Chapter 118: The King’s Offer

The noblemen began to process what they heard from Jozef. Each of them wore perplexed and sympathetic expressions. In the background, however, was one face that emitted suspicion and curiosity. 

It was none other than Gerhard Hirschmann, he felt that there was something off about this situation, but lacked the evidence and confidence to make a bold accusation. Because of this he simply remained in the background and watched how things played out.

Albus Godert was the first to voice his relief, "So you are saying my family are being held under house arrest. That is good. I am relieved he has not thrown them away in a dark cell, or worse, executed them to make a point. Do you have anything more you can tell us?" 

Jozef shook his head, he had nothing more to add to the pile of misinformation he had just vomited. Grand Duke Fontaine was still in deep thought, while Dukes Hirschmann and Verdant asked relatively unimportant questions. 

When the Grand Duke finally gathered his thoughts, he offered a sincere smile and began to speak, "You have done both Duke Godert and myself a huge service by giving us this information. I will see to it you are bathed and tended to before you leave, since it is late I will offer you a bed in my palace to repay you for the hardship you have endured."

Hearing this, Jozef was ecstatic, he had found a way to waltz into the Fontaine Palace with little to no suspicion. He soon found himself escorted to a bath where he was cleaned and offered some new clothes. He was then offered a nice warm meal and allowed to retire to his bed chambers. 

All was going well for Jozef and now he had to complete the next step of his plan, privately conversing with Duke Godert. He had managed to ascertain where his bed chambers were and fortunately, he was on the same floor as him. Using his skills in stalking and aversion, Jozef managed to get Duke Godert's room undetected by soldiers who were stationed down the other end of the hallway.

Stealthily he managed to creep into the Duke's room without waking him. Calmly he placed his hand over Albus's mouth and gently woke him up. As expected, Duke Godert freaked out and thrashed around before slightly calming down when he saw that he was not in any immediate harm.

Jozef still had his hand covering the Duke's mouth and spoke softly to convince him not to cry out and draw attention. "Duke Godert, I apologise for this but there was no other way to speak to you in private. I have been tasked to relay a secret message to only you. I promise I have no ill intention towards you, if I did, you would not be breathing at this moment."

Duke Godert resisted for a moment before signalling Jozef to remove his hand. "What is the meaning of this? If this is unimportant and wastes my time, I will see to it that you are imprisoned for this highly inappropriate act. Speak quickly or see yourself never seeing the light of day."

Jozef could understand his anger but soon quelled it when he revealed why he had visited him during the early hours of the morning. "My lord, I come for two reasons, the first of which is to hand you this letter. You are not to show it or talk about it to anyone. Secondly, I am to hear your answer, if I fail to give an answer, people will lose their lives, people who are particularly special to you."

Although this could be perceived as a threat, Duke Godert remained calm, if this was going down the route he was thinking, he needed to be smart. With the dim flickering light of a candle, Albus broke the letter's seal and began to read the letter.

'Dear Duke Godert.'

'I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to assure you that your children and wife are being treated well and remain on house arrest. The purpose of the letter is not to provoke or threaten you, in fact, I would like to make you an offer.'

'As you are well aware, it is more likely that I will win this war. Your army suffered one small defeat and has remained idle at Osterbon, fearing a potential attack by half my army. During this time we have conquered both your and Duke Hirschmann's cities and soon we shall capture Doulon.'

'My offer to you is this. You and your army will defect to my kingdom. I would not dare ask for anymore from you. In return, I will vacate my forces from Auderbrast, I will return your family after the war has been won. To add to my concessions for the conquering of your city, I will grant your son a special recommendation to attend my officer's college in Hannover and will see to it that he is tutored by some of my finest commanders.'

'I will also grant you the city of Joltz if you would like it and leave behind my garrison to assist you in stabilizing the region. Your forces will be exempt from the future battles of this war, yet if you wish to earn merit, I will not stop you from reinforcing my ranks.'

'If you wish to accept my offer, I expect you to immediately depart from Osterbon with your soldiers. Ideally, you will also take my spy, Jozef with you as well. If you refuse and choose to harm him, I will see to it your family faces the same punishment. I am well informed, so do not test my patience.'

'Kind regard, King Victor Luxenberg.'

Duke Godert's brow furrowed and he rubbed his temple trying to unpack all of what was said in the letter. King Victor's offer was not only appealing, but it made sense. Albus hated that the Fontaine Army remained dormant in Osterbon. They chose to let his city be conquered with no opposition. 

His family remained captured and his people were trapped in the city, all the while Grand Duke Fontaine remained paranoid of an impending attack that had not come for months. Albus did not want to tarnish his honour, yet there seemed to be no future that guaranteed the victory of the Fontaine Faction.

It hurt him to betray Grand Duke Fontaine, their families had been allies for multiple decades. Their alliance began when the Grand Duke's father and Albus's grandfather decided to stand together in the event of a war with the Grand Duchy of Maldenberg.

Looking at Jozef, the Duke let out a small sigh and asked, "Is this letter true? Will King Victor honour this?" Jozef nodded confidently, which reassured Duke Godert. He did not want to betray the Fontaine Faction only to be tricked by King Victor and be treated poorly. With nothing left to consider the Duke replied with pained eyes.

"I accept the King's offer."