Stories thread - King of the Romans PBM

[OverKnight]

Rome, 1154

Otto's head rung from the slap.

"You bastard!", hissed Elsebeth, "Is what I heard in the Diet true? Is what I heard from my ladies-in-waiting true?"

Otto reached up and massaged his jaw, this was not the greeting he had expected after returning from the Emergency Diet session.

"I do not know Elsebeth", replied Otto, "What have they told you?"

Elsebeth slapped him again.

"Don't play stupid with me Otto! I have been told that you and my Father conspired to bring about the confrontation with Gregory, and that I was the bribe needed to make this happen! Otto von Kassel, second son and mere soldier of the Reich, needed lands and a title, my father needed a pliant Duke, and so I was married off to you to seal the deal!"

Otto grunted, someone had made damn sure that this information made it to Elsebeth, but who? Still, she would have found out eventually.

"Yes Princess, what you have heard was true. I am sorry it is so, but your father needed it done, and if it was not me, it would have been someone else who married you for the same price. That is the lot of royal daughters."

Elsebeth slapped him again.

"At least you have the bravery to be honest about your treachery! Even now, you use me as an excuse not go on my brother's Crusade! How dare you bring up our child troubles? Do you think me so weak and delicate that I can't handle the rigors of travel? You of all people need to cleanse your sins!"

Otto gaped, "But my lady, it was not an excuse, I would not drag you across Europe. There is much to be done here to rebuild Bavaria and heal the wounds of the investiture crisis. I regret my actions, but. . ."

Elsebeth tried to slap him again, but Otto caught her arm and pulled her forward. They were very close now.

"Beth, please stop that", Otto said quietly, "I do regret my actions in the crisis. I wish there had been another way. I tried my best to control it, to make sure the madness didn't continue. . .but if I hadn't said yes we would have never been married. I do love you, I hope you know that."

The Princess looked up at him, she brought up her hand and cupped his face where she had struck him, "Otto, I hear your words, but you still struggle against yourself. I love you, your better half that is. Let go of the anger and the greed, be a true Knight."

Otto smiled sadly, "Ah yes, Roland, what would he do? Go on the Crusade and leave the trappings of power behind, most like."

Elsebeth nodded, "But there is more, you must believe it in your heart. You must act in a Chivalrous manner. You must seek true forgiveness with an open mind and a clean soul."

Otto grimaced, "You sound like Maximillian, my love."

He sighed heavily, "You are right, however, though I am loathe to admit it. Well, if I am to be true Knight, than I would ask my Lady for her favor. A piece of silk perhaps?"

Elsebeth kissed Otto and then moved over to a chest. Removing an item she came back to her husband.

"You may have my favor, Otto", she said, "But I doubt a kerchief will be to your liking. Now this is more fitting."

Elsebeth presented Otto with a small dagger. It was sheathed in a scabbard that was embroidered with the quartered arms of the Empire and Bavaria. A delicate blade, but sharp.

"I no longer have need of this. Perhaps you will find it useful. I hope it will remind you of your new calling when in battle."

Otto smiled, accepting the blade, "Are you sure Beth? The times ahead will be difficult. I will be glad to have you with me, but it will not be easy for you."

Elsebeth nodded and they embraced. Their path was set.