Little did everyone know, Nadine quietly slipped into the meeting, eager to eavesdrop on their conversation. She had managed to catch wind of every single suggestion that was being thrown around.
Deep down, Nadine hopes and waited for her father to simply embrace the recommendations of the first advisor and plunge headfirst into battle. She was more than willing to join the fight herself.
Being a rogue, Nadine possessed a strong defensive instinct. Over time, she had acquired a lot of combat skills, allowing her to convincingly pass as a seasoned warrior.
In the days of old, Nadine had triumphed over numerous warriors who were known for their power. These strong opponents were sent to destroy her, yet she effortlessly overcame them, emerging with nothing more than superficial wounds that eventually healed within a matter of days.
She defeated them like they were nothing and ended up with only scratches that healed up after some days.
Perhaps it was due to these extraordinary skills that nobody truly believed the tales she recounted.
The meeting was getting more and more tense, and everyone was worried that a war might happen soon. The leader of the pack, called the Alpha, and his advisors knew they had to find a way to make peace and stop the fighting before it started. They realized that giving in a little and offering some good things might be the answer, instead of making someone get married.
But one of the advisors said that making peace with the other group without making them get married would need everyone to be open-minded, understanding, and willing to try new things.
He had a few ideas, but he warned them that they might not like them.
"First, the pack could give some of their land to the other group. This land could have a lot of good things, like important resources or a good location. This would show that the pack really wants peace and is willing to give up something important."
"Second, we could also make a deal to trade things with the other group. This means we would give them things we have, and they would give us things they have. This would help both groups grow and work together instead of fighting."
“The third way to achieve peace is through Military Support. This means that the pack can promise to help the other faction with their military if they need it. By doing this, they can make the other faction's defense stronger and scare away any potential enemies.”
“Another way to achieve peace is through Cultural Exchange. This means that the pack can suggest that both factions learn about each other's cultures. They can share their traditions, rituals, and knowledge with each other. This will help them understand and appreciate each other's way of life.
Technological Advancements is also a way to achieve peace. This means that the pack can offer their advanced technology to the other faction. They can share their knowledge in areas like farming, medicine, and other fields. This will help both factions grow and develop.”
“Joint Defense Strategies is another way to achieve peace. This means that the pack can suggest that both factions work together to protect their territories. They can share their military tactics, train together, and make a pact to defend each other.
Lastly, Environmental Stewardship is a way to achieve peace. This means that the pack can promise to work with the other faction to take care of the environment they both rely on. This will show that they both care about sustainability and want to work together in the long run.”
Everyone seemed to really like the idea and agreed that these ways could help bring peace between the factions.
Another member began his own contribution. “Cultural Autonomy. The pack had a brilliant idea to make things work between them and the other faction. They decided to assure the other side that they would respect and preserve their cultural autonomy. This meant that they would let the other faction continue with their traditions, beliefs, and way of life without any interference or attempts to make them assimilate into their own culture. It was a way of showing respect and understanding for the other faction's unique identity and ensuring that they could live their lives the way they wanted to.
Infrastructure Development: Another great suggestion that came up was the idea of investing in infrastructure development in the territories of the other faction. This meant that the pack would take the initiative to build roads, schools, and healthcare facilities in those areas. By doing so, they would be improving the quality of life for the people living there and fostering a sense of goodwill and cooperation. It was a way of showing that they cared about the well-being of the other faction and were willing to contribute to their progress and development.”
Another chipped in, “Water and Resource Sharing: One more suggestion that was put forward was the idea of sharing water bodies or valuable resources with the other side. This was a way of ensuring that there was an equitable distribution of these resources and reducing any tensions that might arise due to resource scarcity. By offering to share what they had, the pack was demonstrating their willingness to work together and find mutually beneficial solutions. It was a way of promoting fairness and cooperation between the two factions.”
“Mutual Prosperity: Lastly, the pack came up with the idea of proposing joint economic ventures. This meant that they would suggest establishing businesses or industries that would benefit both factions. By doing so, they would be creating employment opportunities for the people and promoting economic growth. This would ultimately lead to shared prosperity and stability for both sides. It was a way of showing that they believed in the power of collaboration and that they wanted both factions to thrive and succeed together.”
