Chapter Nine

"Welcome, Herzog Liechtenstein."

"Thank you," was the cold, stiff reply. Ludwig kept his face just as cold. Neither of them wished to be there, but the young Duke-to-be felt a rising urgency to get this over with. For some reason, the thought of Orpherus turned his insides cold. He didn't have the senses that his cousin Camus did, but this premonition was strong enough to not be ignored. "My son, the eldest relative of Our King, is here. However, as he is not yet a member of government, I will be doing negotiations in his place."

"Understandable." The eyes of the Deutschen glanced at him, and Ludwig felt his gaze grow icier, if it was at all possible. He didn't like that look. "Then, perhaps we can send him to confirm that young Fürst Görz is indeed in our posession."

"Ludwig?"

"Understood," he said clippedly. "Isaak."

"Yes, young master," came Isaac's voice behind him, and he felt the soldier step close.

"Then, Herr Reinhardt will take you." The solider motioned to a well-dressed man standing off in the distance. "He has had charge of the young Fürst."

"Thank you," Ludwig replied coldly. "Come, Isaak."

They took their leave, walking towards the man mentioned earlier. Ludwig was examining him closely as they came. Orpherus's father had vouched for Markgraf Reinhardt, saying that they had been good friends in school. Reinhardt was a Rosenstoltz Strahl graduate, and if this was all true, there was no reason to doubt him. As they approached, the man turned to them.

"Herzog Ludwig von Mohn nahe Liechtenstein, I presume."

"Correct. You must be Herr Reinhardt."

"Yes. Come with me. I will take you to see the hostage."

Ludwig and Isaac wordlessly climbed into the car. As they left, and the view of his father disappeared around a corner, Ludwig said, "How did you know he was Fürst Görz's son, Markgraf Reinhardt?"

"I'm sure you've noticed yourself that Orpherus looks almost exactly like his father, and his very name isn't common enough for me to brush past it. I had met Orpherus a time or two when he was a younger child, but he doesn't remember me. Every time I have gone in to try to talk to him, he ignores me. He likely assumes I am one of the enemy. It hurts but... I suppose it is the smartest thing to do."

"How is he doing?" Isaac asked. Ludwig's attention pricked.

"Not well," Reinhardt admitted. "For the first few days, he refused to eat. After that, he did resign himself to it, but only ate enough to keep himself alive. He is starving. I haven't been to see him in a week, as I have been making preparations for this, but I am sure he is not faring much better."

"And you're sure this plan is going to work?"

"Very sure. No one at the fortress knows that I am a Kuchen citizen, as I only ever use my Deutschland citizenship in this country. They trust me, so security will be lax. The trickiest part about this will be you, Sir Isaac."

"I can take care of myself," he replied with a smile. "If I do anything to put this mission in jeopardy, you may dispose of me."

"Very well. You both know your parts. All we can do now is pray."

Silence fell - one tense, so much so that even Ludwig found it difficult to force down the anxiety that was rearing its ugly head. He had to keep cool, as he always did. Otherwise, things would go badly. So, when they pulled up in front of the fortress, he took a deep breath before he stepped out, holding himself with dignity as he always did.

"Herr Reinhardt," said one of the officers standing nearby. "These are the guests?"

"Yes. They have come to make sure that the hostage is in good shape. Otherwise they have no reason to negotiate."

"Very well. You may pass."

Isaac stumbled - Ludwig turned to look at him. He was shaking, looking somewhat pale.

"Isaak."

"I apologize, young master." The British soldier straightened up, looking very sickly. "Please, do not worry about me."

"... Very well."

And the three entered, walking along down the dank fortress halls. Their footsteps echoed heavily and hollowly in the stone corridors. It felt oppressing. Ludwig wondered just how this would be affecting Orpherus. He had a strong spirit, but it was easily influenced. In such a heavy atmosphere, Orpherus was likely to be crushed.

One month. It was far too long. Ludwig tried to prepare himself for what he was going to see. Ice was prickling its way down his spine. After a long, long time, Reinhardt stopped in front of a door.

"Here."

Ludwig stood in front of the door, glanced at Isaac, then pushed the door slowly open.