>>5995622>>5995641>>5995737>>5995758>>5995856"What about the other noble houses?" you inquire, seeking insight into the lesser noble families.
"The other noble houses, like mine was, rise and fall, and may be replaced," the dusky-skinned concubine responds, her voice heavy with experience.
"And what of you? I know your house is no more, sadly... but," you offer, "perhaps you could rebuild it, if you wish it."
"My house is gone, your radiance," she says sadly. "A house can only continue through the male line, not through a daughter. Here, noblewomen serve to secure marriage alliances and are treated as trophies and playthings."
"Is there anyone I could marry to secure power?" you ask, seeking her advice.
"A mere concubine should not comment on the king's marriage, your radiance," she says uneasily.
"Speak freely," you command. "I will need advisors. If you are willing to stay by me, I'll see that you are more than a concubine. You'll be an advisor on domestic affairs, with the rewards and responsibilities that come with it."
After a moment's thought, she suggests, "You could marry the old king's widow. With her on your side, you could secure the loyalty of the most powerful of the Blood. She is almost forty, not in her prime childbearing years, but she may still give you a son. And even if she does not, you could name one of your sons by a concubine as your legal heir."
"I see," you nod thoughtfully. The old tyrant neglected his queen, having not bedded her for over twenty years. He chose younger concubines over her as she became 'too old' for his tastes. Perhaps the queen will appreciate being the focus of attention once again. And despite being old enough to be your mother, she possesses a mature beauty. "Any other options?"
"You could marry a daughter of House Daeus or House Thonius, but that would slight the other house," she explains. "That would mean choosing a side, gaining an ally but also an enemy. House Erenor is conservative and prefers to marry within the family. They wouldn't marry off a daughter to a foreigner, and forcing them would cause resentment. House Lorus is too small for a beneficial alliance, and the same applies to the lesser noble houses."
> You seek out the old tyrant’s neglected queen for a discussion about her future role in the kingdom.> You meet with the palace's guard commander to get his bearing.> You arrange a meeting with the head of House Daeus to assess their ambitions and possible alliances.> You arrange a meeting with the head of House Thonius to assess their ambitions and possible alliances.> You visit the temple to understand the influence of the local religions on your reign. 