cenred’s face, neither did he. Yet she kept her expression carefully composed, not willing to betray the emotions that surged through her like a storm.
Somehow they both convinced their retinues to leave so they might talk in private. Royal to royal. Lilé’s guards did not look happy; nevertheless they departed to wait outside the room until their princess called them back. She could look after herself, and she doubted Cenred would trick her after all their peoples had been through.
When the doors had closed, Lilé threw up a soundproofing spell over the room - no eavesdroppers would win today - and turned to face the King who had caused her people so much grief. Her expression was cold, all diplomacy dropped now that they were left alone.
“No,” was all she said, her tone simple, even. “I will not have it. If this is some trick to make me capitulate so that you can sway the outcome of our gathering, I refuse. We are not bound. I am not yours. You are not mine. I want this - this link - broken.”
Her shadows swirled around her ankles, agitated. Some of them wanted to swarm him, yet not as an attack. They sensed the bond. They yearned to greet the person who shared such a connection, for surely this man would not harm his own mate? Why did their mistress refuse them? Why was she so furious?
