Intoductions

I am saved from wallowing on my embarrassment with the arrival of the rest of the Prince's officers, one of whom I recognize as Bertrand. I am unsurprised when he takes the place to the Prince's left although I am astonished I was not proffered that seat, instead of the right one. With the tradition of seating indicating rank, me being to the Prince's right places me above his trusted ally and decoy, and all his other advisors.

I study those around the table, trying to grasp the kinds of people the Prince trusts. If I am to remain, I will need to know how to act.

Once everyone is seated, I stand, taking my place as the host, but ready to sit if required. "Welcome! We are here to celebrate the treaty entered into by Varzy and Villefranche. May it, under the leadership of Prince Clement-Victor bring joy and prosperity to both. Enjoy tonight with plenty of food and drink."

A cheer fills the room from the worriers, who appear rowdier than my advisors. I sit down, lifting my hand to motion, to the servant in the corner of the room, that we are ready to begin. I was sure to have a servant that I can trust in the room, because I am unsure what we might discus. We need discretion. Before I can signal her the Prince clears his throat. I drop my hand, turning my attention to him.

"Thank you, Duchess Pierrette-Danielle, for your encouragement. We will find a peace here I am sure. Before we begin the feast I would like for both Duchess Pierrette-Danielle and myself to become acquainted with the other's advisors. If everyone can line up, and we can introduce you to the other." He remains seated throughout his instructions, but that does not cause the words to loose their value. The men, including mine, had quieted the instant they heard his imposing voice.

I am impressed with his willingness to share with me about the hierarchy of his army. It is a sign of trust that such a short acquaintance doesn't merit. I feel inspired to better earn this trust.

The men happily gather around the table in a line to be introduced. "Let me start with a familiar face." The Prince begins with the first man in line. Bertrand is naturally the first, with his seat being so close.

"This is Sir Bertrand, my right hand. He has been by my side since childhood." The tall broad man from earlier stands before me. He has a pleasant, symmetrical face, and dark eyes.

"It is my pleasure to finally meet you, Duchess Peirrette-Danielle." He bows, lower than I feel I deserve.

"Bertrand the pleasure is mine. Thank you for helping with the incident with the maid." I smile at him, knowing that he will be someone important for the rest of my time with the Prince, for the rest of my life as his trophy.

"I am always happy to be of service." He stands, and nods as he takes his seat across from me. Behind him are 5 other officers. I am introduced to each by their rank and the longevity of their time with Prince Clement-Victor. All of them have been with him for years, proving again and again their loyalty.

My men are the back half, having seated themselves further from the Prince as a sign of respect for his officers.

"This is General Raphael. He is over the forces here in Villefranche." I explain as Raphael stands before us. He bows low before the Prince.

"He is the one that helped you discover the plot against your life?" The Prince looks at me for conformation.

"Yes, when I suspected the last general of malicious intent, I asked Raphael for help." The Prince nods.

His face remains undecipherable, but he turns to Raphael and says "Thank you for protecting the Duchess. Please come sit in the place of Jaques." The Prince motions to one of his officers only a few seats from me.

"I would be honored." Raphael again bows, and takes his place, as Jaques relocates without complaint.

"Your highness has met my knight Marcus, as he accompanied me today." I remind him as Marcus approaches and bows.

"Yes I remember him."

"Thank you, your highness for your generosity towards Duchess Pierrette-Danielle." Marcus says as he straitens. He uses my new title, which startles me. He has always been a little more informal, one of my few friends in this dreary world.

"She is intelligent and passionate. It would be a waste to have harmed her." The Prince explains in a dispassionate tone, yet his flattering words cause my heart to flit about in my chest. Why would he say something like that instead of admitting the intentions he has hinted at earlier? I can't understand this man.

"I would like you to sit near here as well. Take the seat between Raphael and the Duchess." The Prince commands. He must be searching for more information about our forces. Marcus doesn't hesitate to obey and remain close to me.

I introduce four more of the advisors, including Antoine. I have only invited the inner circle that I had created after the first war council. These men will be the best at understanding the intricacies of this exchange and its impact on the people. The Prince meets them all cordially but invites no one else to join near the head of the table, although he does rearrange the other end, mixing our men together. What is he trying to achieve?