News from the Border Region

Two days later, this afternoon His Majesty received a letter sent by a white dove. The letter contained information from a chief soldier in the border region. He said that troops from the enemy country were approaching and trying to enter the border region.

Of course, the purpose of the troops' arrival was to take control of the border region. And want to own it completely. In order to expand their previous territory.

Plus, the crops in the border region are so tantalizing for other countries. So it's no wonder that enemy countries are so eager to seize the border region.

Hearing the news, His Majesty gathered all his staff in the government office to hold a closed meeting. And after discussing for about sixty minutes, His Majesty had made the decision to send all the youth in the city. Those who had participated in the mandatory training for war.

At this very moment, Nivea was serving an order to Martha who was visiting her bakery with Daniel. The lovebirds look good in their matching casual clothes. Both are invited to choose their own table.

"You know Daniel? My brother and Miss Nivea have gotten approval from both sides of the family.", as she began to cut a loaf of bread.

"Is that true? Well, I'm glad to hear that, Martha!"

"Of course! I wish the same for our relationship."

"You don't have to worry, Martha! Are... they planning a wedding anytime soon?"

Martha shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know! We'll see, Daniel!"

"What if, you go ahead of Matias? Is that okay?"

"Hmm? What do you mean by precede?"

"I mean... going ahead, getting married first."

The girl in front of her immediately choked, hearing her lover's words. "What are you saying? You mean, I... got married first... to you?"

"Hmm! Of course with me, is there another young man in your heart, Martha?"

"Hahaha... Stop your jokes, Daniel! I don't want to get married in a hurry."

"But, you've liked me for too long. You even kept it to yourself. Did... you not suffer back then?"

"Hmm! You're right, Daniel! I suffered a lot."

"Then end that suffering by marrying me!"

"Ever since we started this relationship, I feel like my suffering is over.", Martha looked out at the street behind the glass. And she just realized something. "Uh, are you proposing to me Daniel? What... did you just say, end the suffering by marrying you?"

"Exactly Martha! And now... I need your answer."

"What... what should I answer?"

"Okay, I'll ask again." Daniel picked up his lemonade glass and drank half of it. "Martha Virginia Lawrence, will you marry me?"

"Hahaha..."

"Why are you laughing? Do I look that funny?"

Martha nodded, still with her laughter covered with one palm.

"I want to marry you, Daniel! But, I hope you can be patient and wait until Matias and Miss Nivea get married first."

"Alright! I'll be patient, even if I have to wait a long time, just like you waited for me since I was in elementary school."

***

The passing of people and horse-drawn carriages in the center of the city, signaling that it was time for everyone to stop their activities. To then return to their respective homes. The evening had decorated the clouds.

As usual, Nivea always tidies up as soon as she gets home. Then she relaxed for a while while waiting for dinner with mom and dad.

"Miss, duke Eduardo is waiting for you at the dining table.", Seri approached her in her room. Nivea then got up from her bed. After waiting for minutes, it was finally time for dinner.

Those who had been sitting neatly in front of the dining table, seemed to have started eating and enjoying their respective meals. Until afterward, duke Eduardo conveyed the news he had received from the government building this afternoon.

"Troops from the enemy country have begun to approach the border area. It seems that the soldiers there, are quite overwhelmed. Therefore, this afternoon... His Majesty the King held a sudden discussion to discuss the matter. And he made the decision to... send all the youths in this city who have participated in the compulsory warfare training. They will be formed into a defense force."

Nivea gasped, knowing that her lover had participated in the training her father was referring to.

"So, is... Matias leave for the border region?"

Duke Eduardo nodded, "That's right Nivea!"

"Isn't... it very dangerous, Father?", she asked with a trembling voice.

"Calm down son! You have to think positive, everything will be fine.", his mother chimed in.

"Sure, it's dangerous. But, you have to be sure that... your Matias will return safely."

Nivea didn't answer, but her eyes began to tear up. And in one blink of an eye, a speck of water escaped from the corner of her eye.

Tonight the girl found it very difficult to close her eyes, her heart restless. How she wanted to see Matias right now. But now it was too late to approach her lover there. Nivea just wanted the morning to come quickly, she wanted to rush into Matias' arms.

Within hours, morning had finally come again.

Nivea moved quickly to fix herself up without Seri's help. Having had enough, she hurriedly left her room and asked Mr. Willy to escort her to the Lawrence family residence.

Matias, who was just about to head to the dining room, was naturally surprised when a servant informed him of Nivea's arrival. Matias immediately headed to the living room. And when they were only two steps away, Nivea moved forward and grabbed the man's body.

Matias didn't understand the gesture. But both hands had returned the hug, even tighter. Until one of them finally opened his voice.

"What's wrong with you Nivea?"

"They're going to send you to the border region.", he said sadly as he lowered his head to look at Matias' face.

"Hmm! Are you sad about that?"

Nivea nodded, "I don't want you to go that far."

"Hey... I'll be back, my dear."

"But you have to promise to come back in good shape."

Now it was Matias who nodded, "I promise. I'll come back fine. You must wait patiently for me, because I... will come back for you."

The overwhelming worry that Nivea felt at this moment was the same that Martha felt. The girl had run straight into her room from the moment dinner ended, and had refused to come out of it until now. She was overwhelmed with sadness when she found out that Daniel was leaving, with the same purpose as Matias.

Times like this were the toughest for the girls in the town, who had to let go of their lovers to serve their country. What kind of worry and sadness it was, the girls could no longer explain with just a string of words.