Ch 90: On my Terms - Part 2

Kyle's offer had the potential to anger the Duke. But he could not let it affect his decision. He was not going to back down under pressure.

The Duke raised an eyebrow.

"Amend it?"

"Yes," 

Kyle replied to test the waters. But once he saw that the Duke looked interested, he decided to "continue.

Rather than receive a portion of your army, I would like the right to choose and train my own men. In addition, I request a reasonable budget to outfit and sustain them—and a small territory to govern, one that is mine in name and action. With no outside interference."

It was a huge thing to ask for, but it was not uncommon for the son of a Duke to have these things already. 

The fact that Kyle did not have any of it until now showed how lowly he was being thought of by everyone.

The Duke was silent for a long time.

Then he laughed.

It wasn't a warm sound. It was more of a bark—sharp and incredulous.