Chapter 11 - THE ACCORDS OF NEWPORT
The negotiations lasted deep into the night. By 3:00 AM, the air in the Hall of Embers smelled of stale coffee and burnt cedar.
Julian laid a thick leather-bound document across the central oak table. It bore official federal seals alongside the hand-pressed wax insignia of the Blackwood house.
"The Federal Government recognizes the autonomous sovereignty of the Blackwood Sanctuaries across North America," Julian read aloud, summarizing the final clauses. "In exchange, the Blackwood dynasty agrees to open secure trade routes for clean, dragon-generated thermal energy, establish a joint ecological monitoring program, and maintain open diplomatic channels with Washington."
Master Rowan leaned over the parchment, checking the legal terminology with a critical eye before giving King Adrian a subtle, reassuring nod.
Adrian, sitting nearby with a cup of black tea, looked at his daughter. "It is a balanced accord, Olivia. It secures our autonomy while integrating us into the modern world on our own terms."
Olivia picked up a heavy silver-nibbed pen. She didn't hesitate. With firm, precise strokes, she signed her name at the bottom of the document, sealing a pact that would redefine American history.
May you like
Julian exhaled a long breath, visibly relieved as he retrieved the signed copy. "History will remember this night, Princess."
"History has spent four hundred years trying to forget us, Mr. Thorne," Olivia replied quietly, handing the pen back. "We are simply making sure it pays attention now."
