Victor watched as the army of Unity marched off into battle, a sense of unease settling in his gut. He had been given an offer by King Jason, one that could change the fate of his kingdom and his own future. But was this what he really wanted? He knew there were other paths to take that might win the competition, darker ones that could lead to more power and wealth. He toyed with the idea of stealing military technology from Unity and using it to gain an advantage for his own kingdom. The thought of being the one to bring back military might, to win the heart of the princess and the admiration of the king, was tantalizing.

As he watched the army march off, it seemed like the obvious choice. Unity’s forces were minuscule compared to what he knew the Silver kingdom had to have mustered, and yet, they didn’t look like men marching to their death. Confident smiles and jokes weren’t what an outside observer would expect, but that would be the scene they saw here.

Sure, some nerves were evident; sad spouses waving goodbye and crying children made it clear that families understood the horror of the coming unknown. Victor couldn’t imagine any other army, so likely outnumbered, having the confidence he saw. And he knew a good portion of that was the weapons they had strapped to their packs, and more he knew were hidden away in supply carts.

No other house would dare stand in his way if he could have that raw power.

On the other hand, Jason’s offer was less obviously a winner. Sure, having the exclusive right to certain trade deals would be lucrative. Moreover, the trade deals would benefit both kingdoms. But would it give the same clout and prestige as military dominance?

They were both paths worth considering, but one seemed pretty obviously superior to him. And the bulk of the burgeoning city’s security forces had just marched away from their capital.

Victor pondered his options as he slowly wandered down the street.

As he passed a bakery, he absentmindedly bought a pastry, returned outside, leaned against a tree, and stared past the townspeople going about their day. His mind was turned to Princess Cassandra, shifting to thoughts of what she would want. Will she want someone who had brought military might to her kingdom, or would she be content with someone with the power of wealth and trade on their side?

He couldn’t deny the allure of being a powerful military leader, but he also wasn’t sure he would be cut out for that kind of life. But that is what would be required of him, right? The houses were unsure if the man who married the princess would be king in his own right or merely the prince consort. King Archibold had never clarified that point, and Victor’s father thought he wouldn’t until the royal wedding occurred.

Perhaps, his thoughts returned to the question at hand, the princess would be more impressed by someone who could bring stability and prosperity to our kingdom. Someone who could negotiate lucrative trade deals and bring in wealth and resources to help her people thrive. After all, a strong economy is required to support a strong military. And her eyes lit up when she saw that mirror. King Jason’s work sure does seem to make an impact.

But then again, would the king be swayed by someone who was only a merchant? Would he want someone with more power and influence in the kingdom? Someone who could rally armies and lead them to victory?

Victor couldn’t help but wonder if he was out of his depth in this competition for the princess’s hand. His main rival, Luthias, was probably doing… who knows what. Perhaps training an army and conquering some independent town or dutchy. What would unequivocally show the court that Victor was a better leader than Luthias, a better match for the most powerful house in the kingdom?

Although, he thought. Maybe I’m looking at this incorrectly. Or if not incorrectly, then incompletely. Not all of the houses want King Archibold and his house Winterstar to gain more power if they don’t share in it. The king would never allow the armies of the other houses to have these new weapons if he could prevent it, and if I’m the one who brings them to the king, the other houses would hate me for upsetting the balance.

If a significant number of the houses oppose me, the king is less likely to declare me the winner, he thought as he wandered. What I really need is for the king to see me as the most worthy candidate and the other houses to see me as the most beneficial option for them. Oh, and Cassandra to see me as capable, too, he remembered with some chagrin. How do I make all that happen at once?

—

Victor explored the town further over the following days, pondering his options and observing as much as possible. He heard town criers yell the news of various small victories as the enemy crept ever closer. He bought several sheets of large, folded paper from a man yelling on a street corner. It was covered in fine, neat writing that the man had called “printing” and told of many of the local events, including more detail of the military situation - at least what they claimed was the situation, Victor reminded himself.

He saw long, thin strands of metal wire stretched out and suspended at the edge of the city, leading away down the road, and talked for several hours with the crew about the implications of their work.

He ate his lunches outdoors, near the buildings that he knew worked on the military weapons, and talked to those people who came in and out of the building, learning whatever they were willing to share about their work, their struggles, and their dreams.

At night, he went back to the inn, talked to anyone interested in the common room, and stared at the darkened ceiling late into the night.

And finally, he decided.