Fairytale Love | Karlnap • Royal Au

Chapter 17

   Karl had a feeling, as the Grand Duke peered at him through his monocle, that Schlatt was mildly displeased he did not fear him.

   He had dreaded their meeting, to be sure, but he wasn't afraid of him and he wouldn't pretend to be. The only person he'd ever been truly afraid of was his stepmother, but those years with Lady Tremaine were over.

   "Young Man, I see no point in beating around the bush. I have called you here regarding a matter of critical importance to the state." The Grand Duke drummed his fingers on the gilded desk. "Have you learned anything of value from Wilbur?"

   Karl straightened in his chair, lifting his chin so he could meet his eyes. "I don't understand what you mean, Your Grace. Mostly, I brush His Highness's hair and help him in his music. He doesn't talk to me about important matters."

   "He does not need to talk to you. That is why I installed you as his personal attendant." The duke glowered at Karl. "You have every opportunity to eavesdrop on his conversations, read his mail, record his comings and goings. Why, when he was away with the prince, you should have been searching his room for indications of treachery!"

   'Treachery?" Karl repeated with a frown. By that, did he mean magic? "Sir," he said carefully, "why would the king's brother be a traitor?"

   The Grand Duke leaned back against a plush cushion, steepling his long fingers before answering. "Because of his wife! How else but for subterfuge do you think she obtained her fortune? It is no secret that the Duchess of Orlanne passed L'manberg's secrets to our enemies, weakening us among our allies. All while giving King Techno poor advice that nearly ruined this kingdom."

   "What sort of advice?"

   "What does it matter? He married a traitor."

   "He said he married a businesswoman," Karl said.

   The duke's gaze intensified. "So he has been talking to you."

   When Karl cringed, he leaned forward, his palms pressing against his desk. "He's trying to charm you the way he's charmed the prince. Yes, his wife was a wealthy businesswoman, one who nearly toppled the monarchy with her treason. Everything he's told you is a lie. What else has he told you about his wife, my child?"

   "Nothing," said Karl, determined not to say anymore

   Schlatt let out an exasperated sigh. "I shan't blame you for believing the best of him. A young, simple servant boy like you couldn't possibly begin to grasp just how conniving Wilbur can be, so let me explain:

   "When the Duchess of Orlanne was young, he showed great promise, so much that King Philza, King Techno's father, invited him to L'manberg to be an adviser to the throne. The king even knighted him for being a visionary - and then he betrayed the crown."

   Karl couldn't keep quiet any longer. "Betrayed the crown how?" He had to bite his tongue to stop himself from adding, By supporting magic?

   "Why do you think Wilbur has lived outside L'manberg for all these years? It's because his wife surrounded herself with traitors who corrupted her good judgment, such that she tried to dethrone the king. She should have been executed, but your master was able to save her. But in doing so, he, too, was exiled from L'manberg. That is, until last week, when the king called him back to court.

   The duke twirled his moustache, as if he knew he'd succeeded in getting Karl's attention and cooperation. "You will find out for me, Karl, why His Majesty has called him back. Should you succeed, I will see to it that your post in the palace is a permanent one. If you fail, well..." He paused for effect. "Are we clear?"