Tyranny of Steel

Linde sat across from Berengar with her legs crossed. She had a stoic expression on her gorgeous face as she stared intensely at her husband. Days had passed since Arnulf's death, and Berengar had acted as a monk. Not the least bit interested in earthly desires.

He merely locked himself away in his office and worked. The woman was starting to become concerned with his behavior, but more importantly, there was something she wanted to get off her chest. Thus, she was quick to inquire about the question that plagued her mind.

"So how was she?"

Berengar had ignored the woman's presence since she first barged in on him and continued to write away on his documents. However, when he heard these words, he could only guess that Linde had found out the truth regarding his little one-night stand with Tlexictli. Thus, he sighed heavily before revealing his thoughts on the matter.

"I assume you're referring to Tlexictli. She was as enjoyable as any virgin. Why do you ask?"

Linde's expression was hard to read. Berengar was certain that she as furious, especially as she tapped her dainty fingers on her armrest for several moments before responding to Berengar's question with a piercing gaze.

"I suppose I have several questions on my mind. Such as, is your relationship with this woman permanent, or a onetime thing? Will the Aztec Princess be joining us in our palace? Do you intend to make her your fifth wife, or just another mistress?."

Berengar cocked a brow when he heard Linde's questions. It slightly surprised him that she was so matter of fact about this little affair of his. Because of this, he could only respond to these questions with one of his own.

"You're not jealous?"

In response to this, Linde scoffed while wearing a devilish smirk on her luscious lips. She reached over and rested her dainty palm on Berengar's firm chin before expressing her views on her husband's many relationships.

"You should know by now I'm not that kind of woman. I don't care who you decide to fuck, so long as your heart belongs to me. In fact, I support the idea of you impregnating the Aztec Princess. If you give her a son, he can rule over the Aztec Empire and ensure their loyalty as a protectorate to the Reich for years to come. The more princesses you inject your seed into, the greater it is for our Empire. If you want a list of potential candidates for future affairs, I can have it on your desk by tomorrow morning!"

If Tlexictli was a proud jaguar, and Adela was a little white rabbit. Then Linde was a sly fox. She knew how to manipulate Berengar and keep him by her side. Berengar valued loyalty above all else and despised petty jealousy more than just about anything.

Linde had known this for many years and had expertly used this aspect of Berengar's character to win over the man's heart more so than any of his other wives. Even Yasmin would have a hard time accepting the idea of Berengar travelling the world and impregnating princesses left and right.

The reason why the redheaded beauty was so concerned about this affair was not regarding her husband's romantic feelings, but rather the logistics behind the relationship. Was she going to need to worry about another mouth to feed? How would Tlexictli get along with the rest of the harem?

Did she need to prepare for internal drama? Were there going to be a few more tykes running across the halls of the Palace in the coming years? These were serious issues that she would have to deal with as the bottom bitch. Thus, she forced an answer out of Berengar.

"So, are you going to answer my questions or not?"

Berengar thought about the situation for several moments in silence. He and Tlexictli had agreed the morning after their affair to treat it as a onetime thing. Though he knew sooner or later he would be pounding her tight twat once more. Such a thing was only a matter of time for a man like him.

Still, he did not have any real romantic feelings for the woman in question. If anything, they were more akin to friends who were physically attracted to one another than actual lovers. Thus, he expressed his exact thoughts on this matter to his supportive wife.

"Great minds truly think alike. It is true that I intend to have a son with Tlexictli and place the boy on her father's throne. However, I have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever. You don't need to worry about her living in the palace.

Our relationship remains the same. Tlexictli will retain her role as Ambassador to the Reich, and will continue to ferry across the atlantic to ensure good relations with the Aztec Empire. The only difference is now we will have sex whenever she is in town. As for a list of potential candidates for future affairs. That won't be necessary. I am sure I can find them on my own."

Linde's lips curved into a smile when she heard this, before nodding her head in acceptance. Having now understood the exact nature of the man's relationship with his newest whore, her heart could rest with ease. Besides, there was something more important she had to talk about and was quick to inquire about the standing issue.

"So.. about Arnulf's death. I have already dispatched agents to the new world to quell the truth from spreading and to coerce the people into agreeing to our official story. However, if you are going to reveal to the public that Arnulf is, in fact, dead, then you will need to reveal the existence of the New World as well. Are you prepared to do such a thing?"

Berengar sighed as he heard this and flexed his fingers in thought. It took him a few moments to find the words he wanted to say, but in the end, he nodded his head before speaking his mind.

"The time has come. With the papacy now extinct, and the majority of the European powers under our control, we can reveal the existence of the New World to the public, and claim it all for the Reich. If any country dares to establish a colony in the region, we will annihilate it as an attack on German soil.

I intend to reveal the existence of the new world and alert the public to Arnulf's death at the victory day celebration. It will act as not only a somber reminder that there is always a war to be fought, but will strengthen our citizens' resolve to purge the tribes that are responsible for the man's death.

We must remember Arnulf as a hero. If his treacherous actions were to be revealed to the public, it would weaken the strength and unity of our nation. The average man looks up to heroes like Arnulf. If they learn of his betrayal, it might inspire them to do the same. The last thing I need is for people to take the man's foolish ideals to heart.

As for Kahwihta and her child. They will be free to live and see the devastation that they are responsible for. However, they will do so under constant supervision. If the woman starts spouting anti-german sentiment, or decides to align with hostile powers, then she will have forfeited the kindness I have afforded her, and is to be eliminated.

Ensure that no harm comes to Arnulf's widow or her child unless they deliberately provoke such a response. That means they are to be protected by the outraged citizens of New Vienna, who no doubt rightfully hold her responsible for her husband's treacherous actions. Now, if that is all then I have work to do. I will see you later tonight, Linde. I think it is about time you helped me process my grief properly."

Upon hearing this, Linde wore a sultry smile as she bowed her head with respect. She was excited to hear Berengar was emerging from his hermitage to pleasure his wives once more. Thus, she left a heartfelt response before exiting the man's office.

"Of course, master..."

With that said, the redheaded beauty departed, leaving Berengar behind to continue his work in silence. She was more outraged than anyone at Arnulf's betrayal. After all, her heart bled seeing the man she loved wallow in misery for days on end.

Linde felt that a traitor like Arnulf did not deserve to be remembered as a hero, but understood Berengar's reasons for ensuring such a reality came to pass. She would immediately dispatch agents to maintain a close eye on Kahwihta and her son with strict orders to eliminate them if they become a threat to the Reich.