The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city as the last of the residents emerged from the catacombs. The air was thick with the mingling scents of smoke, sweat, and the faint sweetness of victory. Otto stood atop the castle steps, his silhouette framed by the fading light, as Klaus and Friedrich approached. The king's expression was stern, his mind clearly preoccupied with the missing princes.
"Klaus, Friedrich," Otto began, his voice low but commanding, "we've secured the kingdom, but the princes are still unaccounted for. Where are they?"
Klaus stepped forward, his broad shoulders tense. "Your Majesty, it's possible they fled when our losses mounted. The chaos of battle would have provided ample opportunity for them to slip away unnoticed."
Friedrich, standing slightly behind Klaus, nodded thoughtfully. His sharp features were calm, but his mind raced as he carefully chose his words. "I infiltrated the enemy lines during the war, Your Majesty," he said, his tone measured. "I saw no sign of the princes. It's likely they fled at the start of the conflict, perhaps fearing for their lives. They may have already left the kingdom entirely."
Otto's brow furrowed as he turned to the generals of the previous army, who had been summoned to the courtyard. "What do you know of this?" he demanded.
The generals exchanged uneasy glances before one stepped forward, his voice hesitant. "Your Majesty, we have no knowledge of the princes' whereabouts. They were not with us during the battle, nor did they issue any commands. It's possible they fled before the war began, as Lieutenant Friedrich suggested."
Otto's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "If they've fled, they could be planning to rally support and strike back. We cannot afford to let them slip through our fingers." He turned to Klaus and Friedrich, his gaze sharp. "Secure the borders immediately. Double the patrols and increase surveillance at every entry point. If the princes attempt to return, I want to know about it the moment they set foot in Bavaria."
Klaus bowed deeply. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
Friedrich mirrored the gesture, his expression unreadable. "I'll personally oversee the border defenses," he added, his voice steady. "We'll ensure no one enters or leaves without your knowledge."
As Otto dismissed them, Friedrich's mind was already racing ahead. The princes were safely hidden, their location known only to him and the Serpents. The queen, too, remained locked in the dungeon, her fate hanging in the balance. For now, Otto's suspicions had been diverted, but Friedrich knew the delicate web of lies he had spun could unravel at any moment. He would need to act swiftly—and carefully—to ensure his plans remained intact.
Just as Otto turned to leave, Friedrich called out, his voice carrying a rare note of hesitation. "Your Majesty, if I may—there's something I'd like to discuss."
Otto paused, glancing back at his lieutenant. "What is it, Friedrich?"
Friedrich stepped forward, his posture respectful but his eyes gleaming with determination. "Your Majesty, I plan to marry Elsa, my betrothed, in five days' time. I would be honored if you could attend the ceremony. I want this wedding to be a celebration not just for us, but for the kingdom—a symbol of unity and new beginnings. If it pleases you, I would also ask that you preside over the wedding, as I wish it to be rooted in the governance of Bavaria rather than solely in religion."
Otto's stern expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "A wedding, you say? And you want me to officiate?" He chuckled, a rare sound that echoed in the quiet courtyard. "Very well, Friedrich. I'll do it. You've served Bavaria faithfully, and this is a request I'm happy to grant."
Friedrich bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your presence will make the day truly unforgettable."
Otto turned to Klaus, who had been standing silently nearby. "Klaus, you'll stand as Friedrich's best man, won't you?"
Klaus grinned, clapping Friedrich on the shoulder. "It would be my honor. After all, we've fought side by side—why not celebrate together?"
Friedrich nodded, his expression warm but his mind already calculating the next steps. "I'll travel back to my village tomorrow to inform Elsa and bring her to the city. With your permission, I'll return in a few days' time."
Otto waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, go. But don't take too long—we have a wedding to plan." He paused, his tone turning thoughtful. "Since this is to be a grand occasion, I'll ensure it's as lavish as a royal wedding. And, if you're agreeable, I'll invite an Austrian bishop to oversee the bonding rituals. It will add a touch of tradition and legitimacy to the ceremony."
Friedrich's eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "That's a generous offer, Your Majesty. I accept gladly."
