"Why did I not know about this?!" Lucian roared, throwing across the room the sealed paper informing him of the West Kingdom princess's impending visit. His face was flushed with fury, his eyes blazing.
His minister, Lord Cedric Marlowe, stood calmly before him, secretly snickering in a sinister way before composing himself and speaking in a measured tone. "Your Majesty, as your head minister, I have the authority to give permission to such visits. After all, a visit directly initiated by the West Kingdom's princess? It could mean an alliance."
Lucian glared at Lord Marlowe with his jaw clenched. "An alliance? Without consulting me? This is unacceptable! Our kingdom is strong by itself and it does not need another kingdom's service!"
"Your Majesty," Marlowe continued smoothly, "consider
