Oppose them

Liandra knew well to respect these Nocternians, but she was afraid what evil devices they were planning and what mayhem they would cause. She learnt her father accepted to hear them after dinner, after a proper banquet was thrown to honor the newcomers.

The princess spoke with many of her friends and advisors. Most didn't have much to add, they were fearful of what the Nocternians were planning. Ophelia suggested her to also be wary of Prince Mortimer. Who knows how he would behave if his would be ally started to appear to have second thoughts. It troubled the royal teenager to think about him like that, but she had to agree it would be wiser.

Her father called her shortly before dinner, he also must have busied himself with hearing the advices of any who would speak their mind. "My daughter... my precious Liandra." It was just them and the queen in the room, so they could all speak their minds. "I am sorry all this is happening to you."

"I'm fine, papa. I will be fine, too" Liandra smiled weakly. She was worried that her father could perhaps have made his decision, but that didn't appear to be the case.

"We cant allow that relic to be destroyed... but of course I wont just exchange my daughter for it either!" the king kissed her forehead "You know what is the right thing to do. We must declare war. With Prince Mortimer's armies..."

"Wait... it cant be just this? **** or war, is that truly the only option left to us?" Liandra jumped at the idea of bloodshed.
She didn't cherish marrying that foul wizard, but neither did she want her people to die for that. "Isn't there another option?"

"I will try to plea to his good senses. I will offer him another maiden, and refuse him otherwise. If he threatens the book... Well, we will deal with it as it comes."

Two hours later and the banquet could as well be a funeral. There was an awkward silence as people ate. The only people that were holding a smile were the Nocternians.

The fool broke the silence with his strong tenor
"To our honored guests, that broke our routine with their unexpected arrival and brought the most auspicious of news, the return of the book of Lux!"
For a moment Liandra feared it would start a fight. Instead it broke the ice.

"Yes, indeed. Welcome to our court, once again" The king said. "I promised to hear the words of the mighty Emperor of Nocternia during our feast. Now is as good a time as any. From one monarch to another, I would hear you, Kenda Nocturnel"

With the grace of an actor the leather clad shadow mage wiped his mouth clean, stood up, and offered the King a courteous bow."My gratitude, your majesty, for the opportunity as well as the dinner. It may appear trivial to you all, but this cuisine is a delicacy back in the Empire. I appreciate the chance of partaking in it"
He didn't sound at all sarcastic.
"I wont bore you with too many flourishing. My intent must be known to all. I came to ask your permission to marry your daughter." He stopped, but just because the king raised his hand.

"You must know my daughter was promised to another." This caused a round of murmurs of approval, and Kendal bid his time for them to die out
"Yes, I have heard. But ..." a wave of magic and a sealed scroll appeared in front of him " feel free to verify the contents of the report and its accuracy. It details the efforts of no less than three of your closest advisers to manipulate the crown into this marriage, and what each of them intended to gain."

Duke Wyeth, an otherwise circumspect man, bellowed his outrage.
"That is absurd! how dare you accuse the good men of the King?" But neither monarch paid him any mind. Prince Mortimer did seem quite angry.
"I doubt it will say anything I didn't already know, Kendal." The king said. "But I thank you, nonetheless."

"I know I ask much of your Majesty, but it isn't without reward. I already made know that I possess the relic, the Book of Lux, and that i would be willing to dote it to my wife. This is but one of many gifts. Despite our infamy we became a wealthy people, and our generosity is great"

"Father, may I?" He was surprised to hear Liandra's voice, and she was surprised she asked too. But he did give her permission.

"Kendal, it is good to finally speak to you."
He agreed in turn "You have been most generous with your words, and I confess I have pondered much about your offer since we spoke earlier this morning."
Liandra felt the adrenaline inflame her senses, there was something about the way his eyes challenged her that make her feel... defiant. Like they were chess players, waiting for the other's move
"And I confess there are two things that worry me. The first is that, if we marry, the closest successor the the Luxian throne would be the Emperor of Nocternia."
There was a lot of angry talk, but Liandra completed "but I know that doesn't matter to you. So I swear, hear and now, if this ever happens I would renounce all claim to the throne of Luxius if we ever even become betrothed." The anger subsided, and many admired the princess for her courage. However Kendal remained unphased.

"I see. You all misjudge me. I have no interest in the throne of Luxius whatsoever, and swear to support you if you ever become so... destitute."
He was cocky and it didn't gain him any sympathy.
"You are a good person, Kendal." Liandra continued. "Which is also why i have a second concern. Renounce your dark magic. No one is beyond redemption, and if you but step into the light, we would welcome you as an equal."

No one spoke. For almost two minutes, there was complete silence.
"My magic is no sin." He spoke softly, and his tone betrayed a deeper hurt. Liandra wondered what kind of spot she hurt, and was sorry she spoke so harshly. "You have an outstanding daughter, King of Luxius. It is no wonder royalty comes from all corners to beg for her hand."

"I do. I hope one day you will be as fortunate, Kendal." The rest of the dinner was uneventful. The Nocternians didn't stay long, and after they left it was all congratulations and good wishes.