Vikram explains his condition

Vikram points at Meiyue and says "I would like to have her as my wife."

The answer shocks both you and Meiyue. "Can you repeat that?"

"I would like to seek the hand of your woman, no, your strategist here as my wife," Vikram says. "That will be my condition."

"Why?"

"She has the keenest mind, and I appreciate that very much, and from our interaction, I can see you value her very much as well. That is why by giving her to me, you would have my utmost gratitude."

"Wait, what? You're asking me even though she may be my mistress or wife?"

"I am sure she is not your queen judging from clothing, since she would have to wear the royal dress despite her origin. Mistress, a very small chance since you would have seated her closer to you instead of her current position, which shows the level of deference and respect you unconsciously give to her." Vikram smiles. "While asking for your Queen would be impossible, I would still ask for her hand if she's your mistress."

Thinking about the request causes some consternation in you. While you want to say yes, as it would have ensured the close relationship between you and the trader, you can't give Meiyue way, since you don't really own her. Besides, you don't know Vikram very well, and letting him marry her seems like an irresponsible thing to do.

"I will marry you," Meiyue says to Vikram. "But I do have my own conditions."

"What are they?"

"I have vowed to work for the betterment of this kingdom when the king made me his vassal. Marrying me will entertwined you with the fate of this kingdom. I will be loyal to you as your wife, but that is as long as you don't move against this kingdom."

"Done. I expected as much when I made the proposal. Anything else?"

Meiyue turns to you and before turning toward her future husband. "While we can have our marriage being presided upon by the priest when we return to Rajput, I would like to have an official ceremony here as well where the king marries us off. We will wear the beautiful clothing that you have during the ceremony."

Vikram had a big smile on his face. "See? This is why I wasn't wrong when I want to have her as my wife! Not only this will **** me to be your supporters, at the same time it is a great chance for my merchandise to be shown to the nobles and the people who will attend it? Would three months from now suffice? It will give the chance for me to send for more items."

You can only blink at what had just happened. How did the discussion move from talking about trade to a kingdom-sanctioned marriage and strategic cooperation?