Vratislav leaned in, his eyes gleaming with the sharp light of a man who saw opportunity in every shadow. "An alliance secures our southern border, brother. It makes us untouchable. With the Hungarians at our back, we could finally claim the Duchy of Nitra."
The flickering torchlight of the Great Hall in Prague cast long, dancing shadows against the stone walls. Duke Bořivoj sat at the head of the heavy oak table, staring at a small, wax-sealed parchment. To his left sat his Chancellor, a man who had served his father; to his right, his ambitious younger brother, Vratislav. Vratislav leaned in, his eyes gleaming with the
"I... I would be honored," Vratislav stammered, realizing his scheme had been countered by a superior stat. With the Hungarians at our back, we could
"You're right, Vratislav," Bořivoj said, sliding the parchment across the table. "We need this alliance. In fact, I want you to lead the embassy to Budapest. Take the mountain pass. It’s faster." "We need this alliance. In fact