The Kingdoms Arrangement [H.S]

IX

    *****Baron's POV*****

          I hate that I have to meet this man at the worst brothel in town, but it is the only place to talk business without being overheard. When I sit next to him I see he has already been here a while with the multiple empty mugs sitting in front of him.

"King Heinrich, how are you?" I say, trying to be as polite as possible to this oaf.

He belches, what a disgusting man, "I have an ungrateful son that throws fits when he doesn't get what he wants. How do you think I am doing?"

"Ah well at least you can be rid of him soon right?" I say, trying to end this conversation quickly.

"Hopefully." He says with a far off look. "Anyway, what have you got for me, my boy?"

I try not to cringe at the pet name he decided to call me, "We have a lead on the girl, she has apparently been keeping up her duties in training the princess. At midnight in the middle of the forest."

"Well we need someone to kill her. I do not know anyone nearby to do it. Do you know anyone who can?"

The way he can so casually talk about killing someone throws me off. He has obviously done it before.

"I can think of someone. When should it be done?" I ask.

"As soon as possible. That little wench needs to be silenced."

"Right, and then business as usual?" I ask. Hoping these meetings do not need to happen as much or maybe at all if my plan works.

"Yes. We should probably try not to meet for a while too. We do not want anyone getting suspicious." He says the words I have been dying to hear.

"Understood." I get up and leave. Bound and determined to never meet with this man again.

     I reach the castle and see my daughter Josephine in the gardens. Thank god I do not have to go running around the castle to find her. I call for her, "Josephine!" She turns around and smiles at me, that girl is my perfect princess. I cannot wait to make her everybody else's princess too, she runs towards me. "Let us head to my office to talk." I say when she reaches me. We head to my office and sit down, I speak before she can.

"How are things going with Artemis?"

She looks down gloomily, "I have her questioning things, she seems to be more interested in Heinrich's boy. The Duke's boy has been coming to me for advice on how to woo her and I have told him everything he needs to know."

"Well that is good, why are you upset about it?" Then it clicks. This will not do. "You have fallen for the boy haven't you? Why must you always mess things up girl!" I say sternly.

She becomes even more down, "I didn't mean to father. We talk a lot and he is a very sweet man, I promise I will not let my feelings get in the way of your plan." An idea comes to mind, this could actually work in our favor.

"Actually, let them get in the way. Seduce him. Make him putty in your hands. We could use a Duke's son." She looks hopeful, like I would actually let her marry him or something. As if.

"Are you sure father?"

"Yes. Get him in your favor by any means necessary." I say giving her a pointed look, knowing she is experienced enough to understand.

She blushes, "Yes father I understand."

             ***** Artemis' POV *****

          After breakfast my father gave me a list of things to get from the village, while I am there this afternoon. Father usually gives me chores to make my life seem more 'normal' as he would say, but I am a princess. There isn't much he can do to make me feel normal. "Artemis, you do remember next week I'll be making my decision." my father holds my hand as I go to take the list from him.