King Ferran drifted around the room, participating in idle chatter with random courtiers trying to win his favour. He made sure to speak with everyone of importance, as well as a few that had yet to accomplish much. Despite recent conflict at court, they had all banded together to support the war effort. This was not just a celebration of their victory, but a celebration of what they could accomplish together. Ferran only regretted that Luigi Castelozzi and Sebastian de Loarre were not here to enjoy it, what with the former on his death bed and the latter already having passed from this world. It was cruel that those most responsible could not celebrate their achievements.
After thanking the host for the wonderful party, and complimenting his home of course, Ferran wandered out onto a balcony to get some air. The one disadvantage of being king was the constant attention. Sometimes it was nice to be alone, if just for a bit. He took in a deep breath, relaxing in the cool night air. This was just what he needed.
The door opened behind the king and he let out a sigh. So much for some peace and quiet. He turned around to meet his unexpected guest. It was some middle-aged man he had never seen before. His features looked familiar, so perhaps he belonged to an important family, but other than that Ferran had no idea who he was.
"May I help you?" the King asked with a slight sneer.
The man bowed and said, "I apologize for disturbing you, but I was hoping to speak with you... alone."
Ferran raised an eyebrow and casually eyed his surroundings. Two guards stood next to the doorway, staring off into space but otherwise alert. If this man meant to harm him, he'd have a hard time accomplishing that. "I'm afraid I don't much feel like conversing with a stranger."
The man smirked and nodded in understanding. "Of course, how foolish of me. I go by the name Federico."
Ferran's eyes widened in sudden realization at the name and he stood up straight. He considered calling for the nearby guards, but Federico had yet to make hostile move. It was also likely that the man could hurt him before the guards intervened. With a scowl, the King said, "What do you want? Have you come here to steal my crown like your father before you?"
Federico put his hand to his mouth as though Ferran had said something offensive. "I intend no such thing. My father tried to usurp your brother because he thought he was a tyrant. Even then, he could not garner enough support. I would have even less than him and a weaker claim. I'm not a fool."
"Then why are you here unless you want a death sentence?"
"I have come to make amends," Federico said. "Our two branches of the family have been at each other's throats for too long."
"Your brother murdered my brother," Ferran said plainly.
"And your brother ordered the assassination of my father," Federico said stone-faced. "If we continue down this line, our two bloodlines will wipe each other out."
Ferran grumbled to himself. The man had a point. Then again, he could just have him killed and end it here. Yes, that sounded good. He raised his hand as though to call the guards over, but Federico grabbed his wrist.
"I would not do that if I were you. If I don't get out of this party unharmed, a friend of mine will release some very damaging rumours about you, ones that I assure you are quite true."
Ferran scoffed. "You have nothing on me."
Federico grinned. "Don't I? I know of your indiscretion with a certain Giuseppe, as well as a few items you possess that the Inquisition may find quite heretical."
Curses. This Federico knew exactly what he was talking about. Killing him now would be too risky. He'd have to try to reason with him, as annoying as that was. "Very well, what is it that you want? If you say my crown, I will have you beheaded, regardless of the consequences."
"I want my mother's titles in Naples returned to me as her rightful heir."
"The audacity," Ferran said, drawing the eyes of the two guards. His face had gone crimson and he resisted the urge to slap the man. "Those titles were forfeit the moment your father committed treason."
"I don't care why they were taken away," Federico said. "You have the power to return them to me. I also wouldn't mind a match with some young Neapolitan lady either."
"The current lord of Taranto may not be pleased with his title being revoked."
"Do you think I care?" Federico said with a laugh. "Either you can piss off a minor lord or you risk having your reign threatened as a whole. Make your choice."
Federico let out an angry sigh and tapped his fingers on the balcony balustrade. He did not like being blackmailed like this, not at all. Perhaps he could promise this man his title and then stab him in the back later. Most likely though, Federico would have contingencies in place to ensure that if Ferran moved against him the rumours would leak. He'd have to go through with it and keep a close eye on the Bastard's son to ensure he didn't do anything too ambitious.
"Fine, you have a deal. I will send word to Taranto that they have a new lord."
Federico grinned. "You will not regret this. You may think of me as a threat, but as long as you don't get in my way, you will find that I am a more faithful and obedient servant than most of your petulant nobility."
"Don't blame me if I find that hard to believe," Ferran said with a scowl.
"Regardless, I will not bother you any further. Have a pleasant evening, my King." Federico gave a light bow and went back inside.
Ferran waited a moment before following him back in. He wasn't surprised to find the man nowhere in sight. Federico had probably found some way out of the mansion without being noticed. As long as he was gone, Ferran was content. He went back to mingling with the other guests, doing his best to forget what had just transpired.
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