Madelin burst into the library. “Your Highness,” she gasped, out of breath. “You’re late.”
“Blimey,” Allyssa cursed. She’d completely lost track of time. “Is everyone there?” she asked.
“Yes,” Madelin replied. “They’re all waiting for you.”
Shoving everything into a pile, she closed the curtains so no one would disturb the books. Walking as fast as a respectable princess could, Allyssa hurried to the meeting room. When she entered, the entire Legion of Emperion and the dukes were sitting at the long table waiting for her. She tried to pretend that she wasn’t nervous, late, or out of breath from practically running there.
“Princess Allyssa,” her father’s steward announced. All the men stood and bowed.
“Take your seats,” she commanded everyone. “It’s time to start.”
The empress and emperor were situated at one end of the table, Prince Odar and his squire at the other end, everyone else in the middle. Allyssa headed toward the empty chair next to her parents.
As she passed by Prince Odar, Jarvik said, “Nice of you to finally arrive,” so softly that only she and the prince could hear.
Allyssa was about to say some witty remark, but thought better of it. Taking her seat, she personally greeted each duke, making sure to smile and appear confident, friendly, and kind.
Darmik took control of the meeting. “Our spies have confirmed Russek has invaded and established control in Melenia. Prince Odar has eye witness accounts that Russek’s army is also stationed along Fren’s border. As a result, I’ve extended offers to Fia, Landania, and Kricok inviting them to join Emperion.” There was a collective murmur around the room. “Everyone from those kingdoms will retain land rights and titles, but will now pay taxes to us, and we will gain control of their armies. Telmena has expressed their … dissatisfaction with this move. They plan to block any union between us and the kingdoms to our north.”
Jarvik cleared his throat. “If I may,” he said, asking the emperor for permission to speak. Darmik nodded, and the squire stood. “The king and queen of Fren are not opposed to the unifications of the kingdoms. They don’t believe Emperion to be a greedy, power-hungry nation. They understand you seek such a union for survival. However, Prince Odar’s younger brother is married to Crown Princess Jestina of Telmena, which means Fren has a solid and verifiable peace treaty with Telmena, and that cannot be broken. So while the king and queen do not oppose Emperion’s expansion, Fren must stand with Telmena.”
Allyssa’s eyes narrowed. Jarvik seemed well versed in his kingdom’s politics. She glanced at Prince Odar, who sat there staring at her with that beautiful smile of his. She wasn’t sure he was as aloof as he appeared; otherwise, he wouldn’t have such an intelligent squire speaking on his behalf.
“Which is what brings us here,” Rema said, speaking for the first time. Jarvik took his seat. “We do not wish to acquire Fren under our empire; however, I am proposing a union between the kingdoms of Emperion and Fren. Both Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar are heirs to their respective thrones and both are first in line. A marriage will supersede Fren and Telmena’s treaty. As a result, Telmena will be forced to stand with Fren.”
“Not only that,” Jarvik added, “but Telmena is worried about Emperion becoming too large and powerful. If Prince Odar marries Princess Allyssa, Telmena’s concerns will be put at ease as long as Prince Odar sits on the Emperion throne and Fren doesn’t become part of the Emperion Empire until after the death of the current king and queen. We would also need your word that Emperion will honor Fren’s treaties with Telmena as your own.”
Everyone started talking at once. Allyssa sat back on her chair, thinking over everything that had just been revealed. Her parents needed the marriage in order to acquire the three kingdoms separating them from Russek. If Emperion combined the armies, Russek would be no match for them and would have no choice but to leave Emperion alone. Fren needed the marriage because Russek was ready to invade them. They required Emperion’s powerful army to keep Fren out of enemy hands.
“It is time to vote on the matter,” Darmik said, raising his hand. Everyone quieted down.
The prince no longer watched Allyssa. Instead, he scribbled something on a piece of paper in front of him. Jarvik, on the other hand, was staring at her. And he seemed mad.
“All those in favor of opening marriage negotiations between Emperion and Fren, raise your hand.”
Allyssa suddenly found it hard to breathe. She didn’t realize they were going to vote on the matter today. Her parents had asked her to keep an open mind; they never said it was already decided upon.