Under the Oak Tree Book 2 "Conquering hearts" ( Fan fiction)

Chapter 4- Maxi

Sweyn and Nalimi stood in the doorway taking my small figure in. Not wanting to be rude and taking this has a possibility to make friends, I decide to break the awkward silence.

"My n-name is Maximillian Calypse  of Anatol. The d-daughter of Duke Croyso and E-Estrid of R-Roem." I paused giving them time to register my words. After a few moments they both bowed their heads and beat their chests with their left fists.

Nalimi spoke up " It is an honor my lady!  Your uncle spoke very highly of you and your mother. He was planning to visit you." Nalimi grew quite... " well more like planning a raid to rescue you. He stopped preparing when the rumors of your marriage spread. " Nalimi's eyes held a touch of sadness has she spoke that last part.

" That was right before my brother, and I journeyed to the tower." Sweyn nodded his head in agreement, his voice echoing behind his sisters. "The dragon attacks have increased over the past few years, and Roem is in need of more mages."

I nodded my head, acknowledging what he meant. "I-I understand, Anatol is in n-need of more mages has well. T-the mountains a-are full of monsters, and t-their attacks have grown with their m-migrations."

Alec, who had been silently bearing witness to the exchange between the siblings and myself, raised an eyebrow. "Maximillian, are you stating that Anatol is looking to strengthen their relationship with the mage tower?"

Turning to look at Alec I noticed Princess Agnes's intrigued expression. She eyed me warily.

"Y-yes, Anatol intends to invest in its p-ports, opening up better p-passage and o-opportunities for t-trading. My husband i-is working d-diligently to create a m-merchant route, which will connect w-with the ports. Has Anatol g-grows, the risk of monster a-attacks will possibly d-double."

I paused for a moment collecting my thoughts. "A-although the Remdragon  knights will be there to protect the city and I-I have the utmost f-faith in them, i-it will increase our need for more m-mages. Which brings a-about t-the opportunity t-to strengthen o-our relationship w-with the tower."

I squared my shoulders, trying to show my determination. If I can strengthen Anatol's reputation in the eyes of the tower, then I might be able to entice some of the mages to take up residence in Anatol. Pleased with myself and riddled with a newfound purpose I dared myself to look at Princess Agnes. She looked to be in deep thought, her index finger gently tapping on her bottom lip. Princess Agnes seeming to warm to the idea locked eyes with me. I suddenly felt the need to persuade her to take my side.

"W-with rebuilding the ports, my h-husband expects to extend opportunities t-to other regions. This w-will allow for a-access to more commodities. By doing so this will s-strengthen relationships with those r-regions, b-benefitting  Wedon and a-all parties i-involved."

Alec, seeming to weigh the options, nodded his head. "Indeed, it would, and it would make it easier on the tower to obtain necessary resources." He then extended a long finger, adjusting his glasses, which had been slowly sliding down his nose. "I will speak with the other high-ranking mages', if they agree then we will discuss this further." I breathed a sigh of relief, if I could persuade them for Anatol and Riftan then I would. Breaking eye contact with his sister, Sweyn cleared his throat. 

"My lady, since you are an heir to Roem, would your husband consider extending trade opportunities with the Roem Empire?"

Looking back at the siblings in the doorway I smiled, " please e-excuse my poor manners, P-please do c-come in." I waved my hand to the side, has they slowly entered further into the room.

"Y-yes, I intend to reconnect with my uncle, w-we have much to c-catch up on. I will write to my h-husband of these opportunities, of c-course the final decision will be his, b-but I doubt he w-would turn down the opportunity."