Chapter 89: Face To Face

Victor was sitting in his lounge with the likes of Field Marshal Schwarzenberg and Marshal Bessières standing behind him. The room had an additional 4 Imperial French Guard soldiers stationed in each corner of the room.

Jacque was escorted in by 2 more Imperial French Guard soldiers and forced to kneel in front of Victor. His golden eyes remained steadfast and did not shy away from the icy gaze Victor shot at him. 

Victor's eyes inspected every inch of the man before him, his golden eyes and red hair were concerning. It reminded him of the dreaded Cruyff family that tormented him during his youth. Jacque looked the exact same age as his sister which was a relief, if it had been an older gentleman, Victor would have personally slain him.

In a cold and low voice, Victor addressed Jacque. "I presume you are Jacque, the man who has been sleeping with my sister, a member of the ruling family in this Grand Duchy. You are a rather brave man or a rather stupid man for daring to commit such acts upon my sister."

All the men in the room had their eyes fixated on the young man, Jacque remained composed, even with their gazes fixed upon him. Calmly Jacque responded. "That is correct, my lord. I, Jacque, great you, Grand Duke Luxenberg, the brightest star of Bulgar." Victor was unamused by Jacque's short and composed answer. 

"Do you know the severity of your actions? Having an affair with my sister is one matter, but impregnating her is another matter entirely. She was supposed to marry a noble heir, live her life as a matriarch of her new family, and raise her children to succeed her and her husband. But now she is throwing that future away for you."

"You are a promising figure in the Hannover garrison, I will give you credit. You are a corporal in your early twenties, you could definitely rise further through the ranks. But there is no guarantee that you can rise to prominence. My sister is a rare beauty on this continent and she deserves a life befitting her heritage, not the life of a low-level officer in my army."

When Victor finished speaking, Jacque who had been calm and collected throughout their interaction had become stunned, almost giddy-like. The men in the room began to think that he was not mentally sound. With a smile on his face, Jacque asked Victor, "Is she truly pregnant?"

Victor was confused and thought, 'Did he seriously not know she was pregnant?' Wanting to see Jacque's reaction further Victor spoke again, "Did you seriously not know? You have gotten my sister pregnant. She is ready to start a family with you. What is to stop me from banishing her and getting rid of that baby growing inside of her."

Hearing Victor's dreadful words, Jacque snapped back to his composed demeanour and promptly replied. "Forgive me, my lord, but I cannot allow you to do that. I love Veronica, I know she loves me too and if she is really pregnant I shall protect her and our unborn child. Even if it means opposing the mighty, Grand Duke Luxenberg and his army."

His conviction and passion burned brightly inside of him. Marshal Bessières was amused with Jacque's conviction and willingness to stand up to Victor. "You hear that, my lord. He is willing to take on you and your army. A brave declaration, but he would find his head severed from his body relatively quickly," Chimed Bessières.

Although Victor had not seen much of Jacque, he was slowly starting to piece together what type of man Jacque was. Wanting to test him and continue to understand him Victor asked, "How do you plan to oppose me and my army? Let us be realistic here, Jacque. I can appreciate your bravery, but my sister will soon be a single mother if you persist any further." 

"What is your plan for my sister and your child, if I decide to disown my sister? Do you really think she will be able to live a fulfilling life without her family? She would lose the people she cherishes most. Her reputation will be dragged through the mud. All for what, a corporal who at any moment could die in the line of duty." 

Victor's words were harsh but true. Jacque knew Veronica was someone he could never be equal to. She was the sister to the most powerful ruler on the Bulgar continent. Veronica was destined for a far superior life to that of which Jacque could offer and yet he wished to spend every living second with her.

"My lord, I know that I have humble origins, but I will do anything to be with Veronica and our baby. I will devote my life to serve you, and earn your respect. My only wish is to make Veronica happy. So I beg you, please do not tear her away from me." 

Before Victor could reply to Jacque's plea, Veronica came storming in and hugged Jacque. "Brother, I beg you, please do not keep us apart. I love him! I have never asked you for anything and faithfully helped you establish your rule. So let me ask for your blessing just this once. We can live on a farm, or move to a small fishing village or travel to another continent. Just please let us stay together."

Victor glanced at his guards, annoyed that his sister was interfering. He knew that if Veronica was there, he would give in to what she wanted. The guards bowed apologetically but did not make any effort to remove Veronica.

"Dear sister, this man can not give you the life you deserve. Do you not see that? I only want what is best for you. Do you truly wish to throw your life away for him?" Victor asked. Veronica eagerly nodded.

Victor let out a sigh, it was evident that Veronica was serious about Jacque, to the point where she would throw everything away for him. All Victor could do was figure out a way to lessen the fallout from Veronica and Jacque's affair. 

"Fine, you may be together. I can not refuse you or I shall be painted as heartless and cruel."