Aldumette backs down

You kiss Aldumette, for some strange reason. There's passion in your kiss, and Aldumette senses it and returns it. When you break the kiss, you look him in the eye and say, "It really doesn't matter what I say. You're going to have me gang **** for humiliating your messenger no matter what, for that is the same as humiliating you. I know all too well how it works. I was the wife of Lord Theron of Athea."

Aldumette looks at you as if he has been burned. He suddenly backs away from you. "Lady Ophelia, I had no idea it was you." He politely bows before you. "If I had only known, I never would have let things go this far." He takes off his own cloak and covers your naked body with it as best he can. He knows exactly what will happen to him if word of this should ever reach the ears of the King.

Suddenly you find yourelf in control of the entire situation. Aldumette knows all too well how the King begged you to stay on as Dutchess of Athea, and how you turned down his offer. "This incident is exactly why I didn't want my identity known. The aristocracy is hated and despised enough by the people they rule over. Thereon and I were different. We knew we came from the people, and we vowed to each other that should something happen to one or the other of us, we would return to the people." The anger you feel inside extinguishes any sexual desires you may have had. "You, Aldumette, have been less than fair with the people you've been entrusted to care for. You take from them whatever you want or desire."

You look over at Isabelle and Phillip, and start walking toward them. "Just look what you've done to them. They will have to live with what you made them do for the rest of their lives." You take off Aldumette's cloak, and drape it over Isabelle's young, naked body. She looks up at you, and smiles appreciatively through her tears. You embrace her, and she cries on your shoulder.

One of Aldumette's men, possibly afraid of retribution for his part in all of this, covers you with his cloak. "A thousand appologies, Lady Ophelia. I'm at your service" he says to you. "I was honored to serve with Lord Theron for a while. He was quite a man."

You nod in aknowledgement of his deed. You turn your head to look at Aldumette. "By the blade of Viresse I should have your head for what you've done here. I'm sure the King would find me justified for doing so. But what good would spilling your blood do? You shall pay for your deeds in s different way. If Isabelle should be pregnant with her own brother's child, you will attend to its needs. Is that understood? If you agree, I will drop the matter and we will speak of it no further." You pause, then add, "You will also treat the people of this village, this land, with more dignity and less arrogance."

Aldumette contemplates your offer. He sighs, realizing if he wants to keep his head, and his position as overlord, he has to agree to your demands. "Very well, Lady Ophelia" he says. "I agree to your wishes." He looks at his men. "Gather up their clothes and return them to them. See to their needs, whatever they may be." He turns back to face you. "Please, Lady Ophelia, I ask that you and your young companions join me for dinner later this evening as my guests."

"I cannot speak for Phillip and Isabelle, but I will come as a sign of good faith" you say. "If they are willing to come with me, they may."

Aldumette smiles, pleased by your words. "Fair enough, Lady Ophelia. I look forward to your visit."