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The royal family sat on a pavilion in the middle of the estate's flower garden. The nectar-spiced air thronged with hundreds of butterflies happily fluttering about the delicate petals. Despite the surrounding beauty, the atmosphere within the pavilion was uneasy. Titus and Nalia were seated with a jug of sweet tea between them while Mars stood facing the garden.

Titus drained his glass and took the pitcher to refill it. His expression was a mixture of anger and confusion. "So you mean to tell me that he is now engaged to a girl he's never met and that this marriage will unite Milennius and Kroahoenn?"
Mars dipped the tip of his finger in his glass and held it out. A black butterfly separated from its fellow and landed on his finger. Titus slammed the pitcher back on the table, nearly sloshing its contents on Nalia, who flinched. "You do realize that the reason Milennius was founded was to be independent of Kroahoenn?"
Mars let the butterfly go and turned around. "That was 1,000 years ago. This is the present. Times have changed my son. The king and queen of Kroahoenn have consented to this marriage, nay they have begged me for it. The union between their daughter and Markus shall mark a turning point in the history of both our kingdoms."

Titus snorted and drained his glass, again reaching for the pitcher. "And what does Markus have to say about this?" He set the pitcher back gently. "He does not yet know but I have already dispatched a letter to the Academy. It should arrive within the next few weeks."
Titus shook his head, his expression turning more bemused than angry. "And what does the dear princess have to say about this? Does she have a name?"
"Meredy has also consented to the marriage" Mars replied and took a sip from his glass.
"Uh-huh, and what about....you know....kids?" Titus added hesitantly.
Mars paused for a moment as if contemplating his answer. "Those obstacles have already been identified and taken care of. Meredy will be able to safely bear children when the time comes."
Titus drained his glass again. Nalia took the pitcher and filled his glass. Murmuring a quick "thanks," Titus took a sip then leaned back in his chair.
"Well then, any more surprises to spring on us? I suppose you have their wedding date set and everything?" He was now smiling as if the entire affair were an elaborate joke. To be honest, Mars could hardly blame him for being unable to accept the news.
"They wed immediately after their graduation. Meredy is currently working the Academy's freshman curriculum so she will be in the same grade as Markus when she enrolls next year."

He stared at Titus over the rim of his glass, seeing if he would ask any more. Titus got the message but Mars could tell something else was bothering him. Titus returned the stare and both men drained their glass without breaking eye contact. "There is one last thing," Titus said as he stood up. Nalia traded a brief glance with Mars but remained silent. "The castle. Where will they live?"
Mars smiled and pointed to the Beortooth Mountains in the distance. "It is being constructed as we speak. Their castle is to also mark our union. You will see it later once Markus returns home."

Titus merely glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, well that's just fascinating. Good for them." He clapped his hands together then swung them at his side. "If you will excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom. Too much tea you see." He left his parents alone in the garden. Neither spoke until he was out of earshot.

"Are the preparations underway?" he asked her, still looking at the mountains. Nalia smoothed her dress and picked up a book she had been reading earlier. She gave a short nod and opened the book. Mars finished his glass and set it next to the pitcher then walked out of the pavilion into the garden with the slightest hint of a smile on his face.