Hans tapped his fingers on the side of his chair. There was enough chatter in the atmosphere so no one could clearly make out any conversation except for that of their table-mates. Probably why Pierre chose this place. It was one of the taverns that catered to the wealthy merchant class, so he likely wouldn't be recognized either. After all, the nobility barely took note of him, so the city's businessmen surely had no idea what he looked like. It's unfortunate that the same can't be said of certain royal guards. Hans glanced at Ulrik, who appeared preoccupied with ensuring no one decided to join the trio uninvited.
The establishment was about a ten-minute walk from where the ex-prince was intercepted. Pierre had insisted on the location change, saying, "A grungy shack isn't a proper place for this sort of business." Hans suspected that, to the contrary, this was exactly the type of shady deal that took place in suspect locations. Not that he'd been given any details yet: Pierre wanted a round of drinks first.
The well-to-do citizen ordered for himself and his pal. "The usual, please." He then looked to Hans.
"Nothing for me," Hans declined in spite of Pierre's gesture of approval.
The waitress looked back to Pierre, who shrugged.
"Alright, just the two then," she stated before flitting away.
"You don't have to be so stiff," Pierre scolded humorously.
Hans folded his arms across his chest in response.
"Not exactly a personable fellow, are you?" Pierre noted.
"In this case, no," Hans replied. "Now, could we get on with whatever we're here for? I have work to do tomorrow morning."
The waitress returned with two mugs, which she set before Pierre and Ulrik. Pierre sipped from his glass as she left. Hans stared him down.
"You know what they say about all work and no play," Pierre tutted.
Hans merely narrowed his eyes.
"Fine, fine," Pierre conceded, setting his drink aside. "It's getting late anyway." He stretched and shifted to a (presumably) more comfortable position. "You see, I have a bit of a dilemma."
Hans mentally braced himself for trivial drivel.
"As I'm sure you're aware, my family has amassed no small fortune through generations of trade and business," Pierre expounded. "Naturally, I've been privy to my own modest allowance. Unfortunately, it came with the stipulation that I be married by my twenty-fifth birthday. If I'm not wed by that time, I'll be cut off from my inheritance." He stopped, expecting a question.
Hans sighed. "I presume that date will pass shortly?"
"January first," Pierre confirmed. "Given that we're in July, that's not much time to court a lady."
"And the reason you've essentially waited until the last minute is...?"
"It's very difficult to find a woman I could actually tolerate for a lifetime of matrimony." Pierre granted himself a sip of liquor. "Every prospect thus far has been... strong-willed, for lack of a better term." He shuddered as he returned the mug to its resting place.
Hans knew where this was leading, but he wasn't about to tip his hand to Pierre. "And this involves me how?"
"Well, not directly. You're more of an auxiliary piece."
That's nothing new. "You want my assistance in procuring a wife."
Pierre nodded. "Specifically, Natalia."
Hans groaned internally but kept himself stoic. "Why?"
"Because she's docile, and a tame girl like her won't try to control how I spend my time or money."
"And you know that from the long, detailed conversations you two have shared." Hans' sarcasm was obvious.
"Come on, it's plain as day! Anyway, that's where you come in. You'll give me more information on Natalia so I can know the best approach to wooing her."
Hans raised his eyebrows. "You're making a large assumption, counting on my help."
Pierre motioned to the silent Ulrik. "You seem to be forgetting my friend here. If you don't agree to this, you'll lose your freedom."
Hans dismissed the threat with a shrug. He doubted either man had an inkling of the full scope of his mistreatment. If he could downplay the unpleasantness of being guarded, he reduced Pierre's power over him. "I survived under twenty-four-hour surveillance before. I can do it again."
Pierre's expression flickered to a frown, but returned to a smile as he pressed on. "A report to your family would make it much worse."
"Possibly, but who's going to receive the brunt of the punishment: the criminal who took advantage of a situation, or the soldiers who allowed the situation to happen in the first place?" The soldiers would then turn their wrath on me, but if these two are too foolish to realize that, that's their problem.
Ulrik and Pierre exchanged glances. Hans knew he was winning.
"Of course, I'd also inform Natalia," Pierre declared.
"Oh, please," Hans scoffed. "Her learning the truth is a only a matter of when. I'd much rather get it over with now than be party to this scheme of yours." And I could easily swing her sympathies to my benefit.
