Exclusive trade rights and privileges along the eastern and southern routes through Brocéliande’s harbors and overland passages, extending north to the Channel and allied maritime territories;
Primary levy and purchase rights upon the agricultural yields of the Breton crown demesnes, including grain, flax, honey, and seasonal harvests, with exemption from tolls customary to foreign powers.
And it is agreed that, these privileges, being given with mutual consent, shall endure for the natural lifetime of the union, and shall be renegotiated upon the death or abdication of either party.
Moreover, it is hereby expressly stated and confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Eleanor shall retain, in perpetuity, full sovereignty and right to rule over the Kingdom of Brittany as Queen Regnant, free of vassalage or subjugation to any foreign crown, including that of her consort; nor shall she be bound to take residence in Vienna or any other Imperial court, save by her own sacred volition. Furthermore, in the event of war, invasion, or any attempt at forced annexation of the Breton realm, His Imperial Majesty Maximilian shall be obligated, by oath and by arms, to render military aid and the full muster of his forces in defense of Her Majesty’s person, lands, and throne.
In witness whereof, the aforementioned proxies, being empowered by their respective sovereigns with full right, writ, and seal, have enacted this marriage by proxy in lawful form, and have set their hands to this indenture in the presence of witnesses noble and learned, upon or after the day and year first above written.
Signed:
Reichskanzler Ulrich von Trapp zu Salzburg
Imperial Chancellor of the Empire
Gräfin Margaretha von Hohenberg
Countess of Hohenberg, Lady of the Inner Court
By the Authority and Eternal Will of His Imperial Majesty, Maximilianus Primus, Holy Roman Emperor, King of the Romans and Archduke of Austria, I, Albrecht, Count Fritsch, do hereby stand as His Imperial Proxyin this sacred and unbreakable union with Eleanor of House Trécesson, Daughter of theArmorandArgoat.
By my hand and solemn oath, I bind both houses, sealed this 28th day of April, Anno Domini 1532, at Hofburg, Vienna.
Albrecht, Count Fritsch
Imperial Proxy and Voice of the Emperor
42
And where wasshein that long line of acknowledgments? Of demands? Her kingdom would be secure. But what of her?
Lilac turned her head toward Garin, just slightly, but it was enough to feel the way the air had shifted between them, charged and thick. Hesitation had turned to urgency, and she wasn’t just backed into a corner—she’d been shoved into it.
Garin stood there, watching; he analyzed and listened in the silence, the way he always had despite his transformation.
Hers. He was hers.
And she was undeniably his. But what other choice was there, when the only path in front of her that ensured the safety of millions, ended with another man’s ring on her finger and hundreds of eyes witnessing her union?
Regardless of their loyalties, mortals and Daemons alike deserved a queen who not only fought, but who understood the weight of sacrifice.
But Lilac deserved…
Swallowing, Lilac wished the thought away, a tear rolling down her cheek for the echo of hope that had taken shape as something sharp, its edges piercing her heart.
Her hand stilled over the parchment. Straining. Waiting.
You are deserving of a burning and steadfast love. Garin’s voice was a soft, echoing thunder.Especially from yourself.
I deserve you, she thought timidly. But it was the truth.
I will follow you wherever you go, as flame to shadow.As shadow to night.
