Maximus von Baden Bismarck

Maximus stood by the window, irritated. Theobald reclined elegantly on one of the sofas. Leopold occupied the opposite sofa, sitting upright, his posture both straight and relaxed. A thick book lay open on one leg, one hand holding the current page. "The Northern Committee has again rejected the trade taxes. " Maximus's deep voice broke the silence without needing to rise. "They allege favoritism toward families allied to the Nurembergers. " Theobald let out a soft, almost amused, exhalation. "What a surprise. " Leopold slowly turned a page. 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 think 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 closed the book calmly. 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. Leopold felt heat rise to his face. My mother has never questioned the succession. Maximus's voice remained just as calm. Ambition takes many forms. Leopold clenched his jaw. Theobald watched the scene silently, resting his chin on his fingers. And he smiled slightly. 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 hall opened. Everyone looked up.