By 1228, the situation for the Latins became desperate; they entered into negotiations with Bulgaria, promising a marriage between the under-age emperor Baldwin II and Ivan Asen II's daughter Helena.
Aastaks 1228 muutus olukord ladinlastele meeleheitlikuks; nad astusid läbirääkimistesse Bulgaariaga, lubades abielu alaealise keisri Baudouin II ja Ivan Asen II tütre Elena vahel.