✦Conclusion

Thanks to the Princess' party's efforts, most of the way was cleared for the rest of the Royal Council members to come afterwards. As the princess waited with bated breath, praying they would turn up, the queen had been surprisingly nothing but hospitable. Their stay at the undersea palace was peaceful and some may have been growing fond of it. The royals could even be caught spending time together, and although tense at first, the more they learned about each other, the more familiar the sight became.

The rest of the council finally arrives and the diplomatic discussion begins. A variety of topics are thrown up into the air: the past, present, and future. Maps are sprawled out, information is exchanged, and equality is negotiated.

It was only a matter of time before the jewel was brought up.

If either were to get their hands on it, what then? Were they to both swear off it?

What was just a debate of hypotheticals soon formed into a heated argument. And in the midst of it all, the royals were attacked!

Thanks to the very capable attendees in the room, the battle was resolved peacefully with only minor damage to both sides. The relationship however, was naturally strained. Despite the princess’ attempts to apologise, the queen declared that treaty discussions be postponed so that everyone may have time to recuperate over the next few days.

The once comfortable palace now felt like a prison under the queen’s cold gaze. No one was allowed in or out, until finally, the queen came out of brooding and discussions resumed.

“I will sign this peace treaty.”

The most hopeful statement the princess could desire to hear came from the Red Seas Queen.

“But first, we have some cleaning up to do.”

As soon as that ominous condition spilled from her lips, she was by the royal council’s side, hand plunged deep into the vicar’s chest.

“You have a rotten apple amongst your council, princess. And I shall pluck it before its blight spreads.” Clutched tightly within her grip was the vicar’s still beating heart.

“Wait!” The princess cried the first thing that came to mind but the queen only shot back.

“You would spare this filth another moment when he is the one responsible for the death of your parents?”

“What…did you say?” Her bottom lip quivered, eyes widening at the revelation.

The vicar's eyes were downcast, his expression hidden as he stood caged in the queen's grip.

“It was here in this very throne room.” She purred, drops of his blood spilling on the floor. “A diplomatic visit off the records, one that would never make it into written history.”

"And you let him!?" The young girl screamed in disbelief.

The queen continued coolly, unshaken, like a matron dismissing a child's rebellious behaviour. “I saw no reason not to. Truth be told, I wasn't planning on signing a thing. I would’ve let this charade play out a second time.” Her gaze pierced deep blue.

“But you are different, girl. We can change things, I want to believe in that. However, if we are to rule together, you will rid yourself of this pathetic pretence of a council.” Her words hissed beside the vicar's long elven ears.

The princess froze, eyes glancing over the faces of each member.

Did that mean…death?

After swallowing the lump in her throat, her dignified tone returned, albeit slightly weak. “They are necessary.”

“Then we will instate a new one.”

The vicar let out a weak chuckle. “It will be the same. You will manipulate her, no different from--”

“Do not lump me in with you, Vicar. At least I have a heart capable of change.” Her fingernail scrapes across an artery.

The princess’ face darkens. “I don't think I can sign like this.”

“Do you want peace or not?”

“Of course-”

“Then you will sign.” Her authoritative voice echoed throughout the halls, leaving no room for argument.

It was what the princess had wanted and preached, yet why did it leave such a bitter taste in her mouth?

“Don’t do it, prin--” the mutter he’d managed was cut off by a squeeze of his heart, followed by violent coughing.

“Alright, fine! Just don’t kill him, please.” She scrambled forward, eyes begging. 

“I am not the villain here, Eschatiare. I am doing this for you.” The cold tone that could easily be mistaken as manipulative did well to hide the genuine sentiment underneath.

Catching it, the princess asserted: “I understand that, but I don’t agree with your methods. Release Vicar Xephyr, please.” 

Comprehension was shown in the subtle form of a drawn-out blink before tossing the vicar aside like a rag doll she had lost interest in. The queen let him bleed out on the floor as she followed the princess to the signing table.

.

.

.

And like that, the peace treaty was signed.

Since then, there had been no sightings of the violet jewel.

It seemed to vanish without a trace, just as it had before. Perhaps this was its true purpose and now that it was no longer needed, it bowed off the stage as a harbinger of peace, instead of chaos. Its disappearance allowed the sides to focus, after all, there was still much work to be done. 

One major change was the newly formed diarchy's first decree: the creation of a neutral territory for coexistence. Both sides contributed; the skies by lowering some of their islands and the seas by raising their seamounts.

Additionally, the queen overwrote her adored kraken’s orders to protect the new land as a show of goodwill. Although it only obeys her, the queen allowed the princess to imprint the royal crest on the kraken's forehead—not only as a safety measure for commands, but also to officialise it as the guardian.

Although the land may not have been in its ideal state, this was just the beginning.

A neutral territory for coexistence. The first land known to Phantasky.

The Situation:

• All citizens are given the choice of where to live, including the pre-existing ones on the lowered/raised lands. Priority goes to the struggling and homeless, those who seek new beginnings and who express explicit interest.

• A pioneering team is put together and stationed for the development of the land. It is also fully supported by volunteers and civil servants.

• The royals make regular visits to the land, even having a humble home built for them to share. They are considering candidates for the new council, as well as governors, since they have more regions to cover and are instating a province system.

• Several forms of transportation are currently under construction to allow equal access between the two.

• There is an abundance of opportunities being created every day—jobs, education, the sharing of resources and trade etc.

Food-for-thought Questions:

• What should we call the first known land? Click to suggest!

• In what ways does your OC contribute to the conclusion? Their opinion on it?

• Will your OC start a new life? Where, now that everywhere is accessible?

• Is your OC interested in filling any of the new positions? (Seat on the council, province governor, pioneering team, other jobs and volunteering, etc.)

• Did the jewel really disappear or did someone take it?

  ※Open-ended! Feel free to come up with AUs/spin-offs🤗

Let us know with #skycross!