Overall, these suggestions were met with enthusiasm and approval from the pack. They saw these ideas as a way out of the conflict and a path towards a peaceful coexistence. It was a testament to their willingness to find common ground and work towards a better future for everyone involved.
The first advisor cleared his throat after hearing the suggestion from the second advisor. "It's important to remember that while these ideas might be helpful, we need to carefully think about whether they fit with the pack's values, resources, and long-term goals."
"I want to remind you all that I'm not the only one who suffered losses in the war. Do you think that bringing us together will be okay with everyone in the pack?"
"We need to be honest and open with them. It's crucial that we have clear and honest communication between both groups. This will be important in order to negotiate and finalize the terms of the alliance. We need to build trust and understanding in the process. We also need to be cautious because there's a chance that they might try to take advantage of us and continue the war. Let's not forget that we're dealing with Kael, who is known to be very ruthless."
"Like I've said before, everything that has a positive side in life also has a negative side." He finished.
Alpha Batholomeow let out a sigh. He knew deep down that peace wouldn't work.
Kael wasn't seeking peace or any resources from them. He only wanted his daughter back. Batholomeow had to consider his people and his role as an Alpha more than his role as a father.
"That's enough, everyone. I have made my decision," he declared.
The room fell silent as they waited for him to speak.
"I will arrange for Nadine and Kael to be joined together in matrimony. They shall be mated and seen by all as one. It is the sole "I will arrange for Nadine and Kael to be joined together in matrimony. It is the only way to ensure peace or else…" he expressed with a heavy-hearted sorrow.
Nadine, who had been attentively listening all this while, did not seem to care or understand the expression on the Alpha's countenance and instead chose to believe that he had just chosen to give her away in exchange for power.
Did he genuinely expect her to spend the remaining days of her existence with such a beastly man?
The mere thought of it caused a raging fury within her veins.
Nadine stormed out of the grand chamber, making sure that her presence was acknowledged by all. The surprise on everyone's faces was of no concern to her.
She was utterly shattered that they could come to such an agreement against her.
Her father had accepted the bond of matrimony and was on the verge of publicly announcing it. He was prepared to subject her to a lifetime alongside an individual she scarcely knows.
An individual who possesses such dangerous temper and has mercilessly slaughtered countless werewolves, causing fear to ripple throughout their community.
***
Nadine stormed out of the throne room making herself known that she had been there the whole time. Everyone was shocked but she didn't care.
She was so heart broken that they could do something like this to her.
Her father has accepted the mating bond and was going to announce it. He was going to let her spend the rest of her life with someone she barely knows.
Someone that is so cruel and has killed thousands of werewolves that he is so feared.
He has heard so many rumors of him, but she never asked personal details of his story. She decided to do it.
She went back to her room, and wondered who to ask. She wanted to know from a reliable source and not from a gossiper.
She sighed. Someone her father expects her to marry, she has to ask about him from others.
This made her even more furious. She just can't imagine spending her life like that.
"Natalie!" Nadine called out and her lady in waiting came rushing in. A young woman the same age as her was wearing a tight black skirt and a collared white shirt.
"Yes, your highness." She answered as soon as she closed the door.
"What were you doing?" Nadine questioned. She wanted some information but it can also be classified as gossip. She doesn't want to disturb her from something important she was doing just for her to tell her some gossip.
"Nothing more important than what you want." Natalie responded. She has been working for Nadine for a while now and she has come to know how considerate her mistress is. She knows to put her at ease first.
"But if what you were doing is very important then please return. It doesn't has to be more important. It will be a shame to make you do it later when you could have done it now." Nadine insisted. She was feeling a bit guilty now. She should have just checked before calling her.
It would be a shame to make her work late when she could have been done earlier.
"Your highness. My position here is your lady in waiting and that is to serve you. You are my work and nothing else. Please go on." Natalie encouraged her to speak with a smile on her pink lips. It was cute how Nadine worried about her and she was glad to be serving someone as kind as her.
"Okay well what I want is to know about someone." Nadine began.
"Yes, your highness. I can tell you anything but if I don't have the information then I'll go get it immediately." Natalie assured.