Tyranny of Steel

Immediately after Berengar had concluded his business with Adela, he sought out Ava, who was still sitting in the spot she was previously been in. The woman was in disbelief. No matter how much she abused Adela in the past, the girl had never said the words ”I hate you! ” so seriously before. She was beginning to question every decision she had ever made. Berengar noticed the depressed expression on the woman ’s face, but was unmoved. He sat down beside his sister-in-law and immediately gained her attention.

”Ava, we need to talk… ”

Ava gazed over at Berengar, and immediately tried to hug him, believing he would be a shoulder to cry on. However, the man pushed her away with a stern reaction on his face. This initially shocked her, but she did not give it any thought, and instead nodded her head obediently, signalling the man to speak.

”Wolfgang will be given a stay of execution for the time being. Though he is still guilty of assaulting a member of the Royal Family, and by extension treason. I will not have him executed until after I have received permission from his younger brother, Adelbrand. The last thing I need is one of my most capable Generals to turn against me.

I will send word to Adelbrand, and have him visit me personally before I decide on how to proceed with Wolfgang. If Adelbrand begs me to spare Wolfgang ’s life, I will exile the man to the Colonies, to start anew and live a life of backbreaking labor. If this is the case, then your marriage shall be annulled on the grounds of your infidelity, and you will be granted custody over your children. ”

All the grief Ava had felt in her heart since Adela had spurned her instantly vanished. It was all worth it if she could get away from Wolfgang and enter Berengar ’s good graces. She immediately tried to hug and kiss Berengar but was stopped before she could do so. He did not wait for her response and immediately continued on his speech.

”As for what happened between you and me, it was a mistake. I will not continue our relationship until Adela comes to accept it. For now, I will politely ask you to remove yourself and your family from my Palace. I will not, however, send you to the streets, even if Adela was to insist. Instead, I will allow you and your children to stay in my family ’s old castle. You and your offspring will be looked after appropriately, and you shall not want for anything.