"They stand in a far more precarious position than we do. Ryntum does not merely threaten them. It claims them."
"And what kind of alliance are we proposing?" Mark asked. "Military? Economic? Defensive?"
"Defensive, first," Baldwin replied. "With room to expand."
"I understand, Your Highness. I will depart at first light."
....
A similar situation happens across the continent. Everyone is scrambling to find allies of their own, though they didn't make much of a noise about it to the outside world.
Envoys began to travel more frequently between capitals. Not in grand, public processions, but in smaller, quieter delegations. Letters sealed with wax crests crossed borders in increasing numbers, carried by trusted couriers who rode through the night without pause.
It shows that the rulers of the continent were no longer confident in the stability of their own positions.