Pierre became very interested in his glass, swirling the liquid inside. Hans stayed stone-faced, though he was emotionally smirking. For a minute, the only sound was the boisterous noise surrounding their table.
Ulrik looked to be pondering something. The off-duty guard leaned over and whispered in his chum's ear.
Pierre took a swig as Ulrik straightened. "I'll hire you," Pierre offered.
"Hire me?"
"Once I'm married, I'll be given my own house. I'm sure I'll have at least two horses, if not more. With my family's influence, I'd convince whoever is in charge of your scheduling that you should be my exclusive stable hand."
Hans crossed his arms. "I don't see how that's beneficial to me."
"If your handler agrees to my proposal, I'd point out that it makes more sense for you to live on my property than be escorted daily to and from your only job. If he demands a guard for you, I'd casually suggest Ulrik."
Ulrik gave a short nod at the mention of his name.
"What do you think?" Pierre inquired, meeting Hans' unwavering gaze. "It would be even more freedom than you currently enjoy. And," he added with a wink, "you'd get to be close to Natalia."
Hans arched a brow. "Why would I care about that?"
"She seems fond of you. From the way you acted last night, I assumed the feeling was mutual."
Hans couldn't help but wonder if the man was always this dense. "That doesn't matter if you two are husband and wife!"
Pierre blinked, then stroked his chin. "Well, you could remain friends, at the very least."
"This is growing tiresome," Hans grumbled. "I want exact details, in plain and written terms, on how this is going to work."
"A contract, then?"
"That would be best."
Pierre nodded as his eyes shifted to Ulrik, who stood and disappeared into the throng.
"It's almost as though he reads your thoughts," Hans observed.
"We grew up together."
Ulrik returned with a rolled parchment and fountain pen. He set the objects in front of Pierre and took his seat.
The merchant's son smoothed the paper in front of him. "Where to start..." Pierre muttered, uncapping the utensil. After another moment, nib met parchment and ink began to flow.
Hans was able to read most of the words from his upside-down vantage point. Still, he knew a thorough proofread was necessary. Pierre picked up the sheet, giving it an inspection before handing it to Hans. He verified the date in the top corner before moving on to the content itself.
Pierre Mercier and Hans (formerly known as His Royal Highness Prince Hans Westergaard) affirm the following:
Hans will provide any and all knowledge of the maiden Natalia — including, but not limited to, her personality, strengths, weaknesses, hopes, dreams, fears, daily life, responsibilities, interests, hobbies, preferences on every matter, likes, dislikes, and any other possible topic — to Pierre. This will transpire both by initiation on the part of Hans and by inquiry on the part of Pierre. Every conceivable effort will be made by Hans to assist Pierre.
In exchange for Hans' cooperation, Pierre will not disclose "Lars'" true identity as Hans, nor his status as a convicted criminal, to anyone. Pierre will also neglect to notify the police and Royal Guard of Hans' lack of supervision, and will advise any suspicious third parties that they are misinformed.
Upon successful completion of a legal marriage between Pierre and Natalia, Hans will be granted the permanent position of head stable hand on the new Mercier estate. His accommodations will include a residence, meals, clothing, and other amenities superior to those he currently receives as a prisoner in the castle dungeon. His free time shall be his own, provided he in no way tarnishes the Mercier name with his unsupervised activities.
Should the wedding fail to take place by January 1st of next year, or should the courtship be terminated for any reason, this agreement is void.
Signatures by both named parties and a witness confirm the validity of this contract.
"Is everything satisfactory?" Pierre queried as Hans lowered the parchment.
Hans' head moved in a slight nod. 'Satisfactory' is hardly the word for it. He took the pen from Pierre's extended hand. Though he had managed to tip the scale in his favor, he certainly wasn't thrilled to be in this position. Hans neatly signed his name despite his frustration at the fresh layer of complexity added to this increasingly precarious undertaking.
Hans passed both items back to Pierre, who scrawled his signature before sliding the pen and page to Ulrik.
"Excellent!" Pierre exclaimed as Ulrik added the final name. "We have a deal!" He presented the document to Hans. "So, I was thinking of calling on Natalia tomorrow. What should I do?"
The ex-prince rolled the parchment, careful not to smudge the damp ink, and stashed the scroll inside his sleeve. "You are going to have to approach this very delicately."