The War Council

Almost right after the meeting with Lord Merlot, Arthur found himself being rushed into a war council meeting by Gaiel and Rubaine. As was customary, Katriona and Rudens also attended - although they had no official voice in the matters at hand there. Something gave Arthur the idea, however, that Lord Merlot's proposal would cause this war council meeting to be different than usual.

"He's right, boy," said Rubaine. "You do need to get married."

"We are warriors," Arthur reminded the man. "Our kings have never hidden. That was why my father rode out. I should worry about war and not marriage."

"At this juncture, they are the same thing," said Rubaine. "Our kingdom needs an assured dynasty. Do you understand?"

"Yes," nodded Arthur.

"You five choices," said Gaiel. "Keep in mind, though... your own father wed outside of the family. If you do the same, it could mean unrest or war. Our people want our blood pure. Thankfully, your choices are expanded since you have your mother's whole family to consider."

"So... who are my choices?" asked Arthur.

"Well, let's start with Viola Merlot," said Gaiel. "She is the daughter of Lord Alfred Merlot and the niece of King Darius of Ikva. I am certain that everything Lord Merlot promises in terms of **** will come to pass if you wed her, but it is just as likely that Darius will try to press claims against you. Especially if you would be to meet an unfortunate end. Now, Lord Merlot was your father's friend, but none of us know what his daughter could intend."

"And then?"

"Your sisters," said Gaiel. "They are probably whom your people would prefer you wed. Thankfully, our magic has proved powerful enough to weed out genetics problems that plagued your family in the past while retaining genetic purity. The problem with this, as you know, is that either Jaconia or Elizabeta are crafty and conniving. They hated when you were named heir. But, this could galvanize all your people against the Forsaken."

"Yeah, I know... next?"

"Your Aunt Katriona," said Gaiel. "She is older than you, but not by the degree that it would be impossible for her to bear your child. She is also perhaps the only one guaranteed to be loyal to you. While wedding her would not raise any clear controversy, it is clear that the people would still prefer you not to. This may solidify a permanent alliance with the Gustave Family, your mother's family, and that could avoid needing Lord Merlot's help against the Forsaken."

"Who else?"

"Your cousin Olivette," said Gaiel. "She is less ambitious than your sisters and is in the family. It is a tame choice and while it fully guarantees your safety, it avoids war against the Forsaken."

"Anybody else?"

"Shia Jadaiki, a cousin of the Empress," said Gaiel. "I'm putting her out there, but I doubt you could pull it off. I doubt the empress would even sanction it. But if you could pull it off, you would potentially become the most powerful king since you would have a direct line to the Empress. I imagine she is the path to crushing the Forsaken."

"So," said Rubaine. "Who do you choose?"