"Yes, we have checked the history of their lines carefully. You're likely the offspring of a Stormwind yourself, and we can't have you coupling with a cousin, that just wouldn't do. I assure you we have done all we could to find the most suitable matches."

Natalia sat in stunned silence, her mind struggling to come to grips with her present situation.

“Come now,” Markhova continued, “surely you don’t think we’d invest all this time and effort in you, and then let it go to waste? The family has been breeding powerful mages for generations.”

“I’d always known there was a connection between the Sartellians and the Stormwinds,” said Natalia, “but I’ve never really understood the reason.”

“You can thank our ancestors for that,” said the grand mistress. “They were the ones that discovered that pairing a Water Mage with a Fire Mage could produce a child with exceptional potential.”

“I would have thought they’d cancel each other out,” said Natalia. “After all, they’re opposite schools of magic.”

“Yes,” agreed Markhova, “and yet we cannot argue with their success. Ultimately, we are one big, extended family. When a child shows an aptitude for magic, they become either a Stormwind or Sartellian, depending on their gifts. We train the Stormwinds here, at the Volstrum, as you well know, but the Sartellians are trained in Korascajan. It is important that you understand how imperative our breeding program is to the future of the family.”

“I shall need some time to consider things,” said Natalia. “This has come as rather a shock to me.”

"Of course," Marakhova said, "there's no hurry. Once they arrive, you can take a suitable amount of time to make a decision, or, if you like, I can give you their information, and you can decide before they arrive."

"And when am I to birth this child?"

"Sometime in the next year, before you take up your courtly duties."

"Courtly duties?" Natalia asked, feeling overwhelmed.

"Of course," explained the grand mistress, "we can't have you hidden away here forever. We need you out there, supporting the family's agenda."

"And what agenda is that?"

"The family is both powerful and wealthy. As such, it is always seeking new ways to extend its reach. At court, you will work to strengthen existing ties and expand our influence whenever possible."

"I see," Natalia said.

"So," continued Marakhova, "shall you take the list or wait until the men arrive?"

"Yes, I'll take the list. I would think it best if I was to consider what I'm looking for before I meet them, that way I can make a more dispassionate decision."

"An excellent way of looking at things, and entirely logical," said Marakhova. "I applaud your decision." She lifted a piece of paper from the desk, handing it to Natalia.

"Will that be all, Grand Mistress?"

"It will, Natalia. You may go now. I will inform you when they arrive."