Secret Meeting

I read more reports at my father's desk as four of the invited councilors stand around me waiting for the last of them to arrive. They cast glances at each other in apprehension.

The door opens, and I look up to see Raphael enter. Everyone has arrived.

"Sorry for my tardiness. General Maxime insisted on continuing training." He apologizes.

"Did you tell him of this meeting?"

"No, Sir Marcus said to keep it a secret." I give a curt nod pleased with his response.

"Good. You are all here because I feel like I can trust you. You were honest with me in your assessments of our rations earlier." They look around realizing that everyone had voted that we have a finite amount of supplies.

"My lady, I won't complain about the honor of being trusted, but I believe you made a mistake in choosing me. I voted against all of these men." Raphael states while looking around the room.

"You did, but I understand that you trust your commander's judgement. You aren't experienced in infrastructure so you wouldn't understand about the rations, but when it came to war planning you were frank and determined to protect the people. I value that." He nods his understanding.

"Because you were open with me, I will be open with you. Duke Jean-Claude has abandoned the Dukedom. Everyone read the letter, but I don't think everyone realized its implications." They look around uneasy at my declaration. Many shift from foot to foot.

"My Lady, you must give the Duke time. He said he was seeking aide." One of the councilors advises.

"If my father wanted reinforcements, he should have sent a messenger, or a general. He should never have left Villefranche, especially with his family. I will give him 2 weeks. That is all the time I feel like Varzy will wait before they attack."

"Do you have a plan Lady Pierrette-Danielle." Raphael is the only one who seems calm under these revelations. He seems to understand the situation better than the scholars. I am glad I chose to let him join. He will be a strong ally.

"Yes. We will surrender." There is a gasp heard from almost every mouth.

"What lead you to this conclusion?" Raphael remains my constant. I give him an appreciative smile.

"The Dukedom doesn't solely consist of this city. The only way to protect everyone from impending destruction is to make a deal with the devil. I want everyone's help to find the best terms. Ones that will satisfy them and protect our people."

"You realize that you are committing treason?" One of the councilors asks.

"I have never taken an oath to this country nor to King Luis. His irrational attack of Varzy is what lead me into this situation. I am loyal to my people, but not to a crown." The men looked at each other communicating with their glances.

"I will claim responsibility for everything that happens. I know this will mean my life. Prince Clement-Victor is known for leaving no one able to oppose him." I continue. I have already resigned to the fact that my days are numbered. The stare at me with a mix of pity and admiration.

"You already had a plan before the meeting this morning." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"Yes. Will you help me decide on the terms of our surrender?" I look each man in the eyes, waiting for their affirmation. One by one they each nod.

"Good. Also, Antione increase the rations everyone receives. We are at a bare minimum, and I don't want to starve the people if we are going to surrender in a couple of weeks."

"Yes my lady." Antoine bows.

"Good, we will meet tomorrow to discuss the specifics. Everyone is dismissed but Raphael." The men bow down and quickly leave.

I stand and turn to study the family portrait hanging behind my father's desk. Everyone looks perfect with ornate cloths. My two half-sisters are the spiting image of their mother with light hair, bright blue eyes. My two half brothers look more like my father with stronger features, and dark hair, but share the same bright eyes as the girls. I note that I look more like a prop or a servant in the background, with my raven hair, and somber frock. I ignore the pain and reflect on what we need to accomplish.

"What can I do for you my lady?"

"We need to remove general Maxime in the next few days. He will oppose my power and the surrender."

"You read him well in the short time with him." I turn to face Raphael.

"Yes, he is power hungry, and most of the higherups seem to be loyal to him. Is it the same with the soldiers?"

"No. He is a tyrant, withholding pay to use for his drinking, and women. He pushes the men past their limits, and not in a helpful way. It has led many into the infirmary." He shakes his head with a look of disgust.

"How do you propose we remove him?"

"I need to know more about you. Is it true that you have been a patron for orphanages and hospitals around the city?"

"Yes, but it has been limited in the past." I smirk as I see his train of thought.

"Increase it and do it more publicly."

"Do you think he will plan treason against me?"

"I couldn't imagine it but it is possible."

"So you are planning on pitting popularity."

"Yes."

"Do you think we can entice him to plan to kill me?" Raphael's eyes widen.

"Are you suicidal?"

"No, but I know my life has no value once we surrender. I like your idea of gaining favor with the people. Then…" I rant my idea, and slowly Raphael smiles. We set out the details, and Raphael takes his leave to set the plan in motion. I glance back at the portrait of my family with a sneer. I will protect Villefranche better than they ever could.