Princess Lena had many thoughts concerning the alliance. She looked at her father, who allowed his words to sink in. It was a huge moment for the Kingdom of Omi, a moment that would undoubtedly shape their future. Opinions were divided, but the King raised his hand again, silencing the murmurs.
"I know some of you have concerns about this issue, but you will be allowed to voice them once I am finished," King Stefan said.
Once the murmuring died down, he continued.
"Now, I know some of you think there is a possibility that our beloved nation will cease to exist if this alliance proceeds," King Stefan said. "You believe it will upset the very balance of our country's power. But I want you to know that our nation will continue to thrive even after this alliance. Omi will remain Omi, and Wize will remain Wize. Both nations will continue to exist independently."
He paused, scanning the room before speaking again.
"The purpose of this alliance is to usher in peace and prosperity on the continent and to oppose those who wish to cause division. Once we have crushed Eru, we will be able to move toward true prosperity," King Stefan explained.
When he finished, a woman stepped forward and bowed to the royals.
"Your Majesties," she curtsied.
"Lady Laxe," the King acknowledged.
"Your Majesty, I understand your position, but I believe it would be more suitable if my daughter, Sana Laxe, is given to the King of Wize instead of the future of our nation," Lady Whyte Laxe said. "We all know how important Princess Lena is to this nation and why it is vital for her to marry and rule from her home, not in a foreign land with a foreign man."
"I agree, my lady," said Azarel Marlock, the King's personal adviser. "There are more than enough beauties in the Legacy Houses for the King of Wize to choose from. Your Majesty should reconsider."
"We are trying to strengthen the bond between two nations, Lord Marlock, Lady Laxe," Queen Vivian interjected, her words heavy and cutting. "How would it be an alliance of equal footing if we send an ordinary lady to a king instead of a princess?"
"You mean to say you don't know that if one of your daughters marries the King of Wize, your family's standing will increase? And when it's time for the princess to marry, all members of the Legacy Houses will suggest their male heirs, won't they?" the Queen asked sharply.
Her words left the room in silence.
"Your Majesties," Lady Felicia Balor, the matriarch of the Balor family, stepped forward. "I think you misunderstand your subjects. We have no intention of elevating ourselves above the sun of this nation. We have always been loyal subjects of this country, the rulers, and the heir.
"We are merely trying to preserve our nation and its future. Whether we gain or lose standing is secondary, as even that is for the sake of strengthening this nation. And, my Queen, let us not forget: you were once a Kindel, married now to the King. A union between a Legacy House and the royals is not unprecedented. I, too, am married to someone from the royal line."
"Yes, Lady Felicia, as you said, marriage alliances between the royals and Legacy Houses have occurred over the years. But you still haven't answered my question," the Queen said, her voice cool. "How would it be an alliance of equal footing if we send an ordinary lady to a king instead of a princess? What do you think the response of King Jai would be if we sent one of your daughters instead?"
"There is no use in having such an alliance with the King of Wize," Lady Whyte Laxe countered. "He is a god Sword. He doesn't need an alliance with us to launch an attack on Eru."
"Ah, so there it is. Your main concern is the war," Queen Vivian mused. "Let me ask you this: have you grown a conscience, or do you simply not see this war as beneficial to you?"
The three women exchanged glances, unsure of how to answer.
"Let me simplify it for you," the Queen continued. "Eru invaded our capital with spies and assassins, targeting me and my daughter without provocation. They have been experimenting on beasts in the wilderness of Paran, an act that could draw the Dragonborn's wrath and bring doom upon us. They breached the alliance, endangering us all.
"Now, we have the opportunity to deal with this threat. If we refuse King Jai's alliance, war between Eru and Wize will proceed without us. Jai has already killed one of Eru's pillars, and do you recall what he did to Conet? Many thought Jai and Wize had grown weaker after the war, but one week after taking Hadia, he attacked Conet without warning and destroyed the city completely.
"How did he do it? By controlling the sandworms near Bintan. It turns out the rumors about his newfound powers were true. He used their power to breach the city and reduce it to ruin. And do you know the worst part? He only used the smaller worms. If you think he cannot take Eru, think again. And if you believe we can attack him while he is busy, you are gravely mistaken. He has an army of beasts replacing the men he lost during the civil war.
"If we had been careless, it might have been one of our cities in ruins," Queen Vivian warned.
The room grew quieter with every word.
"So tell me, who here still believes we can afford to act as though Jai would not attack us if we fail to meet his requirements? It's either we play our cards right, or Omi ceases to exist. If anyone here still wishes to send their child to that homicidal maniac, be my guest," she concluded.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
"How loyal," the Queen said dryly, watching everyone grow quiet.
"Now, dear," she turned to the King. "Let's proceed."
The King nodded and addressed the assembly.
"Our country will send troops to aid Wize in the subjugation of Eru. General Boise, General Kindel, and General Atilah see to it that the required number of troops are sent," he ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the generals replied.
"General Laxe, secure the borders and ensure the Red Fort is well-manned. At a time like this, we cannot take our eyes off the Dragonborn."
"Yes, Your Majesty," General Laxe responded.
"General Zira, Lord Marlock, prepare for King Jai's envoy, who will arrive in a few days," the King instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they both replied.
Finally, the King turned to his daughter.
"Lena, you've been quiet all this while. Don't you have anything to say?" he asked.