A Proposal from the Lord of Ikva

It didn't take Arthur long to get dressed. The ceremonial uniform for a king in his court was far more stiff and decorative than he would have preferred. After a hearty breakfast, one he did know was fit for a king, he met with the waiting Lord of Ikva in the throneroom. He recognized the man, Lord Merlot - a good friend of his father and a military ally during the Metonian Civil War.

Also in the room were his aunt, the rest of the Kingsguard, his half-sisters Jaconia and Elizabeta, his uncle Gaiel, his chancellor Rubaine, his spymaster Rudens and the Shaman of Itheria, Alain. While the Kingsugard stood between he and Merlot, his family stood to the side, Rudens lurked in the corners of the room and Rubaine and Alain both stood to the sides of his throne.

"King Arthur, the famous Lord of the Wastes," greeted Lord Merlot. "I'm sorry I missed your coronation. It's just... your father was a good friend of mine."

"I... understand," nodded Arthur.

"Regardless, I have come with a proposal, well two proposals, that you should have settled by now," said Merlot, his attitude changing suddenly.

"And what are they?"

"The matter of the future of your dynasty and the pursuit of the Forsaken," said Merlot. "My proposal is this, wed my daughter Viola. Forge a stronger alliance between Itheria and Ikva, raise an army and sack Jhuild."

"I'm... sorry?" asked Arthur. He felt Alain briefly smack him in the back of the head. "I mean, with the circumstances of my father's ****, this has not come to be seen as a priority. We are currently in a state of mourning."

"I know that Alain would recommend you wed Jaconia or Elizabeta or even Katriona, but sometimes an alliance outside of the family serves you well," said Merlot. "Your own father wedded a cousin of the Empress in the alliance that produced you and Arrabeth and if I recall, he was not intending on wedding you two."

"Right," muttered Arthur.

"I do not intend to let the Forsaken get away with what they did," Merlot said. "If you agree to this, then I can convince King Aridar to side with us in a campaign on Jhuild. The empress cannot say no if two kings out of five want the war. If you go it alone, then she may even declare you illegitimate and seek to have you replaced."

"Is this a threat?" spoke up Gaiel.

"No, old friend," said Merlot. "It is me trying to get you out of a sticky situation. You think I didn't notice that Gabriel isn't here? Where else could he be but on the road to Jhuild. I know, young King Arthur has not seen Viola in a decade and marriage is a tough decision... but for the sake of your dynasty, for the sake of our families... oh by Baal's fire, for the sake of your father, consider it."

"I will indeed," nodded Arthur. "Aunt Katriona, please have one of the Kingsguard escort Lord Merlot to his quarters. We will speak more of this over dinner."