Fostering Faust 2, page 17
part #2 of Fostering Faust Series
“On top of that, all contracts that my father signed need to be resigned. I’m afraid there are many that have simply passed out of effect due to his unexpected passing,” Regina said.
Erik Wolf nodded.
“Though I want to keep you as my supplier. You say that you keep everything low in costs, and I would have to agree. I did take the time to look into your case a bit before this,” Regina continued. “I’d like to put in an order for my army to be supplied by your boots, equal to what Merchant Binge supplied. To be made in your standard quality, of course.”
Erik lifted his head and nodded quickly, smiling from ear to ear at the duchess.
“Of course, Duchess. Of course, it’d be my pleasure.”
“Be sure to bring your contract around to my chamberlain so I can sign it into new law.
“You’re both dismissed.”
Not a bad resolution. Rather fair, actually.
“Next on the docket,” called the voice from earlier.
A man was brought up in front of the duchess. He was shackled and bound, and the hall’s guards stood on either side of him.
“I’m—”
“I know who you are. And the only reason you’re here is because I know you personally,” Regina said with a shake of her head. “And I don’t care. I sentence you to the fate handed down to you from the lower courts and send you back to the count.
“Go, and take the fate you earned.”
The guards grabbed the man by the arms and began marching him out the door.
“You can’t do this! You owe me! I did what you asked!” called the man. “I’ll te—”
There was a sharp crack as one of the guards belted the man across the face. Some whispers immediately spread, gossip already starting to fly.
“Before anyone even begins to wonder about that outburst,” Regina said, looking to the people around her with a sad smile. “I utilized him as an investigator for a time. He’s actually well known in certain circles as quite accomplished in that role.
“I had him look into several people to determine the truth behind stories I had been told.
“I paid him fairly for his work, and our business was concluded. Unfortunately, it would seem anyone can be a criminal. My previous employment of him does not preclude him from justice being served.”
“To be fair, she’s not lying,” Valeria whispered in his ear, leaning into him. “Though what she left out was that he was hired to investigate you as deeply as possible. He’s the one who dug into Holly, Anna, and Mary.”
Ah. I see.
“Before we move to those requesting an audience, I have received news from our dear count in the south,” Regina said with a wolfish smile.
Everyone in the audience hall chuckled at some shared joke.
“My dearest Count Brit has personally subjugated an army in the lands of the Xer. It’s reported that his losses were incredibly infinitesimal,” Regina said. “He’s apparently picked up a new moniker as well. They call him Count Inferno. Once again, he used fire as a weapon that few would wish to even consider.”
I don’t understand. She speaks of me as if I’m newsworthy in her court. It also feels like I’m something of a regular update.
How very strange.
Maybe… maybe I can use this.
“I’ve notified him of my intent to marry him and presented the royally signed arrangement paperwork to his common wife,” Regina said, making the statement as if it weren’t as scandalous as it probably was. “And requested that he come as soon as possible. I hope to have him at my side soon, as I believe he’s an answer to that question many of you loyal retainers have worried over.”
Oh shit.
Making a declaration like that is quite the gamble.
Isn’t it? If I slip free, it makes her court position almost untenable.
Hm. It also makes it a bit harder if it’s discovered I was in the audience but didn’t report to her immediately.
It might give away that I still have casus belli on her.
I could have argued any number of things before this point.
The room was silent, but the positive atmosphere Regina had garnered with her words was hard to miss.
Grumbling under his breath, Alex realized he’d best present himself to her here and now.
As he stood, he was glad Riley had dressed him appropriately this morning.
Double so for the shave he’d given himself.
Heads turned toward him, wondering who had just stood up.
Eventually, Regina noticed, and her eyes locked on him.
A small, crooked smile flitted across her face, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
Nodding his head, Alex began to slowly make his way out of the pew.
No guard stopped him as he went to stand at the bottom of Regina Tanulf’s dais.
Dropping down to one knee before her, as was proper, he lowered his head to her.
“I’ve come to pay my respects to you directly, Duchess,” Alex said loudly. “And to confirm that I’ve won my war in the south and secured an ally for the duchy. I believe it’ll also be a well-suited trading partner for horses.”
“My dearest Count Brit, my Count Inferno,” Regina said. Then came a soft tapping noise. To Alex, it sounded like boot heels. “I’m so glad you came here so quickly. Did you come immediately from the front?”
“Almost, Duchess. I did receive your summons,” Alex said, raising his head up.
Regina was standing right in front of him. She held out a hand to him.
“Beloved, your dedication and loyalty are deeply appreciated,” she said.
Taking her hand, Alex stood up. Locking her fingers into his, she moved back to her throne, pulling him with her.
“Now,” Regina said, sitting in her seat, while still holding Alex’s hand. “Let’s proceed.”
Grand.
Chapter 15
Regina let out a clearly exasperated breath. Moving over to a table that was loaded with what could only be her lunch, she sat in one of the two chairs. In front of her were plenty of fruits, cooked meats, and cheeses. To Alex, it looked rather expensive. To save coin, he’d cut his personal chef back on what he was allowed to purchase.
