The basement of Friedrich's estate was cold and damp, its stone walls echoing with the faint sounds of dripping water. The two princes, Nova and Louis, sat in their dimly lit cell, their once-regal demeanor replaced by frustration and despair. For days, they had been trying to pry information from their guards, but the Serpents remained silent, their faces impassive.
Finally, Nova broke the silence. "Where is our mother? What has Friedrich done with her?"
The guards exchanged glances but said nothing. One of them, a younger Serpent with a scar across his cheek, shifted uncomfortably. "She's gone," he muttered, his voice barely audible. "Exiled, perhaps. Or worse."
Another guard, an older man with a stern expression, shot him a warning look. "Enough. You know the rules—no talking to the prisoners."
But the younger guard ignored him, his voice rising with frustration. "No, they deserve to know. The queen isn't exiled. She's in the castle dungeons, hidden away like some common criminal."
Nova's eyes widened, and he exchanged a glance with Louis. "If that's true," Nova said, his voice trembling with anger, "then let us see her. We'll pay whatever it takes—gold, jewels, land. Name your price."
The older guard stepped forward, his tone icy. "We are Serpents. We serve Friedrich, not your coin. Your bribes mean nothing to us."
Before the tension could escalate further, a loud crash echoed from the upper floor. The guards immediately sprang into action, rushing up the stairs to investigate. The princes seized the opportunity, their desperation overriding their fear.
"Now's our chance," Louis whispered, his eyes darting toward the door. "Let's go."
Nova nodded, and the two princes moved quickly. Nova hid behind the door, while Louis positioned himself near the stairs. Moments later, the guards returned, their faces grim. One of them, a tall Serpent with a commanding presence, stepped into the room.
"Back to your seats," he ordered, his voice sharp.
Nova hesitated, then slowly moved toward the chair. But as he did, Louis lunged at the guard, slamming his head into the man's stomach. The guard stumbled backward, crashing onto the stairs with a grunt. Nova sprang into action, driving his knee into the guard's abdomen and pinning him to the ground.
Louis bolted for the door, but as he stepped outside, another Serpent appeared, his fist connecting with Louis's face in a brutal punch. Louis crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The Serpent drew his flintlock, aiming it at Nova, who still held the other guard down.
"Back to your seat," the Serpent commanded, his voice cold and unyielding. "Now."
Nova released the guard and raised his hands, slowly retreating to the chair. The injured guard struggled to his feet, clutching his stomach as he limped up the stairs. "Go clean yourself up," the other Serpent said. "I'll handle these two."
The injured guard nodded and disappeared, leaving the remaining Serpent to deal with the princes. He descended the stairs, his expression dark as he hauled Louis's unconscious body back into the room. "Lord Friedrich gave orders not to chain you unless you proved to be nuisances," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Consider this your fault."
He forced Nova into the chair, pinning his arms behind his back and securing them with heavy chains. Nova winced but said nothing, his eyes fixed on Louis's limp form. The Serpent then turned to Louis, dragging him into the chair and chaining his wrists as well. Louis's head lolled forward, collapsing onto the table.
"Is he dead?" Nova asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Serpent glanced at Louis, his expression unreadable. "He's alive. But if he dies, it's on you for trying to escape."
With that, the Serpent turned and left, the heavy door slamming shut behind him. The basement fell silent once more, the only sound the faint dripping of water and Louis's shallow breathing. Nova sat back, his mind racing. They had failed this time, but he vowed they wouldn't fail again.
***
The procession to the city was a sight to behold. Friedrich's chariot led the way, its polished wood gleaming in the sunlight, adorned with intricate carvings and draped in banners bearing his family crest. Elsa sat beside him, radiant in a gown of ivory silk, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of sunlight. Behind them, Friedrich's mother and Liesel rode in a second chariot, their faces glowing with pride and excitement. The village leader, a dignified man with a graying beard and a kind smile, rode alongside them on a magnificent stallion, its mane braided with ribbons of gold and crimson.
