Call on Lord Perth, Minister of Foreign Relations

“Lord Perth, how stand we with regard to foreign relations,” asks the new king.

Perth clears his throat and responds. “Your Majesty, the kingdom is at a most interesting time with regard to foreign intercourse.”

Stewart silently gave thanks that his brother was not present. The use of the word intercourse would surely have prompted some kind of response.

Perth continues. “Obscuria continues to signal aggressive build-up of their forces at the eastern border, and now we have Hoffenstanzia issuing inflammatory statements on our northern border. I cannot help but wonder if the timing does not suggest collusion between the two powers.”

Stewart nods gravely. The tensions between Obscuria and Mirantia have gone back for as long as Stewart can remember. Hoffenstanzia, however, has long taken a neutral position toward foreign powers, but for some reason has recently grown belligerent.

“Additionally, Sire, we have just received word that the Lynctstrausure Confederacy is interested in opening diplomatic relations with us. As you are aware, not much is yet known about Lynctstrausure; it lies on the far side of the Desert of Desolation, and no Mirantian has been there, as far as we know. It may be a good thing to receive their emissary and to find out more about them; they could prove to be valuable allies and trading partners.”

“Or more foreign spies,” growled Lord Bannockburn, the Minister Of War.

“And finally, Sire, there is the matter of your sister,” continues Perth. “We have received proposals of marriage from Curian, the crown prince of Sundal and from Prince Norlach of Upland. Treaties bound by royal marriage with either of these kingdoms would provide us with a valuable ally in case matters escalate with Obscuria or Hoffenstanzia.”

Stewart rubs his temples. This business of reigning is much more complex than he imagined.