Wise as a Serpent

We pass through the streets of Villefranche, surrounded by Prince Clement-Victor's men. I lead him over the cobbled streets towards the center of the sprawling city and the Duke's palace. I don't remove my arm from his, providing a united front for the people to see.

The cheers of the people deafen me as the news spreads throughout the city. I am pleasantly surprised that they have so heartily accepted the change. The deal will make their lives better, and their enthusiasm for the prospect of safety is palpable. This joy is the reason for my sacrifice. I am now a slave to the man with whom my arm is linked, but it is of no importance for their sakes.

"Apparently lowering the taxes was a good call." The prince leans into me, and murmurs in my ear. Goosebumps cover my arms and my heart picks up its pace at our proximity. My father had always cut me off from the world. I had almost no interactions with others, the only exceptions being when I snuck out, so this is the first time I have been so close to a man. The situation has my heart forming strange patterns.

"I wouldn't lead you astray. Also offering free alcohol helps." There is a flicker of a reaction at my response on his stoic face.

"Of course, you are as wise as serpent my dear Duchess." His analogy and implication of my cunning surprise me. I don't fancy myself full of guile. After an instant of reflection, I recognize how I could appear that way to the Prince.

"I know that I am just a puppet. A pawn in your quest for power." I tease him back. I don't want to give him the impression that I am hiding anything.

"Do you like this position?" I think for an instant before answering, staring off at the brightly painted plaster of the buildings we pass. This conversation is a game of chess that I can't lose.

"It doesn't matter if I like it or not. My people are priority. There is a small feast waiting for you at the palace." I try to change the subject. I don't enjoy the evaluation I might receive.

"You had time to create a big feast?" He doesn't change his facial expression, but the incredulity is full in is voice.

"It is small and will be held in the Dukes private dinning hall. I thought it prudent that you meet those I trust before I throw you to the hounds. Any of your generals are welcome as well. A grander feast will be held in several days."

"That is reasonable. Do you have a room arranged for me?" I can feel the test, the movement of his pieces on our board.

"Every room in the family suite are ready, for you to choose the one that you prefer." I move my own pieces, ready for the suspicion that he will have for me.

"My Duchess Pierrette-Danielle you think of everything." He marvels at me with an almost mocking tone.

"If you find anything disagreeable, it can be altered." I offer, trying to show some uncertainty of his tastes.

"You are attentive. I will let you know." I let the conversation die into a comfortable silence. There is nothing more to be said as we approach the Duke's Palace. It is a stately building with grand arches and statues decorating the face. It has been plastered and painted white. There a painstaking effort used to maintain the purity of the color, as to distinguish the building form its neighbors.

"Welcome to the Duke's Palace." I sweep my hang before us, gesturing to the grandiose edifice. With the movement I remove my arm from his.

"It is no royal castle, but I hope it fulfills your needs." I add. He doesn't respond, only studies the architecture and motifs of the structure. There are many statues the line the wall, each placed in an alcove to protect it from the elements. They are all painted vibrant colors, contrasting the white of the walls. There are also accent molds and stones which are carved with plants or faces. I know that inside the palace the external extravagancies diminish.

Prince Clement-Victor stops and analyses the complex structure before us. He doesn't speak, but once he appears satisfied, he extends his elbow again, for me to take it. I don't protest as I follow his lead.

He ascends the stairs, and as we approach the larger than life metal doors creek. They are pulled open from the inside as instructed, opening the Palace to the grand entrance of the Prince. I am only surprised to find myself sharing this moment with him. Although he is reserved, so far, he has been generous to Villefranche, and more specifically me. This comforts me as I ponder the alliance that I have made. It was the right move.

We enter the courtyard to find two rows of servants standing in attention.