The Duchess' Enchantment

Chapter 6

Cassius had every intention to storm in and demand answers as to why the trading agreements were not discussed with him beforehand, yet he refrained. He reeled his rage, forced an expression of neutral calm and assessed the situation. Yes, the trading would be extremely beneficial for both parties, although it would also be questionable as the Sallerian royal family's reputation and hold over their own states diminished. And while Goslar had been governing itself for generations now, it still answered to the Sallerian crown, which was a significant factor contributing against the trading benefits. No one wanted to have anything to do with an unstable royal family, especially if their country was surely declining.

It was the morning after that ball and Cassius knew he would find his brother in the council chamber, preparing for his meeting later that day. What he didn't anticipate was the guards refusal to allow him inside and their insistence that he be elsewhere. Cassius's irritation grew and he shoved aside both the guards at the entrance, they being far too dazed and surprised that Cassius would resort to actual physical means to get inside.

The council chamber was in full swing, all the lords present and chattering. His maddening brother was the first to notice him, an expression of shock covering his face for a moment before transforming into the neutral practiced calm. The other lords looked surprised once they noticed him, some of them tilted their heads towards the floor, away from him. His brother was the first to recover, rose from his jewel- cushioned chair and cleared his throat.

"Brother-mine!" He exclaimed. "what brings you here?" The emperor inquired nervously.

Cassius' eyes narrowed. "I would ask you the same, but we both already know the answer."

He wanted to scream why he was not invited to this session, or why he was not foretold of the possible trading agreements between Goslar and Torshaven. He also wanted to yell at his brother for what he was certain was an another possible marriage agreement with another clueless noblewoman whom he had no interest in meeting. Inside he was raging. Outside he was calm, placid. Yet his eyes burned for answers while his face remained neutral.

His brother mouthed that he would explain later, but Cassius wanted answers. He remained in that neutral faced, burning eyed position, till his brother tilted his head toward the members of the crown council.

Cassius let go of his expression momentarily, understanding where his brother was coming from. He exhaled and took his position next to his brother on the table. The lords were all stunned into silence. They were not expecting him at all, he deduced that much from their expressions. Nevertheless, he calmly awaited for one of them to speak up on the topic they were discussing prior to his arrival. When no one spoke up, the emperor cleared his throat and spoke.

"We were discussing the trading agreements Commander General sir. We were hoping to send someone in my stead to visit the duchy and are currently contemplating whom."

Cassius levelled a look of fury towards his brother for a split second before calmly managing.

"I see. Whom do you have in mind for this task?"

The lords glanced at one another and hesitated. Even his brother seemed momentarily unnerved. He knew then whom they were discussing about. He had never been so enraged before. When even his brother hesitated another lord answered what he already realised.

"We were thinking about you, highness."

Cassius glanced at the lord who had opened his mouth. Lord Bridham looked nervous, borderline afraid as he spoke. He even refused to meet Cassius's eyes and twiddled his thumbs nervously awaiting Cassius reply.

Cassius forced himself to calm again, if only to not tarnish his good name in front of his brother's court, even if he believed that all the members were brainless, clueless fools, undeserving of their place in the crown council, just because it was their birthright.

He levelled another look of fury at his brother, who seemed to gulp almost unnoticeably, and silently promised that his brother would regret his actions severely. Of that Cassius was certain to make sure of.

" Is there any other reason why I am considered for this position, your majesty?" Cassius said venomously.

The lords glanced around. By the Stars, they were truly useless fools. He wondered how his brother even tolerated them. The emperor sensing their hesitation spoke up yet again, carefully leveling his voice to the practiced calm, yet still possessing a hint of worry and nervousness that no one but his brother noticed.

"Well, Commander General sir, The regent Duke ruling in his niece's stead is holding a ball, where you will be sure to discuss beneficial agreements and alliances with plenty of nobles of the realm. Being a prince it would give you more authority over matters and make it much easier to negotiate agreements."

Cassius wasn't just furious, he was livid. He knew that what his brother actually meant was that it would be an opportune place to discuss his marriage. He did not want to leave his position just to visit some duchy that he had no interest in, nor was he eager to meet its country's nobles or the duchy's sole heiress, despite knowing that she would be very wealthy indeed. He did not need another foolish noblewoman after him.

Cassius breathed in and out carefully, before levelling another look of fury, so intense even his brother staring at the floor, promising that his brother will indeed regret the day he set foot into this world.