Chapter 16 - The Invitation to Meridian
A crisp autumn wind swept through the courtyard of Frostpeak when the royal messenger delivered a gold-embossed scroll bearing the seal of the Southern Trade Council.
Giselle unrolled the parchment at the grand oak table in the war room, her crimson eyes scanning the neat calligraphy. "They are inviting us to a diplomatic trade summit in Meridian," she said, looking up at Stellan. "They claim they want to renegotiate the tariffs and establish permanent peace between the human cities and the northern packs."
Stellan crossed his arms, his golden gaze narrowing with suspicion. "Meridian is neutral ground, but the southern lords have never loved the idea of a human queen ruling beside a Lycan king. They are plotting something."
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"I know they are," Giselle replied calmly, a confident smile touching her lips. "That is precisely why we must go. If we refuse, they will claim we are tyrants unwilling to seek peace. If we go, we walk right into their trap—and give us the legal right to dismantle their remaining influence once and for all."
Stellan chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound of pure admiration. "You sound more like a seasoned warlord every single day, my queen. Very well. We will ride to Meridian. But my elite guards will surround the entire estate, and I will not leave your side for even a single second."