The horses accompanying the procession were numerous, their coats brushed to a shine and their harnesses adorned with silver and jewels. The most decorated among them carried Elsa's father, and the village leader, their presence a symbol of honor and respect. The rest of the villagers followed on horseback, their faces filled with admiration for the man who had driven Napoleon from their lands. The procession was a testament to Friedrich's growing influence, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Otto as he watched from the castle gates.
Otto stood at the entrance of the castle, flanked by Klaus and Heinrich, his Reichsmarschall. The king's expression was a mix of pride and unease. Friedrich's popularity was undeniable, and the sheer size of the procession struck a chord of fear in Otto's heart. He couldn't help but wonder if Friedrich's loyalty would waver under the weight of such admiration. But for now, Otto took solace in the fact that Friedrich had proven himself more loyal than even Klaus or Heinrich. That loyalty, he told himself, was enough to keep the kingdom secure.
As the procession approached, Otto stepped forward, his arms spread in a gesture of welcome. "Friedrich!" he called, his voice carrying over the crowd. "You've returned with more than just a bride—you've brought the pride of Bavaria with you!"
Friedrich dismounted gracefully, helping Elsa down from the chariot. He bowed deeply to Otto, his expression respectful but tinged with a quiet confidence. "Your Majesty," he said, "I am honored by your presence. Today is not just a celebration of my union with Elsa, but a testament to the strength and unity of Bavaria."
Otto nodded, his smile genuine but guarded. "Well said, Friedrich. Let us proceed to the chapel. The bishop awaits."
The chapel was a grand structure, its towering spires reaching toward the heavens. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of incense and the soft glow of candlelight. The Austrian bishop, a tall man with a solemn expression, stood at the altar, his robes of crimson and gold shimmering in the light. Beside him stood Otto, his presence adding a regal weight to the ceremony.
Friedrich and Elsa walked down the aisle together, their hands clasped tightly. The villagers and soldiers filled the pews, their faces alight with joy. Klaus, standing as Friedrich's best man, was accompanied by a strikingly beautiful woman with Slavic features—high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and raven-black hair that cascaded down her back like a midnight waterfall. She was a vision of elegance, her presence adding an air of mystery to the occasion. Though she was merely Klaus's companion for the day, her beauty captivated the crowd.
The ceremony began with the bishop's deep, resonant voice filling the chapel. He spoke of love, loyalty, and the sacred bond of marriage, his words weaving a tapestry of tradition and faith. Otto followed, his voice commanding as he officiated the union, his words a blend of blessing and subtle reminder of Friedrich's duty to the crown.
"By the power vested in me as king," Otto declared, "I pronounce you husband and wife. May your union bring strength to Bavaria and joy to your hearts."
The chapel erupted in applause as Friedrich and Elsa shared their first kiss as a married couple. Outside, the Serpents stood in formation, their black uniforms a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere. At Friedrich's signal, they raised their rifles and fired a 21-gun salute, the sound echoing across the city like thunder. The army followed suit, their synchronized salute a tribute to Friedrich's bravery and leadership.
Otto stepped forward once more, addressing the crowd. "Today, we celebrate not just a marriage, but the courage and loyalty of a man who has proven himself time and again. Friedrich, you are a true son of Bavaria, and we are honored to call you one of our own."
Klaus followed, his voice warm with brotherly affection. "Friedrich is more than a comrade—he is a brother. His strength and loyalty have inspired us all, and today, we celebrate not just his love for Elsa, but his love for this kingdom."
The speeches continued, each one a testament to Friedrich's growing legacy. As the sun began to set, the newlyweds were escorted to Friedrich's estate, their chariot leading the way. Friedrich's mother and Liesel followed, their hearts full of joy as they prepared to spend a week at the estate before returning to their village.
The estate was a fortress of gothic elegance, its towering spires and dark stone walls a reflection of Friedrich's power. As the gates closed behind them, Friedrich and Elsa stepped inside, their hearts filled with hope and anticipation for the future. The celebrations would continue for days, but for now, they were content to bask in the quiet joy of their union.