Petition for Aid.

You consider your options for a moment and your mind drifts towards organizing a resistance by either uniting vassals against the king or looking for outside help. "Surely we can find somebody else who is willing to help us. Maybe one of the powerful vassals?"

Martin thinks for a moment, "You could probably organize effort from a powerful vassal. Maybe the Duke of Vismark up to the north, or some other powerful noble. You may even be able to recruit one of the merchant princes in the port cities to take up your cause. They may have enough money to hire mercenaries to fight for your cause."

Akina shrugs, "The Meddens rarely get involved in internal politics of the realm, preferring to maintain their air of loyalty and the merchant princes are more interested in lining their pockets with gold."

"But they may reconsider when a woman with a valid claim to the throne petitions them for help." Martin retorts. "Although, there will be a cost. You would likely have to marry someone. It would be the perfect opportunity for them to expand their influence in the realm and they would want appropriate compensation for sticking their necks out."

You grimace at the idea of being **** to marry somebody you've never met, "What about outside the realm?"

Martin sighs, "Much the same, I'm afraid. Anybody you petition is going to want something in return. Your best bet would be Phebis on the eastern border. They have always had strong ties to the realm, but they're not particularly powerful."

Akina's ear twitches a little, "A lot of Itheria's military assets are tied up in Phebis. If Anna decided to travel there and petition King Claudius for aid, maybe she could convince the Itherian troops stationed there to assist her in pressing her claim. You would still probably have to compensate the old King though."

Your grimace stays firmly on your face. It seems like if you wish to get help from the vassals or allies of the realm, you'll probably have to decide on a marriage alliance with somebody you have never met. It appears unlikely that they will accept without getting influence on you.

You think about your options.