The table had two identical settings, however.
“Have a seat, dear,” Regina said, indicating the chair on the opposite side of her own.
Without really any recourse, Alex took a seat. After having stood next to her throne for the last hour, he welcomed the cushioned chair.
She’d gone through the rest of her court hearing holding his hand, her fingers locked into his.
The duchess had even gone so far as to directly consult him on several things that had come up. Then she’d taken his advice on a subject it was clear she initially disagreed with him on until she asked him for more information.
For all intents and purposes, she was treating him as a valued marriage partner rather than a count.
It was strange and unnerving to Alex. Especially since he hadn’t agreed to anything, and as far as he knew, he and the duchess were unattached.
Alex looked to Regina for direction. He wasn’t about to throw a tantrum right now. Resisting her pointlessly while he was in her control would be futile and foolish.
It would also reveal his hand when he didn’t have to.
Noticing that he hadn’t done anything, she gave him a smile and began to daintily fill her plate with the various foods laid out between them.
Letting his hunger take the lead, Alex began to fill his plate with food as well.
“I must admit, I’m surprised you showed up so soon,” Regina said. “I honestly thought that after that angry little tantrum letter I sent you, I’d be waiting a few months before you were even willing to speak with me.
“Let alone show up to my court. Then defer to me publicly and let me have my way.”
Tantrum letter, is it? I wonder if she regretted sending it after it was already gone.
“I’d prefer it if we can speak plainly while we’re alone,” she finished.
And she’s even giving me a chance to speak openly?
“I don’t want to marry you, Regina. You’re a lovely woman, I can’t even deny I’m attracted to you, and it doesn’t seem like you’re a poor duchess either.
“But I just don’t wish to become a political piece. I’m enjoying leading my little county,” Alex said honestly, deciding to speak as plainly as she had.
He also suddenly felt like he was repeating the same thing Mary had told him.
“You think I’m pretty?” Regina asked.
Looking up, Alex was surprised to find her watching him. Her fork was pressed to her plate, a piece of fruit forgotten on it.
I wonder if the standard of beauty is actually different here. Admittedly, my own views are from a more modern time period.
But Anna picks out women I’d find pretty. Doesn’t she?
Or is there something else going on there?
“Yes, Duchess Regina. I think you’re very pretty. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you. I’d happily take you to bed in an instant.
“But that isn’t the problem here. I don’t want to marry you,” Alex said simply.
Regina’s delicate brows pressed together before she shook her head once.
“That’s irrelevant. As it is my right to dictate your marriage as your liege, I’ve decided you’ll be my husband. The king has already signed the paperwork accordingly.
“It’s no longer a question; it’s merely a matter of when. Your approval isn’t needed,” Regina said simply, without malice or scorn. “I must admit, if I didn’t have to marry, I wouldn’t. I think you’re the best fit for me, however.”
Alex frowned, his appetite fading.
“Be at ease, Alex. I’ll make sure to treat you as an equal for everything outside of my ducal titles. Nor will I insert myself into Brit matters outside of what I would do as your duchess.
“I’d like a partner, not a slave or anything of that nature,” Regina said. “I may be forcing this on you, but I’d wish for it to be at least a workable marriage. I’d appreciate if you at least gave me a chance.”
Much as he’d like to hate her for the situation, he couldn’t. She was playing the hand she’d been dealt as best as she was able. He just happened to be a card she could use.
“Is Mary really carrying your child?” Regina asked, her tone curious. “Honestly, I tried to track down the first time you met her, and that would have been on your campaign to Ridge. The timeline doesn’t match.”
That makes sense. I kept her prisoner status rather secret to everyone.
“I captured her on the opening day of our battle with Gaelis. We… had a connection, and it lingered for several days.
“I’ve been making time to see her ever since,” Alex said. It was the truth, which meant it was the least likely to get him in trouble down the road.
“Oh. I didn’t realize.
“That’s rather sweet, though. It’s a good story. A happy marriage to be had.
“Her previous marriage was an unhappy one. Or so it seemed from the outside. Everyone seemed to blame her for not carrying a pregnancy, though I hear it’s quite the awkward affair that it wasn’t her fault in the end.
“I’m glad she’s found her own happiness,” Regina said, putting a piece of cheese in her mouth. “Though I must say I’m happy she’s rejoined her de jure duchy. The… fall… was most unpleasant for everyone involved.”
The fall? I really should ask Walter what happened to the Brit family when I get back.
Alex was finding that the duchess wasn’t quite what he had thought her to be in private. She didn’t seem quite as evil or ruthless as he’d made her out to be in his head.
“I’m sure we can—”
There was a sharp knock on the entry door, interrupting Regina.
“I left implicit instructions to not bother us for anything except a true emergency,” Regina said, turning her head.
“Enter,” she called.
The door opened, and a liveried servant entered.
