In the mansion's library, Lydia spread a map of the kingdom across the table.
Loui closed the door and made sure they were alone.
"So… are we really doing this?" he asked.
Lydia nodded.
"We can't defeat a king on courage alone. We need allies."
Loui crossed his arms.
"The king controls the army, the Church, and most of the nobility."
"Not all of the nobility is on his side."
"How do you know?"
Lydia pointed to the map.
"My father was a merchant before he was given the title of count. I grew up listening to traders complain. The king raises taxes every year. Many nobles are deep in debt and have lost their influence at court."
Loui grew thoughtful.
"So there are people who are unhappy…"
"Exactly."
She picked up a quill and began writing down names.
"First, we need to win over the merchants. They control the money."
"And then?"
"The ministers the king has sidelined. Many of them are still loyal to the kingdom — just not to the man sitting on the throne."
Loui nodded.
"What about the nobility?"
Lydia smiled.
"The nobility follows whoever they think will win. If we show them we have enough support, plenty of them will switch sides."
The marquess took a slow breath.
"This sounds far harder than an open war."
"Because it is a war."
She pointed to the map again.
"Only this one is fought with words, promises, and alliances."
Loui smiled for the first time.
"I never imagined an arranged marriage would turn into a conspiracy."
Lydia laughed.
"Neither did I."
The smile faded quickly.
"But we have to move carefully."
"Why?"
"If even one person finds out about our plans before the time is right, we'll be charged with treason."
Loui looked out the window toward the distant palace.
"Then we'll have to wear masks."
"Exactly."
She extended her hand.
"From today on, we're not just a marquess and a marchioness."
Loui took it.
"We're allies."
In that moment, without quite realizing it, the two of them took their first step toward building a network of supporters. Merchants, ministers, and discontented nobles would begin, little by little, to draw closer to them.
But in a kingdom full of intrigue, not every ally could be trusted.