An envoy from the Holy Land

As you start to think of possibilities, the royal herald barges into the room breathlessly. "My king, a diplomatic mission from Prince Raymond of God's Kingdom has just arrived. They ask to see you on urgent business!" A murmur of excitement goes through the crowd. The recapture of the Holy Land almost half a century ago was the biggest news in who knows how long? The Kingdom and its circumstances are subjects of great interests in the courts of your coreligionists. You give the word to let them in, and almost immediately after your herald goes to give the word, the doorway sees the entry of three men.

In the middle stands a man in a bizarre mixture of Frankish and Eastern dress, and he is flanked on each side by a knight of the monastic orders. Each is wearing full armor and a long gray beard. On the left stands a tall, lanky man who moves with the courtly grace of a nobleman, while the other is a hulking brute who would look more like a veteran mercenary if not for his order's insignia on his hauberk. The man in the middle holds out a scroll in front of his eyes and begins to read. "Honored king, I bring word from my liege Prince Raymond, steward of God's Kingdom on Earth, Defender of the Faith, and Representative of Divine Will. My liege sends his kindest regards and asks that you listen to his proposals, and if any should move your soul, then please follow its bidding. The first and most pressing: my lord's eldest daughter and only heir, Princess Cateline, is available for marriage. If your grace can produce a fitting dowry and a promise of future assistance to the Kingdom, you may have the honor of her hand. Second: should you not find marriage prudent, my lord asks that you send support of some kind to the Holy Land. As you may know, the Prince is menaced constantly by enemies of the church, and requires the assistance of the true and righteous to maintain the Kingdom. If you have money, arms, or skilled knights to send, he would be most grateful. Finally: if you cannot give any of these, please include the Kingdom in your prayers. We thank you for this audience and will allow you time to consider our requests." With that the mixed-up man re-rolls his scroll and bows before taking his leave.

Interesting. The far-flung kingdom is in a tenuous position. It has only been able to survive due to help from the believers around the world and a lukewarm ally, Byzantion. Marriage to Cateline would mean that when the aging Raymond dies, you would most likely end up as Prince-Consort of the Kingdom, perhaps the most prestigious title you can get. Still, it would be extremely risky. Traveling that distance would be expensive and full of dangers, not to mention the problems of leaving your throne unoccupied for months or even years. Nevertheless, success in this gamble could pay off immensely.