“Many pardons, Duchess. I know you said not to disturb you and your husband for anything, but…” the man said, wringing his hands. “A military scout just rode in on a blown horse. Gaelis is attacking our northeastern border.”
What? He’s been pushing up in the southeast. Right where Tanulf lost his little war.
Admittedly, the current front has ground to a halt, but it was still the best place to push, wasn’t it? The defenses there were much weaker than anywhere else.
“How many?” Regina asked, lifting her napkin from her lap and dabbing it at her mouth.
“I think… all of his army,” said the man.
All of it? That can’t be possible. Unless whoever was on the front line on our side didn’t even notice.
Regina didn’t say anything, her eyes unfocused and staring at the space beyond the messenger.
“Call up all the liege levies and get them here, then turn them to the front. Summon my generals,” Regina said. “I’ll have more orders for you later. Go now.”
The door closed with a heavy clack.
Closing her eyes, Regina pressed her hands to her face.
“My father left me with precious little, it seems,” she muttered. “My vassals fight me, and I have little to no leverage on any of them. On top of that, we have Gaelis attempting to kick in our door and make off with what little we have.”
“I take it he sent demands?” Alex asked, intuiting the information from her statement.
“Yes. A full passing of my titles and vassals to a nephew of his, along with my hand in marriage,” Regina said. “I would become little more than a puppet to breed with.
“As I said earlier, I do understand your point of view. I’m faced with a similar situation of my own.”
Alex felt his distaste for the situation she’d put him in drop out from under him and vanish.
She didn’t ask that much of me. If anything, it seems more like she’s trying to romanticize it and pull me along.
Sounds like Gaelis wants her as little more than a womb.
“I’m still in the middle of rebuilding an army, and the liege levies won’t make it here in time,” Regina said.
“Hire as many mercenary armies as you can. Send them to the front with a general you trust, and put them under his direct command.
“Have them dig trenches, build fortifications, and dig in.
“The goal isn’t to win, or to drive them back,” Alex said. “You just need to get them to stop. To stop long enough that you can bring up other forces.
“Or long enough to send your own forces into his lands from the southeast.”
Regina’s eyes moved to him. He could see her mind processing his words and then jumping ahead.
“Alex, I need you to lead that army of mercenaries. I’m naming you a general in the duchy of Tanulf,” Regina said. “I charge you to hold Gaelis off, at whatever discretion you must. Can you leave as soon as I sign the contracts for the mercenary commanders?”
Alex didn’t know what to say.
The quick outline of a plan he’d given her was his best thought, but he hadn’t been thinking of leading them himself.
He’d planned on heading home and sending his soldiers up with Max.
Looking back to Regina, he saw hope and fear in her eyes. Ever since he’d wriggled out from Leah’s possession of his soul, he’d lost the feeling of constant pressure.
When he’d checked his crystal this morning, it’d been half full. Which meant he had about six months of time saved, even after his massive outlay of power to Leah.
He had time to spare.
Sighing, Alex pressed a hand to his brow.
“Fine. I’ll do this. Not because of a title, or whatever else you plan on offering—not even because you want me to be your husband. I’ll do it because I honestly believe you’re a better duchess than whatever we would get under Gaelis,” Alex said. He wasn’t lying either. He had no doubt Gaelis would pillage the land for his own ends in one way or another.
Regina nodded, giving him a bright and true smile.
“Thank you, my Count Inferno. You say you want nothing, but I’ll make sure it’s worth your while,” Regina said, standing up. “I’ll go sign the papers now. Remain here for me. I’ll be back quickly.”
***
“Goodness,” Valeria murmured, reading through the document Regina had given him.
“Yes. It’s rather open to interpretation,” Sylvia said, leaning on Valeria’s shoulder.
Alex, Valeria, and Sylvia were back in the study attached to his private bedroom. They were reading over the order Regina had given him.
Riley and Nannie were in the adjoined room, packing everything into two sets of luggage.
One to go with Alex on campaign, the second to be sent back to Brit. Along with several letters explaining the situation.
Carla was working with his personal guard trying to get everything arranged.
“Good or bad open to interpretation?” Alex asked, lounging in a chair.
“Good,” Valeria said.
“Though… a hair too open,” Sylvia countered. “The reason it’s open is because it’s so simple. It could be used as a way to say the orders weren’t followed as well.”
“That’s a good point,” Valeria muttered.
“If I had to guess,” Alex said. “I’d bet on it being open more for me to do what I need to. She’s rather desperate and her options are few.”
Valeria looked away from the document to Alex.
She lifted a curious brow at him, her lips turning to a slow smile. “You think so, Master? I’ll have to defer to you on that one. She had you to herself for about five hours in there.”
Rolling his eyes, Alex shifted his weight to one side.
“If I’d slept with her, that would’ve been more fun. The time was mostly spent sitting there as she brought around mercenary commander after mercenary commander, hiring them and turning them over to me,” Alex grumbled.
“Poor Master, stuck with the pretty duchess for hours and not able to touch her,” Valeria said.
