Treville stood to the left of King Louis, and the cardinal to the right. The duke and his chief advisor, Salvador, had each taken a seat at one end of the long table. A footman served wine, backed away from the table, and remained quiet while anticipating the next refill.

"Why are you here?" Louis said, and touched the base of his glass. He rested his hand on the table, leaned back in his seat, and looked toward the duke. "Twenty… twenty-five years is a long time, and if I'm not mistaken it was my father you last had the pleasure of meeting on French soil — I can only assume your last meeting was not in your favor." He paused and glanced toward the cardinal. "You'd do wise to remind me if the duke departed bloody or ashamed for trying to betray France?"

The cardinal gripped the fold of his robe and bowed slightly. "If memory serves, majesty, the Duke of Burie was seeking to align with France when his borders were under threat from the Holy Roman Empire, he later aligned with Rome to save his lands, but it cost him dearly."

Louis nodded. "Yes, that's correct, history was never my forte." He ignored Richelieu's side-eyed glance, and lifted his glass and took a sip of wine to hide his deceit. "Might I assume you're here now because your lands are once again under threat?"

"Not mine, your majesty," Victor said, and glanced from Treville to the king. "The Iberian Empire has acquired lands along the northern and southern borders of my province," he leaned back, took a deep breath, and sighed, "as such, France will soon be surrounded — if not for my lands protecting the northeastern border. Spain will descend on France, it is just a matter of when."

"Where is your allegiance?" Louis frowned, tiled his head to the left, and waited. "France will not bend to the will of a man who has found himself immersed in corruption due to his own choices…. You forget yourself."

Victor sighed and shook his head. "My allegiance has been and always will be with France. While I have had to make compromises for the benefit of my people, and my lineage, I have, under duress, been known to align with," he shrugged, "those of less fortunate character. Your father, the great King, was a wise man and in my foolish years I underestimated his greatness… a mistake I will not make with you."

King Louis raised his eyebrows and his features softened.

"I only offer you my lands as sovereign ground, your majesty, in hopes that they expand the likelihood — that should a war be forthcoming — my lands and my people will work and fight alongside their French brothers."

Louis paused and contemplated the words. "You must forgive my lack of discernment, I'm hesitant to ask what your terms might entail given your flexibility of compromise."

The duke shifted uncomfortably and took a drink of his wine. "If your unwillingness to see my attempt at offering you a solution to a potential problem is unwelcome, majesty, I will depart and leave you to navigate the Spanish uprise when it occurs — regardless of your current marital agreement, King Philip is keenly aware of France's position, and given his animosity toward Dutch policies, I fear we may be facing a much more complex set of issues in the years to come — but of course," he paused and relaxed his shoulders, "I am in no position to negotiate policies on foreign soil."

Louis raised his right eyebrow and lifted the corner of his mouth into a half smile. "I must first discuss this with my council… and while I appreciate your offer, there is the matter of our history that we must carefully consider… I'm sure you can understand my apprehension to this," he shrugged, "sudden change in diplomacy."

The duke nodded. "Of course."

"Well," King Louis stood, and the others at the table stood with him. "I'm in need of some time alone." He tipped his hand toward the duke. "How long will you be in Paris?"

"Through Friday, your Majesty."

"Good," King Louis pursed a smile, moved from his chair, and walked toward the door leading to his personal chambers. "That will give me plenty of time to think on this." He motioned with his hand for the doors to open, and a palace guard did as instructed and followed the king from the room.

Treville nodded toward the cardinal and followed the duke and Salvador from the room.