Maximus von Baden Bismarck

Maximus stood by the window, irritated. Theobald reclined elegantly on one of the sofas. Leopold occupied the opposite sofa, sitting properly, his posture both upright and relaxed. "The northern committee has once again rejected the trade taxes. " Maximus's deep voice cut through the silence without needing to rise. "They allege favoritism toward families allied with the Nurembergers. " Theobald let out a soft, almost amused, exhalation. "What a surprise. " Maximus finally turned his head just a few inches. "Do you have anything to say?" Theobald smiled calmly. "I just find it curious that certain nobles believe they can use the Empress's name to justify their incompetence. The court is restless. " His voice remained impeccably calm. "Some believe the Empress is trying too hard to strengthen Prince Leopold's position. " Leopold glared at him. "The court always finds it convenient to blame my mother when nobles fail politically." Theobald barely inclined his head toward his younger brother. "I didn't mean to offend you, Leopold. I'm just repeating what I hear. " Maximus walked slowly toward the central table. "The Empress should remember her position. " His face hardened considerably. "My mother has never questioned the succession. " Leopold frowned immediately. Maximus held his gaze, unfazed. "Ambition takes many forms. " Theobald watched the scene silently, resting his chin on his fingers. He smiled faintly. There it is again. That simmering resentment in Leopold. That desperate urge to defend her. How easy it was to provoke him when the Empress was involved. The door to the drawing room opened. Everyone looked up.