King Dimitri and Princess Rosemarie Extras (Vampire Academy and The Selection)

When Truce Turns Another End

"Who mentioned about sending palace guards?" The King replied. Lots of officers, or should I dare every officer in the room were shocked. Even the General widened his eyes at the King's reply.

"But isn't it a normal procedure?" One of the younger officers voiced out tentatively.

"Not this time," The King replied in his gruff voice. "An ally from a far distance away offered help."

"Ally?" It was a strange concept, as there hadn't been a war that involved with making ally since World War II.

"Turkey had agreed to lend us twenty thousand troops this afternoon, and they will arrive three days later." Relieved was shown clearly on the officers' faces.

You may wonder, how twenty thousand troops could make a huge difference, as Russia already had five hundred thousand people awaited in the front line, and it wasn't enough. How will twenty thousand more change the odds? Well, your question would be considered a dumb one among all the royal families, as it was common knowledge that Turkey excelled in warfare for nearly a century. The rumours were every Turkey soldier excelled at shooting moving targets, knife throwing, hand-to-hand combat, camouflage, seeking shelter. Some even excelled at spying. If that is what a soldier, the lowest rank in an army can do, then a general can probably shoot a target at a far distance right in the centre, or even blindfolded. In fact, those rumours circulated from the rivalry of Turkey, who dared to take risks and angered them. Not to mention, Turkey is also one of the strongest nation around the globe nowadays and has a lot of influences that they can easily sway a decision made in any conferences. Basically, they are considered "The Royals" among all the royal families. Tough luck for Norway. Norway has no chance of winning this war, with Turkey showing preferences to join sides with Russia.

Having Turkey as your ally simply means that almost every country will support Russia in this war, or at most remain neutral. 

"Then I suggest planting three fourth of Turkey's army to the South, dissipating the forces there before joining our force in the front lines against Norway." The General suggested. All the officers thought deeply into this matter, then the matter is closed with the King's approval.

Finally, a conclusion was finalized after hours of bickering.

"Why would Turkey agree to help? Zmey wasn't known to be a friendly person, and hadn't interfered any wars between any countries ever."

"It was for me to know and not for you to ponder." The King authorized, stated clearly that this remained to be an unspoken question in the future.

"Yes, Sir!" Everyone chorused, not wanting to be the receiving end of the King's anger, albeit the King is known to be a level-headed and kind person. It wouldn't be pretty to fuse a fire when the King already had plenty problems on his dish. it wouldn't be pretty.

"I declare the meeting is finished." The King announced.

Everyone scurried to the exit, wanting desperately to go back home and have a good long sleep. Many could barely sleep with so much going on, and most haven't slept for a continuation of 72 hours, strategizing war plans inside their head.

"I hope the war will end soon. Although I might be an expert in warfare, I didn't want to go into another war, or actually be an expert from the beginning." The General said gravely, recalling the old days, where lots of Russian were forced to join the forces and fight for their homeland, including the  General, leaving their mothers, wives and children behind.

"Do you still think of your  wife every day?" The King asked after a second thought.

"Every single day. I still remember when I told her I'm leaving a week later, she was teary-eyed, worried about my fate. Lots of people didn't come back from war. But she put on a brave face when on the day I left and asked me not to worry about her. How can I not worry? She was seven months pregnant."

"And every day, I wished I could see her beautiful smile one last time, kissed her once more, hugged her closely against me, feeling her warmth against my skin. But that can never happen, at least in this lifetime."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Dawson (the General's name). I couldn't even fathom what it feels like losing everyone you loved to war. I wouldn't pretend to understand how much pain you were in, and still is. I couldn't even imagine  how wars changed you." The King patted Dawson's shoulder in comfort.

"Well, it got me a job at the top at least." The General attempt a joke, hoping to diffuse the tension. It earned a grin in both faces.

"Remind me to give you a pay rise, Dawson. Or better, yet, helped me to dispute a war before it even started."

"Of course, your majesty. That's what companions and friends are for." Both men knew each other for two decades, and friendship built throughout the years  It was hard not to, seeing as Dawson was a humble and humorous guy behind closed doors, which was way different than the tough exterior he showed to everyone else.

Seeing the King in despair, General Dawson added. "It wasn't your fault that this war erupted. Don't blame yourself." 

"How could I not? I was crowned for more than two decades and started to learn politics since I was ten. It was my job and responsibility to protect my citizens, and I have failed them."

"You never knew it will turn this way."

"And all the more reasons that I am unfit for the crown"

"You better get rid of that thought, Randall. You are one of the most passionate Kings I have seen and met, and believe me, I have met a lot of them during conferences and wars. I wouldn't follow you if I don't believe you can lead us to a new era. An era of goodness and peace. Hell, every citizen will try their hardest to migrate to another country, both legal or illegal, if you are an obnoxious King. But you know what, each year, few thousand people- I am not sure how many are there- migrate to our homeland."

"Fifteen thousand, Dawson. Fifteen, and we never turned an application down. How can I? Most of them suffered from starvation due to heavy taxing. I couldn't help but provide them with a new home, a place where they can earn enough money to buy food, and somewhere they hopefully have a sense of belonging. I hope one day, they could proudly call here, their home."

"See Randall, that's exactly what I mean. You are kind and thoughtful, always thinking of ways to improve your country. You wouldn't go on war because you want to expand-" The King had a look of disbelieve on his face, eyes widened by every second, though the General ignored him. "Expand your country. You would never do this, with the knowledge that pain will be brought to both sides and high costs must be paid, no matter who wins."

"I will never do that to my citizens, though some may have other thoughts about this." The King sighed once he thought of the Southern rebels.

"Get some sleep, Randall. It seemed like you are a walking zombie now. You couldn't function in this state. Heck, have you actually spend some time with Olena and your children this week?"

"Nope, I was too busy and I only got to see them during meals. I didn't even talk to them for more than ten minutes in total yesterday."

"More reasons for you to take a break now. Because we both know that once the war starts, there will be no naps and rest till the end."

"Dawson, you go back and rest first. I will leave soon. Once I think of other alternatives." The King murmured the last sentence, didn't want Dawson to overheard.

Seeing a lost cause, Dawson bowed and left the room, with a nod from the King,  leaving his majesty in deep thought.

"I wish I could go back in time. If so, maybe we wouldn't fight against our friend Norway in a few days. " With a heavy heart, the King left the meeting room, hoping against hope that the war wouldn't come in five days.

Hi everyone! This is the first chapter of the spinoff of King Dimitri and Princess Rosemarie fanfic. Check the other story out from my profile if you haven't read it. Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did writing it down!

Until Next Time!

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