Otto nodded, satisfied. "Good. Then it's settled. Klaus and I will handle the preparations while you're away. Bring your bride back safely, Friedrich. Bavaria deserves a celebration after all we've endured."
Friedrich bowed deeply, his mind already racing ahead. The wedding would be the perfect cover to advance his plans, and Otto's involvement would only strengthen his position. As he turned to leave, he allowed himself a small, private smile. Everything was falling into place.
***
That evening, Friedrich and Klaus joined Otto for a private dinner in the castle's grand hall. The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed, a rare moment of levity after the grueling war. The table was laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, and goblets of rich Bavarian wine. As the meal progressed, the conversation turned to Napoleon's humiliating retreat.
Klaus leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Did you see the look on his face when he realized he was surrounded? The great Napoleon, trembling like a cornered fox!"
Otto chuckled, raising his goblet. "To think, the Lion of Europe, brought low by a few well-placed arrows and a bit of smoke. What was it he said again, Friedrich?"
Friedrich smirked, his tone dripping with mockery as he imitated Napoleon's voice. **"'The Lion won't surrender just because you have its cub captive! I have the balls to make more cubs!'** Can you believe the arrogance? And yet, he ran like a scared rabbit when the Serpents closed in."
The three men burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the hall. Klaus slammed his fist on the table, nearly spilling his wine. "Oh, I wish I could have seen it! Friedrich, you and your Serpents are a force to be reckoned with. Napoleon won't soon forget this humiliation."
As the night wore on, the laughter grew louder, the stories more exaggerated. For a brief moment, the weight of leadership and the shadows of war seemed to lift. But beneath Friedrich's easy smile, his mind was already elsewhere.
***
Later that night, Friedrich and Klaus parted ways outside the castle. Klaus clapped Friedrich on the back, still chuckling. "Get some rest, my friend. You've earned it. And don't forget—bring Elsa back soon. We have a wedding to plan!"
Friedrich nodded, his expression warm but distant. "I will. Thank you, Klaus."
As soon as Klaus was out of sight, Friedrich's demeanor shifted. He mounted his horse and rode swiftly to his estate, a sprawling compound nestled on the outskirts of the city. The estate was a fortress in its own right, with enough housing to accommodate over 700 men. The 500 Serpents who served him lived there, guarding the grounds day and night with unwavering loyalty.
When Friedrich arrived, he was immediately escorted to the basement by two Serpents. The air grew colder as they descended into the dimly lit chambers below. There, in a secluded cell, sat the two princes of Bavaria—Nova and Louis. Their once-regal attire was now tattered, their faces pale but defiant.
Friedrich stepped into the cell, his expression unreadable. "I trust you've been fed?" he asked, his tone calm but firm.
Nova glared at him, his voice laced with suspicion. "And if we haven't? Are you here to poison us now?"
Friedrich let out a dry laugh. "If I wanted you dead, you'd already be in the ground. I have far better things to do than waste my time with poison."
Louis crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Then what do you want from us?"
Friedrich leaned against the stone wall, his gaze steady. "For now, you'll stay here, hidden under the nose of Bavaria. Otto believes you fled during the war. If he knew you were here, he'd have your heads on pikes by morning. Consider yourselves lucky I intervened."
Nova's jaw tightened. "And what of Napoleon? What happened to him?"
Friedrich's lips curled into a faint smile. "Napoleon lost. Badly. He retreated with his tail between his legs, leaving behind thousands of dead and wounded. Twelve thousand men, gone in a single day. All because of the war *you* orchestrated."
The princes exchanged uneasy glances, their bravado faltering. Friedrich straightened, his voice cold and commanding. "You're alive because I chose to spare you. But don't mistake my mercy for weakness. You'll remain here until I decide what to do with you."
He turned to the Serpents standing guard. "Restrain them in their rooms. Ensure they're comfortable but secure. I'll be gone for a few days, but I expect no trouble in my absence."
The Serpents nodded, their faces impassive as they moved to carry out his orders. Friedrich cast one last glance at the princes before ascending the stairs, his mind already shifting to the journey ahead. Tomorrow, he would return to his village to bring Elsa to the city. The wedding was a necessary distraction, a way to cement his position and keep Otto's trust. But beneath the surface, his plans were far from over.