That evening, Matteo and Isabella were invited to join Victor and his family for dinner. The only non-family members attending this dinner were General Scharnhorst and Marshal Bessières. Everyone was gathered in the dining room, and their plates and cutlery were already placed.
Matteo and Isabella were the last to arrive, which allowed everyone to meet them at once. When they stepped into the room, Victor stood up and welcomed them in Zandarian. "Sir Matteo, Lady Isabella, thank you very much for coming, please take a seat." Queen Clarisse was astonished to see her Husband talking a third language; even the children were gobsmacked.
More than anything, only General Scharnhorst, Anton and Marshal Bessières knew who they were. Victor had not mentioned to the rest of his family yet who these people were and why they were present in Hannover.
Lady Isabella was seated between Victor and Anton, while across from them were General Scharnhorst and Marshal Bessières. At one end of the table was Queen Clarisse, and the rest of the children were at the other end of the table.
Before Victor sat down, he spoke in Bulgartic and introduced the newcomers to the rest of the family. "Everyone, I would like to introduce Sir Matteo Vegni, son of Count Vegni, a nobleman from the Zandarian continent. And Lady Isabella, daughter of Prince Alphonse Visconte, the rightful King of the Zandarian people."
Victoria and Vanessa were enamoured with the foreign beauty and began to speak to her, but they soon realised the language barrier, which made it hard for them. The translator worked diligently to help the young lady communicate with the little Luxenberg Princesses.
Clarisse and Henri were welcoming, but they both knew there had to be a reason for them to be here. Henri, who was 12 years old, asked, "Father, would it be rude of me to ask why these two are here?" The young man made sure to say this in a polite tone as he did not want to be rude and offend the visitors.
Queen Clarisse jumped on her son's question and said, "Not at all, sweetheart, your father will definitely explain why these two have travelled to our home." The Luxenberg Queen shot Victor a menacing look which he could only interpret as, 'Care to explain why these foreigners are joining us, and only why I am now just learning about them?'
Victor remained calm and began to explain why they were here. "Lady Isabella's father has approached us with an offer for an alliance. One of these conditions for the alliance was Lady Isabella's hand in marriage to Anton. She will also be our ward until she comes of age."
Henri looked at his brother with a massive grin; it was almost like he was taunting him, but he was thrilled for the person he looked up to. Queen Clarisse did not share Henri's happiness.
"Why was I not consulted about this? Am I not his mother? Should I not have a say in who our son marries?" Clarisse rhetorically asked, each question landing a subtle jab at Victor's conscience.
"I am sorry, my love. The deal was put forward only a couple of hours ago; it was easier to tell you now. This deal will be really good for us, hence why I made sure to get it all agreed upon," Victor said, trying to soothe his wife's anger.
Queen Clarisse slowly nodded. Victor had thought she was dropping the issue, but to his dismay, she continued to ask questions. "Well, since it is such a really good deal, please explain it in detail. What made this deal so appeasing, other than the beautiful foreigner who will marry into our family?"
Victor gulped nervously. Now was the time for him to come fully clean; dragging this out would only worsen his wife's anger. He took a couple of deep breaths to collect his thoughts, and when he was ready, he told his wife the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
"Prince Alphonse offered us a military and defensive pact, exclusive trade rights, an honorary title, two treasures from their family vault, and a manor in the capital city. This, of course, is on top of Lady Isabella's hand in marriage."
Queen Clarisse quickly questioned her husband before he could get the next part of his statement out. "That is all well and good, but what did we give up for this?" Her words held such a hefty weight as they bore down upon Victor. Everyone could feel the tension rising and did not dare think of speaking or doing some to attract the attention of the feuding couple.
Victor did not hesitate and continued what he was saying. "In return for such a deal, the Luxenberg military will assist the Green Viscontes in their war against the usurping Red Viscontes. Nine of our Army's corps will depart from Hannover in three months. Our main fleet will ferry them over to the northern city named Sinolla, which is ruled by the Prince's uncle."
"From there, our army will march to join the Green Visconte's army on the frontlines. With the addition of our soldiers, the Red Viscontes will be overwhelmed and forced to either submit or die. This war will be relatively short."
Clarisse was furious. For such a massive decision to be made without her consultation was an insult. When Victor was out on campaign, it was she who ruled this kingdom; it was she who had to raise their children without his presence.
Before she could truly unleash her fury, Victor added the most important detail of this deal. "I will be leading the men alongside Field Marshal Wellesley. With me and my commanders driving this war, many of our soldiers should be able to return home safely."
Clarisse stood up from her chair and smacked Victor across the face. "For fuck sakes, Victor, you are going to war again? You are not some fucking infantrymen, you are a king, for God's sake. Your place is here with your family, ruling your kingdom. Not in a foreign land, standing in trenches and fighting."
With her anger unleashed, the Queen stormed out of the room, leaving all in the room in awkward silence.