"The current king of Akkadia is King Ca.s.sius. He was the one who arranged the political marriage between Princess Arreya and Prince Darius, the previous crown prince. After Princess Arreya eloped with your father, the political situation became really bad. He took it out on Thaesi, Princess Arreya's home country, and forced them to look for her everywhere, otherwise he would punish them with a higher tax and re-introduce the slavery system for Thaesi prisoners of war."

"Slavery system? In this modern day?" Emma looked horrified. She did not think the situation on Planet Akkadian would be that bad.

"You heard me correctly. Colonialism and slavery are happening in any era. Sometimes it's openly, some it is more veiled. A prison system is a form of slavery in the modern age, where people are forced to work with low to no pay because they committed a crime.

"Colonization by developed and rich countries towards underdeveloped and poor countries is often done by economic oppression. That is what is happening now on the planet Akkadia which comprised of six countries. As the largest kingdom, Akkadia ruled over and colonized the five smaller nations." Xion explained patiently.

For all the children in Akkadian, this was common knowledge. They learned it from school or the media. However, he was aware that this beautiful girl in front of him did not know anything about their life and system since she was raised on earth. So, he had to clearly explain the context and background to make her understand what is going on.

Emma was devastated. She could imagine why her parents kept their love hidden for years and did not try to be together. They know the political implications will be this severe.

Her father instead decided to join the military in order to serve the kingdom and protect Princess Arreya after she became the queen.

That was a sign, both Arreya and Kaos.h.i.+n decided to bury their love for each other and give up. Arreya even agreed to marry Prince Darius.

But suddenly, on the night before the wedding, they realized that they couldn't live without each other and finally were determined to leave. That decision had turned them both into the most wanted fugitives for years.

And finally, they were captured. They were forced to leave Emma and hide her on earth so that she would not suffer with them.

And now ... Emma found out her father is still held in prison and separated from her mother in all these years.

Father... mother.. is it worth it?

Emma could no longer hold back her tears from streaming down her cheeks. My poor parents...

Their only crime was loving each other. Now, they had to pay for it by a lifetime of suffering. It was so not fair!

Xion looked confused when he saw tears running down Emma's face. He slowly lifted his hand to wipe the girl's tears, but stopped mid-air and canceled his intention. 

Was this how you're supposed to calm a woman down? Wouldn't she think I'm a pervert? Maybe I should just blow air and dry her tears.

He really had no talent in dealing with women.

He didn't know how Aeron did it. The flamboyant man was always surrounded by women, and he always knew how to please them.

"Then ... how can I help the next king of Akkadia to ascend the throne ...?" Emma finally asked.

Xion sighed. "This conflict began because Princess Arreya canceled her marriage to Prince Darius. This tarnished the king's reputation, and they had to bear shame for years. It also caused rebellion after rebellion began to flare up in various colonies, especially Thaesi. If the two countries could be reconciled with a new marriage, everything will calm down."

"Marriage?" Emma stared fixedly at Xion. "Married to whom?"

"Marriage between you, as a princess of Thaesi and the crown prince of Akkadia. After Prince Darius died, the Akkadian throne was contested by three of his nephews. The king chose his eldest grandson to become the new crown prince, and he would soon ascend the throne once King Ca.s.sius steps down. The crown prince will be able to ascend the throne peacefully after marrying you. The conflict with Thaesi is resolved," Xion said. "He will pardon your father, and you all can be reunited as a family. He will also treat you well and make you the rightful queen of Akkadia. I see it as a win-win for everyone."

"But I'm already married ..." Emma said.

"I don't think he cares about that," Xion said with a shrug. "You just have to say yes, and he will take care of everything."

"But I can't possibly marry him because I'm already married, and I love my husband. Maybe we can think of other ways to ease the conflict between Akkadia and Thaesi?" asked Emma. "I can meet my mother and arrange a peace meeting. Akkadian only needs to free my father ..."

"Princess ... It has nothing to do with releasing your father but setting the old score between Akkadia and Thaesi caused by the canceled betrothal. You have to think about the Akkadian royal family's reputation that has been tarnished. It's not that easy for you to arrange a peace meeting and free your father. There is a debt to be paid first. You can choose to pay it by marriage or with your father's head ..."

Emma felt her chest tighten. She almost exploded with anger when she heard Xion's explanation. This was a really stressful situation.

"How can I meet the crown prince? I want to talk to him ..." Emma finally said.

"You've met him," Xion said nonchalantly. He turned his gaze to the tall building below them. Emma followed the direction of Xion's gaze, and her heart suddenly pounded.

Therius is the crown prince of Akkadia?

She still remembered the aloof man who looked quite similar to herself. No wonder he looked so imposing...