The Duchess' Enchantment

Chapter 5

I'm back! sorry for such a long wait, I'm finally in holidays. anyway hope you enjoy!

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The conversation was extremely long and suffocating, because it was about everything Cassius disliked. Beneficial marriage prospects, heirs, all the most eligible ladies at court, possibly foreign princesses, the wealth they'd bring and anything and everything that was of no interest to him. He didn't know if it was helpful that half of them were far too drunk to hold out for long, or if it was not because they were indisposed enough to forget all sense and get dangerously close to Cassius' private life. Of course, it did not help that he was not just any other famed military General, but a prince, a son of and brother of an emperor and the currently the emperor's heir as he did not have any children as of yet. The court was desperate for his marriage, that much was becoming clear.

Although he did wonder why they were so desperate as of now. He did understand that his brother was married for almost a year now, but was still heirless. However, he predicted that it would not stay that way for very long, as he spied his sister-in-law frequently patting her very slightly swollen belly, and he suspected that he was the only one to notice that, as well as know about it, barring his brother and sister-in-law. They hadn't yet revealed anything to him. However, it only proved that once his brother's wife gave birth to a son, he would hopefully be free of any marriage that would be thrown at him. While women respected him and thought him good-looking, he knew that they also found him incredibly boring because he refused to charm them or indulge in their meaningless gossip, unlike other men. And that was of course on purpose, because he found them extremely boring, hence why he omitted to attend balls or soirees or any functions not about his duty or responsibilities.

The ball was the first of its season, and usually the most important. As it was well into the night, many of the guests had either already left or were discussing farewells. Cassius snuck into the garden for some well-deserved peace and quiet after the events of the night. He walked along the exit of the towering blocks of marble on either side of the large glass doors. The chilly night breeze hit him suddenly, as he felt all his muscles soothe under its spell and relaxed his uptight posture. The gardens were spectacular at any time of the day, but especially at night as it was illuminated by the burning torches along the walkway and the moonlight reflected by the glass door.

He tensed. He heard a twig snap. Someone was here. Was it for an assasination event? or a spy? Perhaps it could be only a small animal, but he always expected the worst so he could be prepared in the best way possible. A million scenarios ran through his head as he walked around lightly to meet whatever it was. But it was not what he expected.

It was a man. A very old one mind you, but still a man. He held a rose in one hand sniffing its scent and a book in another, written in a language he did not recognise. Upon closer inspection he suspected that it was one of the languages from the north or north western nations, which made sense as the man resembled the complexion of some of the nobles from those areas. However, his clothes spoke that he was not a noble, but possibly an impoverished merchant or involved with some work more practical. The man seemed lost in his own world, seemingly relishing his memories. But Cassius was still guarded around the man. He did not know of the man's intentions or why he was in this specific place at this time of the night, but he intended to learn of it.

The man inhaled the sweet scent of the rose once more and gazed around his surroundings, to memorise the beauty and splendour of the palace gardens. He then stumbled back as his gaze landed on the General Prince, surprised that he was not the only one present in the gardens at such an hour, when most would retire to their quarters. He assessed the esteemed General, every inch the knowledgeable and powerful warrior prince that his own prince lacked; His stance was rigid, and his presence was commanding, powerful. His eyes held hostility and a demand for answers, the merchant could see that. Years of working under the current duke of the duchy of his birthplace reminded him of that. The prince was no doubt a strong, capable leader, something he wished his own sovereigns were. Perhaps there could be something he could do....

Cassius stepped forward threateningly, assessing the man before him. The man bowed deeply, but struggled to maintain it, the lines on his cheeks evident enough for Cassius to know that the man did not have much longer to live.

"You may rise," Cassius ordered. The man rose and looked at him warily.

Before Cassius could interrogate, the man spoke.

"I am deeply sorry your highness, I did not mean to stay till this late. The crowd was far too big." He spoke calmly.

"One sympathises. Who are you good sir, and what do you seek here?"

"I am Sochiar, a merchant for the duchy of Goslar, in Salleria, highness. I am here for business, although we are not as prosperous as we once were a decade ago."

Cassius perked up. He had heard of the bountiful and prosperous duchy, famed for its beauty and textiles. It was the most prosperous duchy in the northwestern area, and still maintained the title; however, he had heard that the duchy was declining after the surprise death of the late duke and duchess. He remembered meeting the late Duke and aspiring to be like him. Strong, capable and commanding, but wise and intelligent, always lending an ear to those who need it. Assertive, yet gentle when needed. It was no wonder that all his people loved him. Goslar was once a key trading hotspot, and he wondered why it was not anymore.

"I see, so you must have been invited by the emperor."

"Indeed, highness, he sought out for possible trading agreements between Torshaven and Goslar."

"And.." the merchant hesitated, "And inquired about the ball held in honour of young heiress of the duchy who will be coming out as a debutante"

Ahhh, well Cassius was planning to give his brother a massive scolding once they were alone. He certainly pitied anyone witnessing that.