196 Reward

It was one of those days... which happened too often in my life.

I stood on the courtyard of the palace and greeted the Elisabeth family, unfortunately it was only me and the servants. My wife was still in bed, and the midwife still insisted that the delivery would be soon... I suspect she wasn't sure herself and was just talking for the sake of talking, like every woman.

"Michał!!!" (Sophie)

Fuck... Sophie ran up to me and lunged at me, and I had to pretend it didn't bother me... I put my hand on her head and ruffled her hair... Her head was so small, one move or a tighter squeeze and it would burst... but too late to change orders.

"Sophie, stop it! That's not how a lady acts." (Elisabeth Stuart)

The girl, scolded by my mother, quickly let me go. It was the first time I was grateful to my mother-in-law for something.

"There are no strangers here, we are family." (MC)

Family... a few more weeks if my luck will allow it. My mother-in-law smiled and nodded, the servants started unpacking the luggage and carrying it to the palace.

"I would like to talk to you later about our journey to Prague... and how is Elisabeth feeling?" (Elisabeth Stuart)

"Everyone says everything is good, she herself says it is good... so I guess it is good. Women have been giving birth to children since biblical times, and Elisabeth has the best care that can be provided." (MC)

"I understand it well, I've been through it myself many times, the first time is harder, but the next time is easy." (Elisabeth Stuart)

With ten or twelve births, my mother-in-law was an expert... but as next time is always easier, her last baby must just fell out of the vagina.

"Go rest after long journey, or go say hi to Elisabeth... Then we'll talk about Prague." (MC)

I went to my office and prepared a map with several routes marked, most of them in red ink and only two of a different color. One is long and time-consuming, the other is faster, leading through Świdnica... where the Italians are waiting.

(Captain Ridolfo Barbiano / Lieutenant Bartolomeo Montone POV)

"What are the orders brought by the Imperial messenger?" (Lieutenant Bartolomeo Montone)

"We are to wait... In some time, a carriage will go down the road outside the city and we have to catch them. Kill all the men and their mother, and keep the other women alive... and then send a ransom note to Prague." (Captain Ridolfo Barbiano)

"There are many carriages going this way, how will we recognize which one is it?" (Lieutenant Bartolomeo Montone)

"In the letter there is a drawing of the Coat of Arms which will be on the door of the carriage." (Captain Ridolfo Barbiano)

"I don't know, but I don't like it l... why the ransom note?" (Lieutenant Bartolomeo Montone)

"Do you like Gold? The emperor wants to lure the usurper out of Prague and intends to prepare a trap for him... The rest is not our concern and we are not paid for it." (Captain Ridolfo Barbiano)

"I know, but the Emperor wants us to kill the children..." (Lieutenant Bartolomeo Montone)

"People have kids... it's just a Protestant bitch with puppies. If you don't want to, you don't have to kill the kids, I'll do it myself. We will not only earn gold, but also do a good deed in the eyes of god." (Captain Ridolfo Barbiano)

(End POV)

"You have to decide for yourself, both of these roads are safe." (MC)

"Which one would you choose?" (Elisabeth Stuart)

"The sooner you get to the destination, the better. The longer the road, the greater the risk, so I would choose the road to Świdnica, the Emperor also does not have much support in this area." (MC)

Świdnica was the best choice and this is how I presented it, but I also tried not to insist on it, let her be convinced that she is choosing the route herself.

"Will you assign us some soldiers?" (Elisabeth Stuart)

"Not many, but yes. The more people, the more they attract attention. I also informed your son that you are already in Poland, so he knows about your arrival... but do not inform him about the exact date, the fewer people know about it, the less chance that someone will say something." (MC)

I had a few people that I could get rid of without regret, the most important thing is that she should feel comfortable and confident... and not screwed up by accident.

"How far is it to Prague from there?" (Elisabeth Stuart)

"About 230 kilometers, the roads are good, it won't take more than six days by carriage." (MC)

"And the other way?" (Elisabeth Stuart)

"Through Częstochowa? Over 500 kilometers." (MC)

After a short reflection, my mother-in-law chose a more logical option, it was even funny... if she insisted on Częstochowa, I would not have had the chance to prepare a new plan... she sealed the fate of her family herself.

"Thank you, I know that you do not always agree with my son, but both he and I are very grateful to you for your help. We will not forget to repay you as well." (Elisabeth Stuart)

"There is no such need, I did not do it for the rewards, the fact that you will be in Bohemia is a reward in itself and as I said before, we are a family and we must help each other. I hope that the situation in the Empire will change thanks to you." (MC)

"Glad to hear it, but every good deed must be rewarded. I will make sure that my son awards you with a title or a land." (Elisabeth Stuart)

The only land that will be your son is where they will bury him... I raised a goblet and drank a toast to perhaps the shortest reigning ruler of Bohemia.