[@Aristo] And given the size and proximity of your nation, it would be in Öspa's interest to establish good relations with Xiang. Xiang also appears to have a strong military with big ass ships and good troops---which Öspa obviously doesn't want on its shores. Plus, Xiang is an agricultural center---given that Öspa has to import much of its produce due to its rough climate, it would make sense to establish a dedicated trading partner like the Xiang. Perhaps some of the "massive ships" which you have as your Military Trait could've been built by the shipbuilding firms of Port Skova? They regularly take out big orders. 

If you're cool a marriage alliance I totally am. Makes a lot of sense. However, I would probably have to RP as her given that she's the head of the Regency Council and thus the nominal head of state.  

[@The Omnipotent Sphere] I think Öspa would ally with Jura for the same reasons---agricultural center, big army, wants a good trading partner, etc., etc. I wrote about a Princess Kélse who was married off to a "distant kingdom"---maybe as a marriage to one of the lesser princes of Jura? How do the Jurans feel about marriage to people who aren't converted to the Light yet?