As well as it could be

The formal marriage ceremony is more subdued, though both sides give their official congratulatory well-wishes and speeches, and already you could see officials of both sides entering into private talks of their own.

"These nobles really love changing their skin when the wind changes," Said Matilda, "For years they've spoken of deep mistrust with each other, and now they're talking like long-time friends and business partners."

"Now, now," You said smilingly, "The nobility are always sensitive to changes in the power balance, and with the joining of Danubia and Ganadonia, they'll want to benefit the most from this relationship. It's part of my plan as well, you see."

"To further facilitate the smoothening of the national union?" Asked Matilda.

"Indeed," You said, "They'll also want to arrange marriages as part of the process, which will further help to unify the elites of both nations. Of course, that alone won't guarantee a smooth transition, so we'll give them incentives in the form of national policies; standard currency, standard laws, and the like."

"You humble me with your wisdom, Your Majesty," Said Matilda.

"Oh please, I'm merely doing sensible things for the sake of our nation," You said.

"Lesser Kings and Queens would settle for far less and bring their countries to ruin," Said Matilda.

...She does have a point, You thought.

"Oh? Not socialising with the nobles, Xarric?"

You turn to face Queen Olga, who approached you with her bodyguard Chloe in tow.

You had to admit, Chloe was no less beautiful than Olga - as all of Elfin descent are - but Olga had raw sexual appeal as well. Her posture was that of a confident and accomplished swordswoman, though her eyes glared at you with mistrust.

"I already did my rounds, Queen Olga," You said, "I just need a short break."

"Oh please, call me by my first name," Said Olga, "We are husband and wife, after all."

Chloe looked put off at that, but at Olga's unbidden command she relents.

"Then, Olga, might we talk somewhere more private?" You asked, "I'd rather our conversation not be overheard."

Olga giggled, saying, "As you wish, Xarric."

You escorted Olga to a private balcony overlooking the Palast courtyards, where some guests lurking outside engaged in the usual political chatter and guards dutifully patrolled the area. From the corner of your eye, you could see several spies silently watching from afar - both yours and Olga's.

"So, dear husband of mine, what could you possibly wish to talk about?" Asked Olga.

Turning to face her, you asked, "What do you honestly feel about our union?"

"What do I feel?" Olga repeated, "It depends, really. What specific feeling are you looking for?"

"Your honest, blunt opinion," You said, "That's the long and short of it."

Olga laughed softly, saying, "You really say some bold things, don't you? Very well, I'll be frank."

And with a deep breath, she said, "Both you and your promises are under very heavy scrutiny. The moment I find that you don't live up to your expectations..."

Matilda almost draws her sword at the veiled provocation, but you simply step forward and said, "That is to be expected, Olga. After all, one who cannot keep his word is a worthless person in politics and life, is he not?"

Olga raises an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile.

"Very sharp, I see," Said Olga, "You've a very good head on your shoulders, and you clearly have a very diplomatic demeanour in how you conducted yourself in my court. Very impressive. However, like you said, if you cannot keep your word, I'll consider them the foolish ramblings of a child."

Matilda eyes Olga like a predatory hawk, her fingers itching for her sword as Chloe assumed a similar stance.

"Tell me, Xarric, who stands as the greatest obstacle before us?" Asked Olga.

"The Kingdom of Frindia," You answered, "Or more specifically, its Chief General Bogdan Piaskowski."

Bogdan Piaskowski, a name spoken of with fear, hate and respect in ample spades, was a general of great accomplishments against all of Frindia's enemies. In his four decades of service, he rampaged across the battlefield from south to north and conquered at least a hundred cities in Frindia's name, and it was thanks primarily to his leadership and talent for warfare that Frindia was able to expand so rapidly from a small duchy to a mighty Kingdom.

"Beg your pardon, Your Grace, but... what about the Desert Sultanates?" Asked Chloe, "I thought they would stand as the greatest obstacle between our reclamation of our ancient homeland of Ashalim?"

"You are correct, Chloe," Said Olga, "So, Xarric, why do you think this?"

"Because the moment we begin to truly expand our borders, we will be perceived as a greater threat than before by our neighbours," You said, "And if Bogdan truly wishes, he can exert his considerable diplomatic and political influence to unite both our Euronian neighbours and the Sultanates against us into a huge coalition army to wipe us from existence."

Even as you spoke, you felt cold sweat on your forehead at such a thought, and though you never fought or met him once, from what other generals and officials spoke about regarding him, they would commonly say one statement:

"He is a true monster."

In all honesty, not once have you set foot on the battlefield, and nevermind besting him, you'd be lucky to escape alive if you encountered him there, not that you'd really want to.

"...Indeed, you speak truly," Said Olga, her smile faded, "If we don't dispatch him first, all your - our - goals will be nothing more than a pie in the sky."

Both Chloe and Matilda bit their lips at this.

"It doesn't matter," You said, "He may be a hero of Frindia, but as the times change so to will new strong people take the reigns. I believe in a few years' time, our next generation of generals will defeat him, and make our goals a reality."

Olga broke out into a hearty laugh.

"Oh, my dear husband, it seems our marriage has purpose after all!" Said Olga, "With you at the helm alongside me, our Kingdoms are secure."

And moving in, she grips your head and crashes her lips on yours.

"I think I might have just fallen for you," Said Olga.

Both Matilda and Chloe stared at her with eyes and jaws wide open.