Two days later, the meeting started. The Ojun Kingdom was late but this time, no one said a thing and waited patiently for her arrival. The door of the meeting room opened, and Opal stepped in with Dasa behind her.
Everyone was surprised to see her on her own. Kasian was curious as well. He couldn't help but to ask. "No one else will be joining us from the Ojun Kingdom?" Opal sat down in the chair left for her on the opposite side of the table.
"Did they enter the room?" She asked. Her response made him smirk, but he didn't reply. He never thought that since he decided not to wear his mask anymore, there would be another woman who would appear in front of him like his wife that hid her face from others.
Lyria cleared her throat, trying to break the tense atmosphere but failed to as Kasian didn't look away from the woman sitting across from him.
"The Continent has been plunged into multiple wars over the years. There have been years of peace in between, but this last war was the worst. My Kingdom took the most damage and the biggest contributor to that was Lino." She looked at Lanin.
"The war was between Lino, Yalki and Heln. Your Kingdom took the most damage because the ruler was incapable. Besides, when you took over, I also sent you supplies and workers to get your Kingdom together." Lanin stated calmly.
"The war started over twenty years ago. At that time, both of you were still children. Not to mention the fact that it happened because the former King was perverted and tried to force himself on the Queen of Heln. The Former King of Lino joined in because he wanted a cut in the multiple resources that Heln has." Opal paused.
"Am I correct?" Elira and Lanin nodded but Lyria ignored her.
"That last war restarted because King Lanin didn't clear out old remnants. I don't think anyone else needs to say how stupid that was. They also only had food, weapons and a place to set up camp because of the former Yalki King. Despite Yalki having the most damage, it was self-inflicted. No one owes Yalki or you-." She looked at Lyria. "Anything."
Opal looked at Kasian. "I think it'll be better to talk about trade routes and talk of long-time peace. The routes of the merchants going and coming from Feri Kingdom are fixed so we can go around them. What do you think, King Kasian?" This was the first time she looked at him for more than five seconds and formally addressed him.
Kasian felt his heart skip a beat as he looked into her eyes. He looked away from her and nodded. "I agree. Palk has the largest granary and the best farming system out of all of us. We can start with them first."
Kasian motioned for the nearby servant. The servant stepped forward and spread a large, detailed map of the continent on the table. "This was drawn by my wife and second son. We can use this to settle on routes."
Opal touched the map gently. "I don't think that's appropriate, Your Majesty. Madam Jade might not be comfortable using something the woman who poisoned her used." Lyria said sarcastically. Melire grabbed her hand.
"It doesn't matter. I lost my memory." That made Lyria uncomfortable and she lowered her head.
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Three hours later
The meeting finished just before lunch. The routes were established between kingdoms. Now the details had to be discussed after lunch.
Everyone walked to a small room to eat lunch in the palace. Just as Opal was about to sit at a seat far away from Kasian, he called out to her. "Madam Jade." she looked at him. "Do you need something?" She asked.
"If you don't mind sitting here, I have some things to ask you about." He pointed to seat near to his. "Can it not wait until we return to the meeting room?" Kasian smiled.
"It has nothing to do with the meeting." Opal watched him for a few seconds before moving towards him. He directed her to the seat near to him again and she sat down.
It's been ten years since Poloria died. He hasn't taken a concubine or a lover. He was focusing on the Kingdom and the children. Women threw themselves at him, but he didn't look in his direction.
This was the first time, Malari and Railin saw him smile at someone else other than the children. The two exchanged glances but didn't say anything. Despite their silence, someone else wasn't pleased.
"How old are your sons?" Kasian asked as he watched Dasa pour out tea for Opal. "You already looked for our information through the Pendant Tower, didn't you?" He chuckled.
"I did but I find this situation extremely interesting. My wife didn't make mistakes and if she poisoned you then why are you still alive?" Opal smiled. "I won't wish to know, especially since I still can't remember that interaction. I'm glad I got to live to see my sons and grandchildren grow up."
Kasian nodded. "Sometimes it's good to be alive and sometimes it isn't." He sighed. "They're father?" Opal paused, her eyebrows furrowing. "Madam? Are you okay?" Dasa asked softly. Opal raised her hand and Dasa stepped back.
"He's dead." Opal answered after some time. "I raised the boys on my own." She continued. "Which of your daughters-in-law will inherent the throne?" He asked, trying to continue their conversation. He realized her reaction and steered it in a different direction.
"I'm unsure. Everything is their choice." Opal replied. Kasian paused. "Do you not have any questions to ask me?" Opal glanced at him. "Should I?" Kasian couldn't stop himself from smiling. "I would like if you did."
"Why haven't you announced a crown prince?" Kasian wasn't expecting her to ask that question. It seemed like she was trying to move away from personal questions. "I planned to announce it at the banquet we're having for the third prince in a few days."
"Does the third prince want a banquet with all of us strangers for his birthday? Is it appropriate for you to announce that sort of decision on a day dedicated for him?" The questions made Kasian think.
"What's it to you?" Lyria grumbled but Opal heard her. "If I said something wrong then the King and Queen of Palk can speak up, you have no say in this." Opal's words made Lyria angry.
She threw the cup in her hand on the ground. "What's that supposed to mean? The King's wife was my master, I can say something with the foolishness you're spewing."
Opal looked at her. "Then after her parents, her disciple can speak, then whoever is over you. In other words, you're still not allowed to speak up just yet."
"Princess Palari was-." Melire covered her mouth. "Stop it." He whispered before bowing her head to Opal. "My apologies, Madam Jade." He apologized. "Prince Melire. Keep your wife in check or Yalki's Queen will rule with no tongue." Dasa warned him.
"Mother, Father. What do you two think?" Kasian asked the couple. "I think Madam Jade is correct. Announcing the decision of Crown Prince on Jailin's birthday is a bit inconsiderate." Railin answered.
Opal stood up. "Unfortunately, I'm not feeling well. I'll leave the Palace and send Dasa back with information regarding the meeting." Opal said, nodded to Malari and Railin before leaving. Kasian stood up. "Let me-." Opal cut him off. "No need."