Unheard conversations from the Golden Age

Arnas and Ismenia

[at the end of book 1]

[on an Acanthæan ship, en route to Narnia]

[Characters: Ismenia & Arnas]

"Why are we even going? She rejected you, get over it. There are far more advantageous matches you could make. There are provinces in Acanthæ far larger than Datram. I do not understand why father is so insistent on you marrying your way into Datram,"

"He wants a seat on this continent, the easiest way to get one is in Datram,"

"She's not even the first-born, she's just a princess. Marrying her wouldn't get you her kingdom,"

"You're just a princess,"

"To the largest most powerful Kingdom that exists. Datram is nothing but a speck,"

"A speck in the most advantageous position. A speck sitting on a mountain of gold, iron, and jewels. A speck that controls access to the Eastmost countries. If we could control Datram, we could conquer the East,"

"And how exactly does marrying the King's sister get you any closer to controlling Datram and conquering the East?"

"King James has been married for five years to Queen Hayley of Lycia and produced no heir. His sister has just come back from the dead. She is revered and loved by all. If she wanted Datram, she could take control essentially unopposed,"

"But she won't, she's loyal to her brother,"

"A brother who has no heir. And were he to remain so, whoever marries the princess is closest to the throne,"

"Assuming King James never has an heir, then yes, her offspring would rule. But what guarantees you he will remain heirless?"

"He could always meet an unfortunate end. The route back to Datram is a treacherous one,"

Ismenia smiled wickedly.

"So that's your plan. Make her marry you, kill her brother and rule Datram?"

"And then conquer the East,"

"That's a nice plan you've got there. One problem though, what if she says no? You can't just kidnap her and force her to marry you,"

"I could if I wanted to. We've got five dragons,"

"And they've got a Narnian army, Datramite forces, a massive fleet, allies from Archenland and the Easter Isles,"

"Who stand no chance against five dragons," Arnas insisted.

"So you'll start a war for her?" Ismenia asked.

Arnas shook his head.

"I'm just saying I could if I wanted to. But I don't want to. I love her and I want her to choose me,"

"Then what is your plan, brother? Do you even have a plan or are you just going to nag her until she gives in?"

Arnas scoffed a laugh. "No, I am not going to nag her. I am simply going to ask her. If she says yes, then I've got myself a wife, if she says no, then I let her go,"

"Then what was all that before about ruling the east?"

"There is more than one way to take Datram,"