Will you bear my child

The viscount and countess rose to their feet, "Your Majesty," they spoke in unison, "we will forever be loyal to the crown."

The King gave them a nod. "See that you do. Loyalty such as yours will not go unnoticed or unrewarded," he said.

The Viscount and Viscountess shared a glance as a deep understanding passed between them. Their loyalty had brought them to the brink of ruin and now lifted them to a place of honor. 

The Viscountess stole a quick glance at Julian with awe in her eyes. A single scheme from him had turned their world upside down. All of it, every honor, every advantage they had received, came through Julian's calculated maneuvering.

It was also reminder to the Viscountess that the power Julian had just granted them could be stripped away just as effortlessly. 

A shiver ran through her as she realized that the kingdom's real power didn't lie with the dukes, the Grand Duke, or even the king.