Chapter 113: The King’s Move
Fabian, ever cautious, made sure not to linger unnecessarily in the royal palace. Despite his regained health, he remained paranoid about his surroundings, especially on the palace grounds where the two incidents involving Princess Eleanor had occurred.
Fortunately, as he exited the king's study, he was met by Princess Elke. Among the princesses, Fabian felt the most comfortable with the second one.
"The king has retracted his delegation upon me and chosen your brother instead," he explained, summarizing the recent turn of events.
"I've heard," Princess Elke said. "But you should still go to Greifswaldia."
Fabian let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping under the weight of the situation.
"Princess, you must understand, it's simply impossible," he began, his voice tinged with frustration. "To discuss the matter of gunpowder with the Emperor of Greifswaldia without the official appointment from the king would be to brand me a criminal."
Princess Elke, renowned for her free-spirited nature, furrowed her brow and adopted an expression of disappointment.
"Giving up so easily, Your grace?" Her words dripped with a touch of playful mockery.
"Aren't you the great Duke of Reinhard, the hero of countless battles? I've heard tales that painted you as more than just a mere mortal. Yet here you are, seemingly falling short of the legend you're supposed to be."
Fabian mulled over the princess's words; she had a point. Just because the king had stripped him of the official appointment for a diplomatic visit didn't mean there were no other paths to his goal.
Besides, he had a hunch that Princess Elke had a cunning plan up her sleeve. "Princess," he inquired, "what do you suggest we do?"
A sly smile played on Princess Elke's lips as she leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Fabian, my dear Duke, you shall embark on a leisurely visit to Greifswaldia as planned. You'll use your undeniable charm to ensure the emperor remembers you. When the right moment presents itself, in the midst of relaxed conversation, you can casually broach the subject of your mining operations and indirectly allude to the saltpeter."
Fabian couldn't help but be impressed by the princess's clever strategy. It was a plan that required finesse and subtlety, a far cry from his usual straightforward approach.
Yet, he knew that this was their best chance to achieve their objective without rousing suspicion. With a determined nod, he agreed, "Very well, Princess Elke. Let us proceed with your ingenious plan."
***
Princess Elke's cunning plan hung in the air, tantalizingly close to realization. Yet, as Fabian's thoughts danced with anticipation, a bitter revelation shattered their hopes.
Laurens, returning to Fabian's study with a grave expression, relayed the grim news: King Georg had acted swiftly, outmaneuvering them.
With a heavy sigh, Laurens, the valet, began, "Your Grace, it seems that the king has made his move. He's closed all the borders. Only ships and carriages carrying goods are permitted to enter or exit the ports. Travel for passengers has been banned throughout the kingdom for the time being."
Laurens continued, "The officer at the border made it clear that this is a direct order from the king himself. He mentioned it is to prevent enemy spies from infiltrating and to stave off the revolution from encroaching upon Reichwein."
Fury welled up inside Fabian, and he slammed his fist down onto the table, his teeth clenched in frustration. It was a dirty play, and somehow, King Georg must have discerned their intentions.
Their meticulously crafted plan had been thwarted, and now, they needed to find a way to outmaneuver a king who seemed to be several steps ahead.
***
Today, King Georg's frailty confined him to his bed. Summoning Henrie to his chamber, he wasted no time in conveying a matter of utmost importance.
"Duke Fabian is orchestrating something behind my back," the king declared, his voice raspy from a persistent cough. "I cannot allow him to proceed with his plans in Greifswaldia. It's a duty I must entrust to you, my son."
Henrie, though his friendship with Fabian had grown distant over the years due to their respective responsibilities, couldn't ignore the sense of duty that now weighed upon him.
Despite the years of separation, he held a steadfast belief in Fabian's character. Fabian was, at his core, a man of honor and righteousness.
"Duke Fabian has been an unwavering pillar of strength for this kingdom," Henrie pressed, his brow furrowed with concern. "His valor in winning crucial wars has been instrumental in shaping the very foundation of Reichwein. Why, then, do you doubt his intentions now, Father?"
King Georg's gaze bore into Henrie's with a piercing intensity. "There are unsettling whispers, my son," the king began, his voice thick with anger and frustration.
"Whispers that suggest Duke Fabian's true intent behind this agreement with Greifswaldia Kingdom is to secure a license for the saltpeter hidden within his mining site," King Georg said.
He continued, "He plans to use this to avoid marrying your sister Elke. Outrageous, isn't it? Elke lacks nothing; he should be on his knees, thanking me for allowing him the privilege of taking my daughter's hand in marriage."
The king's words carried the weight of his wrath, a storm brewing within him. Henrie, however, maintained his composure, offering a different perspective.
"Father," he said, his voice steady, "I believe it's not only Fabian's desire to halt this marriage arrangement, but also Elke's. She's a woman of fierce independence, and I can assure you, she won't acquiesce to your decision without a fight. I'm certain she's entangled in whatever plan you suspect Fabian of cooking up. Perhaps, she's even the instigator."
A heavy silence settled in the chamber, confirming Henrie's suspicions. It was becoming increasingly apparent to him that Elke was the driving force behind Fabian's plan. And yet, King Georg was placing the blame squarely on Fabian's shoulders.
"You must go. That is my decision," King Georg declared resolutely, his gaze averted, signaling the end of any further discussion.
Henrie, however, wasn't ready to yield just yet. "Very well," he replied, his tone firm. "I will journey to Greifswaldia, but I won't be going alone. I will take my fiancee with me."
King Georg's surprise was palpable. "No," he interjected, taken aback by Henrie's boldness.
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