Tyranny of Steel

Berengar sat upon his Throne while tapping his armrest; to his left was Linde, Adela to his right. The three of them stared down below Austria ’s seat of power to witness the French Princess bowing her head with respect. With one glimpse of Berengar, she could tell that he was nothing like her own father. This was a man who wielded absolute power with both fear and respect.

However, the one who truly caught her eye was the redheaded lass by his side; Linde gazed upon Sibilla with a look of complete and total contempt. This gaze did not go unnoticed by the French Princess, and if she were as mentally weak as her brother, she too might have succumbed to the pressure this woman was exuding. Instead, she merely behaved with the respect afforded to a foreign monarch. However, Berengar ’s following words immediately caused the young woman to become enraged.

”I have no time to entertain the daughter of the French King. I am dreadfully busy at the moment; the fact that I have taken time out of my busy schedule to greet your arrival is the most respect I will afford a lady of your position.

After the sheer level of disrespect, your brother showed me you are lucky that I had not claimed his head. Now your father sends you in his stead? For what purpose do you interrupt my peace? ”

Sibilla was surprised when she heard the cold and callous tone Berengar used to speak with her; she had never been so disrespected before; in fact, he did not even bother to comment on her beautiful appearance. Then again, why would he? When he had two women far more attractive than her by his side.

The very thought that she could not compare to the women by Berengar ’s side further instigated the flame inside Sibilla ’s black heart. Ultimately, she was forced to calm her growing wrath and sighed heavily before responding.

”I have come to negotiate for your continued support in the ongoing war my Kingdom faces against Rebels and the English alike. Please do consider what an alliance between our two houses could mean! ”