A very yes

Looking around the tent, it is clear to the Slaver that no one there is willing to entertain the matter anymore nor willing to side with him. Gulping audibly, he bows and says in a very **** manner, "Since that seems to be the consensus of this council, then this humble merchant shall accept it. The two **** girls shall be given to Crown Prince Victor of the Biessoi and Crown Prince Barticus of the Coreli. I hope the two girls will be to your liking, My Princes."

"I accept your gift, my good man," Victor says in a slightly mocking manner. Victor looks wryly amused at how things have turned out, while your other oath-brother doesn't seem to be bothered by the proceedings. "Though I am afraid you haven't told us what are the names of these beauties."

"A-ah, yes, indeed! How thoughtless of me," the Slaver exclaims. "This one here is the older twin of the Iraklidis sisters, her name is Mara. The younger twin's name is Sara." The older twin seems to be the bolder one of the two, trying to look strong even in their current predicament, while her younger sister meekly tries to stay close to her sister.

"Beautiful names," Victor remarks. Victor seems to mull over something for a few moments before he speaks again. "Please send them to our campsite. The Biessoi and the Coreli put our camps next to each other. We will decide on how to... divide them among me and Barticus later."

"Very well, My Prince." The Slaver bows deeply before he turns to Lord Commander Raxius to ask for leave.

"Tsk, just leave, Reginald, and make sure nothing unfortunate happens to those two girls, or it will be your head," Raxius dismisses the guildmember firmly. The Slaver nods repeatedly in fear and then leaves the camp quickly with the two girls.

Turning to look at you, Raxius then continues speaking. "Now, let us return to the more important matter at hand. Your Majesty, you say that we should be more 'restrained' in our handling of Athenapolis, and you have convinced us here of the truth of this matter, but speaking has always been easier than taking action. Since Kalion is the one who proposes this, surely I can expect Kalion to join the United Armies in hammering out how should we handle the siege in a more... 'restrained' manner, yes?"

You contemplate the man's question. You expected this question to come eventually, and you know there is no way for you to say no. You now realize there is no way the siege can end 'well' without your active participation, and since you have dug your grave with your proposal, it's time to lay in it.

"Kalion...," you begin to speak, "-will not be opposed to join the United Armies. Of course, provided that the United Armies is sincere in its intention to proceed the siege in a more restrained manner."

"So be it," Raxius nods. Looking around the tent, he then continues, "It is clear most of us here still need more time to digest this new development, therefore I recommend that we conclude today's meeting and reconvene again tomorrow to discuss further on our change of policy regarding the siege. Any objections?"

When it seems no one has any objection, Raxius speaks to you again. "Your Majesty, since you have expressed your willingness to work with the United Armies, I request that Kalion camp be moved across the river closer to the United Armies campsite, to make our future meetings and discussions easier."

That is a sensible request, you have to admit. It's clear that you can't broach the topic regarding the assassins from Apollopol today, and with the addition of the new arrangements between Kalion and United Armies, it probably would be better if you move your campsite closer. This way you can monitor and now manage the siege closer as well as observing the movements of the Apollopol's camp.

"That is an acceptable request, Lord Commander. Then if you don't mind, I shall move Kalion camp next to the campsite of the Biessoi and the Coreli," you answer. This way you can check up on the **** girls as well. After all, you are still responsible for them being given to Victor and Barticus.

"That shall be no problem," Raxius replies. "Then if there is no more urgent matter to discuss, I declare today's meeting dismissed." With that declaration, everyone leaves the tent.

Leaving the tent with Alexia and your oath-brothers, it doesn't take long for Victor to broach the hanging topic. "So, anything to say, Bruce?"

Sighing, you rub your face before turning to look at your oath-brother. "I am really sorry for putting you and Barticus in this, Victor, I truly do. It's just that I can't see any other method that won't result in any of us losing face there. Besides, I know that you and Barticus will treat them well."

"Hey, no worries, I am just a bit surprised with the development, that's all. And it's better for us to be the ones who accept the girls. Although our tribes have moved past slavery, we still mostly keep to our tribal ways, so accepting the girls won't hurt our reputation. Meanwhile with you it might hurt your standing in Kalion and outside of it." Victor then continues with an amused tone, "Besides you don't want to anger the Missus, do you?"

"What?" comes Alexia's choked reply.

"Ah, so it's true then. You and Alexia are together. I have known it since I saw the both of you climbing down from Spook," the blunt Barticus comments as he nods to himself.

"N-no... I mean, Prince Barticus, I-" Alexia tries to speak before you cut her off.

"Yes, Alexia and I are now together. I will marry her and make her my queen once we return to Kalion," you say. You can see Alexia glaring at your head from the corner of your eye, but you ignore it.

"Heh, then congratulations are in order. I am happy for you Bruce, and you too, Miss Alexia," Victor sincerely says. "Just don't forget to invite us to your wedding."

"I, uh... Thank you, Prince Victor. I, we will invite you once we have decided on the date," Alexia replies, you can see her cheeks reddening.

"Anyway, we will see you later, Bruce. And don't worry about the girls, I think it's about time I think about having an heir. I will just treat this as a golden opportunity," Victor shrugs.

"I don't really mind as long as she will be a good mother for my kids," Barticus adds. "Bye, Bruce. See you later." With that, both of the princes take their leave, leaving you alone with Alexia.