Lucas was silent for a moment as he considered his words, knowing well that the King's mind was never easily swayed once it had settled upon a decision. Yet to sit in silence was to betray the very reason he had stood boldly before the throne in the first place. His heart beat steady, and he bowed his head slightly, his tone even and respectful as he spoke. "Your Majesty, forgive my forwardness, but I believe it would be unwise to keep the matter as two separate agreements. If Valerion were to convince Rus not only to accept an alliance with us, but also to allow Lechia into the fold, then three nations bound together would stand as one. That is far stronger than splitting the trust between two and leaving one as a rival. In that way, no kingdom stands apart, and the darkness looming against us would have no foothold."
