Meeting with Martin

The next day shows you still laying naked in Akina's bed. You sit up and see that she is already awake and dressed. She looks over and grins, "Good morning, Anna. Martin wishes to speak with you in the dining room."

You get out of bed and pull your own clothes on, "Not the meeting hall?"

"Well, He kind of doesn't want people to know you're here yet. So he wants to keep you out of the public eye."

"Right, of course. Hey, about last night..."

"I know, it was just a one night thing. " She nods.

You don't answer, unsure of whether that was actually what you were going to say and finish dressing in silence. Afterwards, you and Akina head down to the dining room. Martin is sitting there eating breakfast much like he was eating dinner the night before and stands when you walk in.

"Ah, Sister...Akina. I hope you slept well" You notice that he gives Akina a bit more of a lewd look than he did the night before.

"Did you decide whether you wanted to help me or not?" You ask, hoping that Akina's **** had come through.

"I have..." His expression darkens a little, "I can't offer you my help."

Your heart sinks, "What! But you know what's going on.You know what's at stake!"

He holds his hands up passively, "Calm down. Let me finish."

Biting your lip anxiously, you decide to hear him through.

He continues, "I can't help you because as the Count of Luxem, I simply do not have the power to oppose The King. If you had more allies, or more proof. I would be more than willing to stand with you.You simply do not have enough support to back up your claim, or have any real chance of opposing the king."

Your shoulders slump in despair.

Martin moves over and puts his hands on your shoulders reassuringly, "I can offer you a safe place to stay and the advice of my loyal advisers, if you so wish for it. It will give you a safe place that you can organize your plans secretly.That's the best I can do right now, I'm afraid."

You sigh, "You're right. Thank you for your hospitality."

He cheers up a little and clasps his hands together, "Now, Why don't you join me for breakfast and we can discuss any ideas you may have."

You nod and sit down. Martin takes his place at the front of the table and Akina sits beside you. You contemplate what to do next. You need allies, or proof of your mother's subterfuge. You could perhaps attempt to infiltrate the castle and find proof, or attempt to convince more vassals to join your cause. Perhaps you could look outside the realm and get the assistance from another kingdom. Perhaps you could take a darker route and dabble with dangerous forces or creatures.