They drank, and then Arthur spoke.
"His hope was for his kingdom to be timeless, unshakable, and indestructible, like a large stone. Isolated it would be, and isolated it would stay, safe from the world's affairs."
"Perhaps our nations are not so different, after all. Nayzaria has survived the greatest calamity in recorded history - one so devastating that you'd think it the stuff of ancient legend. Yet thousands of years later, my people still stand on our own by miracles of science and discovery."
Huran drank. "The old sultan, my father, did many things I'm not proud of. Wars were waged on our neighbors. People were sent into the unknown seas and sands. Many never returned. Those who did, found what we needed to maintain our ways of life. Yet you've lived an entirely different life here in the central lands."
Arthur nodded his head and cut in. "Truth be told, I'm not sure how true that is. History is always distorted by the one who tells it. I can only be certain of the life I've lived. Still..." his voice trailed off as he raised his glass to drink once more. "I tore down the stone walls around my kingdom's borders and have spent my life learning the ways of trade, foreign affairs, and partnerships because just as a butcher needs a farmer to breed livestock, how a seamstress needs a metalworker to make her needles, and how a doctor needs a florist for their herbs to make medicine, a kingdom cannot truly last without alliances."
"Yet you've at least one or two talented magicians in your court, do you not?"
"Magic has been an aid, but its potential is still unknown. The only thing we know for certain is that for magic to be cast, something else must be given. Energy. Blood. Life. Whatever fuel magic demands…. People are still dying from sickness, lives ending far too early when surely there is medicine out there to cure them. Magic has allowed citizens to enrich their daily lives, but it has not solved the world's problems. Even the most powerful sorcerers and enchantresses in history could not solve every problem with charms and spells. The people need knowledge and to swallow their pride and ask for aid."
It was true. No one could rely on magic alone. It was a rare, privileged gift that only a few had and one that demanded respect above all. The dangers of overexertion with magic were well known. Everyone who could use magic had a limit. All magic required a sacrifice, whether it be the caster's energy, blood, or their life force. When the mind had reached its limit, further use of magic would only lead to despair. Numerous tales had been passed down for centuries of many wizards trying to break their limits and fly too close to the sun only to meet an early end.
As often as Huran had heard this story, he never considered interrupting him that evening. He was disassociating, letting the last drop of wine take him away for the moment.
"Stone Roll may be mighty, but it is not perfect, and I will not deny it. This alliance will be best for us as a nation. Still, I must also think about what's best for Snow, not as a king, but as a father." Arthur's tone softened in his final words.
Silence wafted through the hall as Huran slowly moved his gaze down to the remains of half-eaten food and unfinished drink on the table. The gears in his head were spinning, slowly, working on borrowed mental strength until finally, he shook his head. "I admire you for that, Arthur. But we are kings first, and fathers second. That is the burden we bear. It's the weight of the crown." A groan rumbled in his throat as he straightened himself from the slouch that he'd fallen into.
"It has never been heard of a Sultan that would treasure their son's desire or second guess their choices knowing it'd lead to a brighter future for the entire nation. Are you truly fit to be king? You expect everything to fall into place, like some children's bedtime story and everything comes to a happy ending. But that's not how the world works. There will always be conflict. People will always resist change and comfort in tradition even if it means hurting the progress and prosperity of those around them."
Arthur was stunned, staring at Huran with his mouth slightly agape. After a moment of reflection, he nodded. "That is true. Still, a father can't help but worry about his children."
"I understand how you feel. But you can't protect Snow from every trial that life has to throw at him, nor can I protect Ali from the same. But they will have each other, as well as ourselves and Paribanu and even Jafar besides them, as long as possible to help them through it. You said so yourself tonight, didn't you?"
There was a moment of hesitation until Arthur puffed out a laugh through his nose, remembering the same encouragement he had given Snow not but a few hours ago. "It would seem I don't even believe my own words. Does that make me a hypocrite? Some Father I am, lying to his son," he teased himself as he massaged his temples. "Even kings have their moments of doubt."
"That we do. Do not think of me as some heartless brute, Arthur. I've shared the same worries as you. Our nation's old laws would have handed Ali to Death, but I would rather betray my nation's tradition than lay a finger on my blood. It's been a difficult process for both of us, and it will be an even greater hardship for the two of them, regardless of whichever nation they take over." He shook his head, once again slumping back over the table, and sighed. "But it's for those reasons I must be firm. You have until tomorrow to tell Snow he'll be coming back with us. Otherwise, our deal is off."
Arthur stood and fumbled, almost tripping. "Sultan, please. I beg you to reconsider."
"I will not. You're almost out of time. So savor what you can and be happy for your son and your nation."
Huran gathered himself, straightened his robe, and stormed towards the entrance. "Good night, Arthur. I would suggest you get some rest. Any later, you might hear the rooster crowing."
Arthur stared at Huran in disbelief. His throat tightened, and his voice shook at the thought of any further protest. He swallowed and just said, "In a moment. I think I might have one more drink…"