Bait is a big word

"A power struggle in Hendrik Empire?" 

Deimos, the emperor, gazed at Hugo across from him solemnly. Currently, Hugo was having a private audience with the emperor, with Daniel standing beside his throne. He had heard about the secret meeting Hugo had with the fourth prince of the said empire. Hence, along with his heir, Daniel, he wanted to hear the news Hugo brought back with him.

"What is your lover got to do with the power struggle in Hendrik?" he inquired, resting his elbow on the golden armrest of the throne. "Why are they so persistent in taking a runaway princess of that small Everfell?"

"Apparently, we were ambushed by the crown prince's men. So our meeting was cut short."

"Are you certain they were men under the order of the crown prince of Hendrik?"