Pieces are in Place

I look at both documents before me, debating if I am ready. Can I face the beast? I will have to eventually. It has been 10 days since my father left and 3 since Raphael took over the army. It was a struggle to convince the councilors to accept Raphael over his superior, but they backed down when I commanded. It had surprised them because I had always acted timid in our past meetings. The thought of their stunned faces makes me chuckle. It was like that of a child caught sneaking a treat. They quieted down when they realized I wouldn't compromise. This put the right man in charge of the army for the surrender.

Now all my pieces are in place. I have debated over days to the exact terms of surrender with my trusted counselors. It has taken many sessions and hours of research. We deliberated about the most we could offer and placed the terms in the treaty much lower, thus I have room to negotiate. The Prince will feel like I am giving more, and my people will receive the best possible outcome. I am expecting to need to rewrite the treaty with the Prince, so I don't stress about that being perfect.

I am only waiting on the dress, which should arrive today. Capucine will deliver it personally. She worked quickly, finishing it before I was expecting. We had a fitting two days after I placed the command. At the fitting she had finished the gown so well done that it didn't need any adjustments. The embroidery took longer but was still quicker than anticipated. I know that she has put all other clients on hold for me and this dress.

Everything has fallen together faster than expected. I reread the words I penned for Prince Clement-Victor. It needs to be perfect before I send it.

Your Royal Highness Prince Clement-Victor of Varzy,

I write to call for a parley tomorrow at noon. If you agree I will leave the city with one guard to join you in your camp. Send your response on an arrow. There will be a target waiting on the walls.

Cordially,

(The seal of Villefranche)

I am careful with the wording, trying to sound confident and commanding. I purposefully sign with the seal instead of a name, making it not a lie, but obscuring the truth. Shock factor has been my ally this last week. Even the people don't know that I have taken over, despite my increased public appearance.

There is a knock at the door, and Capucine enters carrying a box.

"I have something for you." I stand to greet my friend.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"Anything for my favorite person." She hugs me. "How are you holding up?"

"Good, I am planning the parley for tomorrow." I take the box and open it. My mouth opens in surprise at the beauty before me.

"So soon?" Her eyes water. She isn't as naïve as many others. She knows this will mean my life.

"I need to get this over with before they attack. Once they do that all bets are off." She hugs me again.

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"This dress is more than enough. It is beyond anything I could imagine."

"I put my blood, sweat and tears into this dress, praying that it with thaw the prince's heart. Maybe it will make him fall head over heels for you." She cups my cheek with a sly smile.

"That is not the purpose of it. If it thaws his heart, I don't think it will be better for me." She looks at me confused but doesn't ask me to explain.

"I need to send out the letter for the parley." I stand to leave.

"I won't leave you for the next day. It won't be good for you to be alone." She insists. I don't argue. I will need her support.

I take the letter and head to the top of the wall. With the vantage point I see the Prince's army spread out across the valley below. We are protected by the cliffs that augment the height of our walls along with a moat. Marcus already has the target up here, ready for us to lower.

I hand my letter to the best of our archers. He already has been briefed of his role, so he doesn't ask any questions. He has a large white ribbon tied to the end of an arrow marking it as a message. He wraps the letter around the shaft, and I seal it with wax, and my ring. He aims and releases. The arrow lands at the edge of the camp at the front of our gate. A soldier stares up at the wall, before retrieving the arrow to bring to Prince Clement-Victor. We lower the target and wait for the reply.

Within an hour there was an arrow on our target. We lift it, and a soldier hands the arrow to me. I take it and leave the wall

Capucine follows me as I flee to my room. I need privacy for this. Once inside I try to read the words. The task is made difficult by my shaking hands. I breath with purpose to steady myself before I read.

I will wait for your arrival.

One sentence. No salutations, just that simple sentence. I finally break before the cold awaiting me tomorrow. Capucine holds me taking be to lie on my bed. I seek comfort in her arms until I drift into a fitful sleep.