Conseil du Royaume

[Braden]

Henri has returned to the chambers. He is clearly healthy and in good mood, he wears no armour and is dressed well but plainly. On hearings Louis' words he softly shakes his head before rising

My Lords, Louis

My scribe was merely tasked to locate a document most of us already knew existed and the answer was clear and honest...I see no argument here.

Still, I agree with you Louis, we are here to abide by the law the King has set out and I have reminded us all here of what this particular law...that the King put in writing...said.

My father does not rule by tyranny or fear. He rules by upholding the laws he gives to us. All good people may err on occasion, even a King, and it is our duty as Duc's, members of the Conseil or indeed Princes to ensure such is redressed with honour.

Had our father approached me with a reasonable alternative or an argument I could understand for his actions rather than just presuming he could take property from a Duchy then it is likely I would have compromised. You know me...this I would have done.

If the King has concerns about me and how I rule my Duchy, then he can approach me and I will swear by any means needed to negate such concerns for I am loyal to France and the King. Fact is that no such fears or worries have been expressed, thus I cannot address them. I am unsure what a mere Prince could "gift" to a King such as ours that could impress him at all?

However, I say this...

Henri takes pains to look at the conseil and the King finally

...I remind everyone that I have said that the Duchy of Lorraine will not suffer the German incursions past this next year if negotiations fail again. We will go on the offensive and I say to my King and father that perhaps Nuremburg, Magdeburg and Hamburg might be a gift suitable for him? I say here, publically that the Duchy will strive to take all these places and that they will be willingly given to the King to do as he pleases...including negotiations for Peace. I cannot see any other assurances or "gift" that I can give.

On happier news, your latest defeat of the Moors gladdens me greatly. I would hope again that in the next session we will call for a Crusade against a worthy and un-Christian foe such as them for such is long overdue now.

Henri smiles and returns to his seat