Bargaining (1)

Raquel turned to see Ryker and said in confusion, “Duke Ryker, what brings you here?”

Ryker stopped in his tracks and caught his breath. He then said, “Please allow me to speak to you about your announcement.”

“Do you have a problem with it?” Raquel raised an eyebrow, her face going blank.

Ryker realized he made it sound like he didn’t want the marriage to happen. “No, no, it’s not what you think. I just wanted to talk things through with you about how everything will work seeing as we are to be wed.”

“I see…” The princess turned to her maid. “Could you bring us some refreshments please?”

“Of course, your highness.” The maid bowed, quickly leaving the two alone.

“Well, then…Let’s have a seat.” The princess said, motioning to her quarters.

Ryker nodded in understanding, holding the door open for the princess as she entered inside. He then followed suit, closing the door behind them.

Inside the spacious room was a small table with seats, looking to be a drawing room for entertaining guests.

“I don’t have many gatherings here, so please excuse the mess.” Raquel murmured, taking a seat at the head of the small table.

Ryker shook his head and took a seat across from her. “Don’t worry about that, your highness, it looks grand.”

“Thank you.” Raquel smiled before getting serious. “So, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

“Well…” Ryker paused for a moment. “I wanted us to lay our cards on the table before going through with the marriage.”

“What do you mean, Duke?” Raquel looked at him, confused again.

“I think it’s best we understand where the other stands… Do you remember when I said that my life depends on whether I marry you or not…”

“Yes?”

“Well, I thought maybe I should explain that.” Ryker paused again, deciding how he was going to explain everything to Raquel.

Finally he said, “The king of Pellan forced me to go through with this marriage, using my family as hostages. I’m happy to wed you but I wanted to make it clear that this is a political marriage and I don’t think I could…look at this marriage romantically…”

Raquel was silent for a moment. “If you’re worried about me thinking that I see us having a romantic marriage, don’t worry. I get this marriage is a way for us to use each other.”

“I-”

“I rather you didn’t sugarcoat it Duke Ryker. Like you said, we should lay our cards out on the table.” Raquel said with a serious tone.

Just then, Raquel’s maid walked in, pushing a golden trolley through the door. The maid noticed the silence between the two, moving quickly to place the refreshments on the table.

“The chef said you ordered this.” The maid murmured, placing a stack of meat pastries in front of Raquel.

“Yes…Thank you, Nicole.” Raquel said, grabbing a pastry.

“Of course, your highness.” Nicole nodded

Ryker noticed the princess attack the pastries quickly, making him wonder if she even ate at the banquet. Maybe the portions were too small for the princess. He knew that some curses made people quite hungry, making them want to eat constantly.

“Tea, my lord?” Nicole suddenly asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Ryker gave her a small smile before turning to look at Raquel.

Ryker wanted to continue their conversation but was worried about saying anything in front of Nicole. He knew she was Raquel’s personal maid, however, that did not mean she could be trusted.

The young woman could easily be a spy for the emperor or one of his concubines.

Raquel, seeming to notice this, said, “You can talk freely here. Nicole is a trusted servant and advisor.”

Ryker felt a wave of embarrassment go through him and looked at Nicole sheepishly. She smiled at him and murmured, “It’s fine, my lord. I understand why you were being cautious.”

Ryker nodded, turning back to Raquel. “Anyway, laying our cards down. As you know my family is being kept as hostages and are the main reason I want to marry you.”

“What’s the other reason?” Raquel asked, bringing the red teacup to her lips.

“I need your power and influence.” Ryker said simply.

“For what exactly?”

“I’d like to get rid of the Pellan Royal Family.”

Raquel placed her teacup down and pursed her red, painted lips. “You understand what you speak of is treason. Not only that but involving the empire means breaking the Conquest Treaty. What do you think makes it worth breaking peace in the continent for revenge?”

“I understand that. However you are my only option seeing as I’m limited by a mage pact. Otherwise I would have destroyed the Pellan Royal Family a long time ago.” Ryker explained.

“Please do explain what you mean by that?” Raquel asked.

“As you know, a mage pact is a vow between a mage and another person. Sometimes, even one among families if the mage is powerful enough.” Ryker said.

“Now, as one of the founding families of the Pellan Kingdom, the first Duke of Westerwyn vowed that the duchy would never start a coup. If a member of the Westerwyn family were to do so, they would face the punishment of breaking the vow.”

“A slow death and forsaken from Hale’s Embrace, leaving them to become a wandering soul.” Raquel murmured. “But how has the vow not affected you? You clearly want to start a coup.”

“There’s a loophole to the vow. If the Pellan Royal Family were ever to try and destroy the duchy, the Duke or Duchess could take action. However, the cost would be the loss of your mana.”

“And you need my help because you’ll be powerless once you take out the royal family.” Raquel said in understanding.

“Correct.” Ryker nodded. “Of course, I don’t ask for your help freely. In exchange for helping me, I shall help you get rid of your curse.”

“What exactly do you mean?” Raquel narrowed her eyes. “Last I checked, only a dark witch could remove curses. And it normally has to be the witch that curses you or a much more powerful one.”

Ryker smirked. “Well princess, you’re in luck. The Duchess of Westerwyn just so happens to be the Queen of Charna Coven.”