So this thing is going to be a parallel to our world. This is somewhere in the 1500's, when Columbus would have discovered America. Only I'm changing it from humble Native American tribes to a fully operational kingdom with lords, knights, a king, a militia, the whole package.
King Christopher looked at the letter again. It was from his chief explorer, Eustace Greely, who was off in unknown territories. According to it, he had discovered another continent that already had its own kingdom. Called "America", he'd said.
"And the strangest thing is, they have a system of government and politics similar to ours, even though they tell us that they had no idea of our existence. Perhaps this could lead to a scientific breakthrough of patterns of human thought… but what am I saying?
Also, they have a large number of urban legends. There is supposedly a wild dragon and a unicorn wreaking havoc and tearing up the lands, causing deep chasms to open up, but I suspect these rumbles are simply earthquakes. Yes, a new idea, thought of by yours truly, that the world is made up of plates, and when these rub together…"
Christopher chuckled to himself. That Greely and his "scientific" ideas.
The letter continued with, "They also believe in gods and goddesses- we'll convert them soon, not to worry- that control the weather, the sun, and the moon. Which is impossible, of course.
"And finally, there is a fountain. A fountain that makes you young, forever. Absolutely ludicrous. Nothing can keep you young. They're just ridiculous. But entertaining, which is why I included them in my letter.
"The real reason I sent this is that the queen of this land is bearing a child. She has invited me to the celebration, which takes place in three weeks. I need you to grant me more time here, because leaving on such short notice might upset these people, and we need allies desperately. I think it would be in your best interests to say yes.
Sincerely, Eustace."
Christopher reached for his quill and parchment.
"Dear Eustace," he began, "If we had not been friends, I would have had you beheaded for that unruly questioning of my authority. You practically told me to let you stay, and that was not right. In fact, you will be killed the instant you come back."
He smiled at this, knowing that Eustace would too. Christopher had never executed anyone in his entire reign, and exchanging threats with Eustace like this ran back several years. It was now a private joke between the two.
"But on a more serious note, you are needed here. My daughter's fifth birthday is coming very soon. It would be to our diplomatic advantage to be there in three weeks, but I love Selena dearly, and it would mean much to me if you were here. But if this is truly as important as you say, then you may continue to work overseas. Tell this queen that you will go to her party on one condition.
"She must send a representative of her own here, to stay at my daughter's birthday. That way, we can learn about their country from him while they are learning from you. I just want to level out the playing field.
Sincerely, Chris."
He put his quill down and summoned a page to his room. The page left to send the letter and his anxiety faded. Greely would receive the letter, and in less than a month a man would arrive. It wouldn't be the same as having his best friend there to share his joy, but nonetheless the queen would be a man short as well. This was fair, no harm done.
Or so he thought.