Kidnapping the King

The Plan

Grant sat on his throne, peering down again at the royal council. He sighed and looked at Maverick. Maverick could only shrug at him. Neither of them knew if this plan could work.

"I appreciate your time again today. I am here to announce a new decree." Grant said. He stood from his chair and unrolled the scroll in his hand. "Now, as you all know, we brought Faris of Eshwin and Emilia of Eshwin to come and train our soldiers. You also know that Emilia of Eshwin is responsible for the death of The Pillager."

Cheers erupted and Grant simply smiled. "Hereby, I make the following two decrees." He read from the scroll:

Faris of Eshwin is to be granted two plots of territory near his home of Eshwin. To be used at his discretion. This is a reward for his support in training our troops.

The royal council nodded and seemed fairly agreeable. Two plots of land was nothing when you looked at the entire kingdom, but was suitable for a farm.

Emilia of Eshwin is to be granted 100 plots of territory, near her home of Eshwin. To be used at her discretion. This is a reward for her support in training our troops. Additionally, due to her slaying of The Pillager, who is responsible for the deaths of many villagers and noble people, she is awarded a title of nobility. Duchess Emilia of Eshwin.

"Before you all get worked up." Grant said. "Remember, women are not allowed to be knighted, which is what would typically happen in this scenario. A title of nobility is a sufficient replacement."

"But she has no noble blood!" A nobleman stepped forward angrily.

Grant shrugged. "Noblemen have married commoners before and their heirs go on to be nobility. It's much the same."

The royal court burst into conversation, but Grant continued.

"I hereby declare that these decrees become effective immediately and without retaliation." Grant.

"But sire!" A nobleman began.

But Grant ignored them all, walking briskly past them and straight to Emilia's chambers.He burst past the guard and straight into her bedroom, not even bothering to use the secret door. She sat on her windowsill, looking out at the training fields below.

"My love." He said, walking to her quickly. "I have news."

She turned to him and smiled weakly. He didn't like that smile, but he knew the mental exhaustion of recent events had caused her pain.

"You are now a Duchess. Duchess Emilia of Eshwin." He said.

Emilia burst into laughter. "Pardon me?"

Grant shrugged. "I made you a duchess as a reward for killing Jack and I've also given you 100 plots of land. You can't really be a duchess without your own land, so-"

"You did what?" She said. "I don't know how to be a duchess!"

"Who cares?" He said. "The point is you are nobility now and nobility-"

"Can marry royalty..." Her voice began to trail off as she looked at him in surprise.

Grant smiled and pulled her to his chest. "I told you to leave it to me."

*

Grant sighed as Katherine's father continued his rant.

"You sent her a scroll? A scroll to say that you would no longer marry her?" He spat.

"Katherine will be much happier with someone she truly loves." Grant shrugged.