"First."
His voice became steady.
"You marry my son."
The words hung heavily in the air.
"You make Celestra your home."
The king leaned forward.
"Take the throne of Celestra and be the Queen Regent."
"If that happens, then your friends become our friends."
"Your allies become our allies."
"Your enemies become our enemies."
He paused.
"If you sail into a storm, we sail beside you."
The analogy carried considerable weight.
Then his expression changed.
"Second."
His voice softened.
"If you are not interested."
The king lowered his gaze briefly.
"Then after today, I ask that all personal ties between us end."
Silence.
A long silence.
"I will marry my son to the Aryavarta Empire's princess."
"I will seek their protection against the Church of Doom."
"I will compensate you for the cancelled store project."
Then he added another offer.
"And I ask you to exchange Nystara Island for Wyston Island."
Kiara remained silent.
The king continued.
