The two Triesenberg pilots, Hans and Dieter, stood silently just inside the entrance of the hangar, their eyes scanning the room as they waited. The Valorian military presence was everywhere—guards stationed at strategic points, eyes sharp, hands never far from their weapons. The tension in the air was palpable, though the pilots remained outwardly composed.
After a few moments, the heavy doors of the hangar swung open, and a woman entered. She was dressed in a sleek, dark navy uniform that was adorned with subtle symbols of authority. Her stride was purposeful, her posture commanding, but there was a calmness in her eyes that suggested she was accustomed to handling high-stakes situations.
The Valorian officer who had escorted the pilots stepped forward to introduce her. "This is Minister Emily Harris, Valoria's Minister of Foreign Affairs."
Emily Harris nodded to the officer before turning her gaze to Hans and Dieter. Her expression was unreadable as she approached, stopping a few feet away from them.
"Welcome to Valoria, gentlemen," she said in a measured tone. "I am Minister Harris. I understand you've come a long way to initiate dialogue on behalf of Triesenberg. I was informed of your arrival by His Excellency, and he wishes me to ensure that you are treated with all due respect, but also to remind you that Valoria will not tolerate any displays of weakness or deception."
Minister Harris continued, her voice firm but diplomatic. Her eyes scanned the faces of the two pilots, searching for any signs of hesitation. She was no stranger to political maneuvering, and she knew that this meeting was not just about words—it was about power.
"But...Ma'am...please our intention here is to send a message to your country that His Highness, Prince Theodore Triesenberg would want to visit your nation and possibly, establish a diplomatic tie with your country."
When he heard the name of the prince, Emily was suddenly taken aback. The prince had the same surname as His Excellency Alexander Triesenberg. That must be his brother. She had been briefed on the strained family history, where Alexander had been cast aside by the royal family of Triesenberg, exiled and discarded as if he were nothing more than a stain on their legacy.
Little did those two pilots know that Valoria was headed by the man their empire had banished—Alexander Herald von Triesenberg. The Supreme Ruler of Valoria. Emily Harris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, kept this information to herself as she studied the faces of the two pilots.
She cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "As I mentioned, His Excellency has been informed of your arrival. He will make his decision shortly regarding Prince Theodore's request to visit Valoria."
Hans, sensing something more beneath the surface, asked carefully, "Will we be permitted to return to Triesenberg with the answer?"
Emily's expression remained neutral. "That depends on His Excellency. You will be treated with respect as long as you comply with the protocols we have in place. For now, you will be escorted to a secure location where you will await further instructions."
Dieter glanced at Hans, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
Emily gave a brief nod to the Valorian officer standing nearby, who gestured for Hans and Dieter to follow him. As they were led out of the hangar, Emily remained behind for a moment, her mind swirling with the implications of what was about to unfold.
This is far more than they bargained for, she thought, watching them disappear from view. They have no idea who they're dealing with.
Once the hangar was empty, she crossed her arms, her eyes drifting toward the distant horizon beyond the hangar, where the plane carrying Alexander Herald von Triesenberg, Supreme Ruler of Valoria, would soon arrive.
The sound of an approaching aircraft pulled her from her thoughts. She straightened, watching as the silhouette of Alexander's plane came into view, growing larger as it neared the airstrip. The distinct sound of engines filled the air, and soon, the plane touched down on the tarmac with a smooth, controlled landing.
Emily's heart quickened slightly, knowing what this meeting represented—not just for Valoria and Triesenberg, but for Alexander himself. His rise to power had been fueled by the anger and betrayal he felt toward the empire that had discarded him. Now, he stood at the helm of a nation that could rival their might. The irony was not lost on her.
Hans checked his watch, noting the time. "It's been over an hour," he said, his voice low. "What do you think they're planning?"
Dieter leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed tightly. "I don't know. Should we ask?"
"Yeah, try that."
Hans sighed, running a hand through his hair before standing up and walking toward the door. He knocked firmly, the sound reverberating through the room. A few seconds later, the door opened slightly, revealing a Valorian guard standing just outside.
"What is it?" the guard asked curtly, his gaze sharp.
Hans kept his tone calm, but there was a hint of tension in his voice. "We've been waiting for over an hour. Is there any update on what's happening? When will we meet His Excellency?"
The guard gave nothing away, his expression as unreadable as the rest of the Valorian forces they had encountered. "You will be informed when the time comes. Until then, remain patient."
Before Hans could say another word, the door closed again, the conversation clearly over. He turned back to Dieter, frustration evident on his face.
"'Remain patient.' Easy for them to say," Hans muttered, sitting back down.
Another hour has passed. They were growing impatient and irritated but they had to keep it to themselves. Then seconds later, a Valorian officer stepped into the room.
"His Excellency will see you now," the officer said in a clipped tone, his expression neutral. "Follow me."
Hans and Dieter exchanged quick glances, their hearts racing as they stood and followed the officer out of the room.
The officer led them to a large, imposing set of double doors. Without a word, he knocked once, and the doors swung open.
At the far end of the room sat a man with a mask.
Hans and Dieter stepped inside, the doors closing softly behind them.
"You may sit," Alexander gestured to the chairs opposite him.
The two pilots sat down, trying to maintain their composure despite the pressure that seemed to radiate from the man across the table.
"Welcome to Valoria," Alexander said.