Two days later, Emperor Triesenberg sat in his private study, deep in thought as he went through several state documents. The soft morning light filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows across the room. Despite the calmness of the surroundings, the Emperor's mind was preoccupied with the recent developments in the region.
A light knock came at the door. It was Prince Theodore, his son, carrying a sealed letter.
"Father," Theodore greeted as he entered the room. "A message has arrived for you. It's from Valoria's leadership. They've formally requested a meeting."
The Emperor raised his gaze slowly from the papers on his desk. He had been expecting this. The recent alliance between Triesenberg's Empire and the Kingdom of Zambesi had undoubtedly caught Valoria's attention. Now, with tensions building and strategic interests at stake, it was no surprise that Valoria would seek to engage with him directly.
"Valoria..." Triesenberg muttered, his tone neutral, yet weighted with consideration. He gestured for Theodore to hand over the letter.
Breaking the seal, Emperor Triesenberg read through the contents of the letter carefully. As expected, Valoria's leadership had requested an audience to discuss the shifting power dynamics in the region. The letter was polite, diplomatic, but it was clear that Valoria was positioning itself to secure its interests amid the growing influence of Triesenberg's Empire.
"They want a meeting," the Emperor said aloud, glancing up at Theodore.
"Tell me, is the leader of Valoria going to meet me with his mask on?" Triesenberg added, his voice laced with sarcasm. He handed the letter to his son, knowing full well that Valoria's enigmatic leader had a reputation for keeping his identity hidden behind an iron mask during all public appearances. It was a peculiar quirk that made diplomatic dealings with him more impersonal and harder to read.
Theodore took the letter, scanning through its contents as he responded. "It's likely, Father. From everything we know, Valoria's leader prefers the mask to maintain an aura of mystery. It also allows him to project power without showing emotion."
The Emperor gave a small, humorless laugh. "He hides behind that mask, hoping to control the narrative, but he won't be able to hide his intentions from me, mask or not."
As Theodore exited the room, Emperor Triesenberg remained by the window, gazing out at the imperial gardens but seeing beyond them to the geopolitical chessboard that was taking shape. Valoria's leader was a figure that fascinated and unsettled him—a country that has the same technological edge and military might as western countries. It's going to be interesting.
***
Two days later, Alexander sat in his office at Volkshalle, the cold winter air seeping through the cracks of the thick walls, though it did little to disturb him. He was reviewing logistics reports from Valoria's industrial sectors when Julieanne entered, carrying a document in her hands.
"Your Excellency," she began, her voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of anticipation. "We've received word from Triesenberg. The Emperor has agreed to your request for a meeting."
Alexander paused, lifting his gaze from the reports to meet hers. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "He accepted."
"Yes, Your Excellency," Julieanne confirmed. "The Emperor has asked that the meeting take place in Berlint, at his palace. It seems he's chosen the venue carefully."
"Of course he did. Triesenberg is a man who thrives on control. Berlint is his stronghold, his seat of power. He will want to remind me of that during our meeting," Alexander said.
"Prepare everything for the trip to Berlint," Alexander said after a long pause. "I want the delegation to be small—just you, me, and a select few of my personal guards. This isn't a show of force. It's a test of wills."
Julieanne nodded. "Understood, Your Excellency. I will make the necessary arrangements. Is there anything else you wish to convey before we depart?"
Alexander stood from his desk, walking to the large window that overlooked the capital of Valoria. The skyline, filled with industrial progress and military infrastructure, represented everything he had built since his exile. But his gaze was focused far beyond the horizon—toward Triesenberg.
"It's going to be a heck of a reunion. I have nothing to convey."