Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 137: Unsavory welcome(2)

As the evening wore on, a steady stream of nobles came forward to pay homage to their new liege, each bowing deeply before Jasmine and offering compliments for the lavish feast and the fine drinks. Many praised the cider, marveling at its rich taste and thanking her for the hospitality. But beneath the pleasantries, their true intentions were clear. Nearly as many lords as came to praise her subtly pushed for a reconsideration of her engagement to Alpheo.

They presented their sons as worthier matches, emphasizing their houses' strength and the advantages a union could bring to the crown.Not knowing that they were offering crumbles against someone that was bringing in a cake.At a certain moment Alpheo just closed his ears and focused on the food.

None of them had a disciplined and well-equiped army to back them up, and none of them had the secrets to produce , the very same things they were praising in front of their liege, so Alpheo had no worries about his position. 

Jasmine, however, remained poised, her expression calm as she acknowledged their compliments and suggestions without committing to anything. 

"I thank you for this fine feast, Your Grace..." Lord Gregor of Aratum began, his voice carrying the weight of someone accustomed to speaking with intent. He subtly pushed his son forward, as if presenting an offering. "But, if I may be so bold, might I suggest there are stronger alliances to consider than the one proposed with ....Ser Alpheo?"

His words hung in the air, and he gestured to his son, who stood stiffly beside him, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. "Your Grace, my son is loyal and strong. He would make a fine husband for a ruler as glorious as yourself," Gregor continued, his tone growing more eager, almost pleading. "A union with my house would strengthen your rule in ways no mere sellsword could offer. You would have our fleet at your command whenever required—"

"Does this mean you would withhold your naval might unless bound by marriage, my lord?" came a sharp voice. Lord Shahab, seated near Jasmine, had finally reached the end of his patience.