The Game Planned

The servants stare at me as we enter. Most of them recognize me as the poor girl that has been neglected for years. None of them are aware the announcement that we have made, as they had to wait here to greet us upon our return.

I release Prince Clement-Victor's arm, stepping forward to address the crowd. "I have announced to the city, and now to you, that the Duke has fled. He left the city and Dukedom to me. After careful consideration I have decided to surrender to Varzy. We have settled on favorable terms for Villefranche. You may seek the specifics of the terms as we have released them to the general public. This here is Prince Clement-Victor of Varzy. You are all under his orders from now on."

They all stare at me blankly, unsure of what to think of my announcement. Agathe, one of Antoinette's, my sister, loyal maids steps forward with her ugly face pinched in suspicion.

"What gives you the right to make a deal?" She cries pointing an accusatory finger at me.

"The Duke.." She cuts me off, screaming louder. I had suspected her of remaining behind as a spy for my father. My suspicions grow with her spectacle.

"You are nothing but a powerless, undesirable nuisance." She sneers.

"Obviously Duchess Peirrette-Danielle has the power. I am standing before you, aren't I?" the Prince steps forward to my defense. He sharp words bring comfort to me as his logic is infallible. A cold, demanding aura fills the room, emanating from him. There is no doubt from his demeaner that he is will dominate what is his, and this palace is now his.

"Of course your Highness." The handmaid bows deeply lowering her head. "But you should know that she had been lying to you when she has claimed to be a duchess. She is a mere forgotten daughter."

"Duchess Pierrette-Danielle has not lied to me." He emphasizes the title as he looks down on the poor maid. The chill on the air only intensifies under his glare. Does she not realize the stupidity of her actions? "I am the one who gave her the title. Now let us move on" He extends his elbow for me to take for our departure. I stretch my hand to him and the frigid air around him dissipates slightly.

"But she hasn't been married yet. She can't hold a title." Is this girl's brain mush? The prince does as he pleases. He could remove her head if he so desired.

"That is a sexist tradition, not adhered to in Varzy, and you would do well to remember that Villefranche is now a state of Varzy. Bertrand take this servant to the dungeon where she can reflect on her outburst." The man who had been his decoy this afternoon steps out from the crowd, grabbing Agathe. She pales and screams as a second soldier joins Bertrand to drag her away.

I raise my eyebrows at his display. Does he truly intend to be seen in such a harsh light? If word of this were to reach the people, it doesn't bode well for a quiet takeover. He let me live to gain the people's favor, right?

I catch a slight glance from him in my peripheral vision as realization dawns on me.

Doesn't he realize the implications of this plan? The effect it will have on my value in the future. I will just have to play along. I turn to face the Prince, keeping my hand on his arm to increase the appearance of intimacy between us. "Prince Clement-Victor please forgive Agathe. She was close with my sister and has forgotten her place as a servant. She means well but has forgotten etiquette."

"That has little importance for me. She disrespected you and talked back to me."

"I know, but she is still a high-ranking servant." I pout my lip as if I am thinking, but I already know what I need to say. "How about a compromise." The Prince's strong facial features soften into a knowing and triumphant smile as I speak. "Instead of the dungeon indefinitely she is under house arrest for a couple days. She can maintain her dignity, but you still get your point across." To be more convincing I look up at him, batting my eyes, and rub my hand on his arm in little circles.

"If you believe that will be that best course of action. You are the one who knows the people best." He responds. His expression is tender and endearing. I try to hide my shudder of fear. He is phenomenal at acting. I make a mental note to never to challenge him to chess. He has the game planned before his opponent can even make their first move.