Final Term

"Now with the surrender the city will be open for the surrounding villagers to return to their homes. I will send a decree to all villages and cities within the Dukedom ordering a them to submit to Varzy rule. The villages will fold easily with the reduced taxes and no threat of violence. The lords in various chateaus will be another monster. I can send the same decree to them, and some will agree, but many will take the chance to proclaim their independence. I have little to no power beyond the boarders of the city, so this surrender is principle for the city Villefranche, not the dukedom."

"Understood." I take a deep breath before I reach the final point, my execution. I look away, not wanting to see his expression.

"I am aware of the Varzy policy of removing all nobility when they conquer a place. With my families departure I am the solitary noble in Villefranche. I surrender myself to be executed according to your pleasure." I look at him with my last sentence, letting hi know that I am serious. He raises his eyebrows.

"You are on a suicide mission." I smirk.

"I am on a rescue mission. Every life is worth saving." I counter his statement.

"That is a great philosophy, but you should apply it to your own."

"I have, and it's a worthy price for the people of Villefranche." He leans in, closer to me.

"I don't accept this term."

"What would make it acceptable?"

"Become my war prize." He leans even closer, coming within an inch of my face. I stiffen. He glances down at my lips, indicating his intentions. This was unexpected. As a war prize I will be his slave, serving his every whim. Do I want that?

I realize I don't care. If he wants to keep me around as a pet or a shield, I will fulfill my role.

"My life is in your hands. What will you require me to do for you?" He pulls away and leans back in his chair.

"I have heard that you have the heart of the people. It was a good move to donate before coming. Killing you will anger them and cause a headache."

"I… I never planned that. I wanted to secure the orphans and the hospital before I left." I am surprised by his revelation. I was expecting a different topic.

"Why so suddenly?"

"It isn't I always helped, but under my father I had to be secretive about it. Since he left, I haven't had to hide my actions. I needed to be sure the causes I care about wouldn't have problems after you executed me." He purses his lips.

"Is that so?"

"I wouldn't lie about that."

"If that is the case, then your big heart will be useful. As my prize you will retain your title and serve me. You will be the face that everyone loves. With you by my side people will see me in the same light. You can use this treaty to help your image. You will help me get all of the cities in the Dukedom and give me a claim over every city without bloodshed." I can't argue with his logic. If his logic is to be believed, it would be foolish to kill me.

"As you wish your highness. I bow my head." He lifts is lazily with a finger, coming closer again.

"Maybe if you serve me well, I will reward you." He says with a sly grin. I don't know if I want his rewards.

"Your Majesty, as a slave I would have no need of reward." He smirks at me.

"We will see." I control my breathing before explaining how the surrender will function this evening. Everything is set aside and planned for the show. With that I give a deep bow and leave for the city. I can only hope Prince Clement-Victor won't double cross me. Marcus sees my exit and follows behind. The same guards surround us, directing us through the tent labyrinth to the gate. I step on the wood of the draw bridge and feel the tension between my shoulders lessen. I did it. Now we just need to pull off the physical surrender.