The Mad, Bad Duke (Nvengaria #2)(58)

Alexander deliberately moved away from the man, legs stiff and shaking, to the nearest sofa and made himself sit down. Von Hohenzahl glanced at him through a cloud of smoke, and Alexander swore he saw a gleam of satisfaction in the man’s eyes.

Von Hohenzahl had been goading him, he realized, wanting Alexander to lose control. That sudden comprehension jolted more anger through him. Von Hohenzahl could not know—no one knew except Myn, Nikolai, and Dominic that Alexander was logosh. And yet Alexander sensed danger here in this elegant house, greater than he’d ever faced, but he could not put his finger on why.

“I have many engagements today, as I said,” Alexander told von Hohenzahl in the coldest tone he could muster. “What do you want to offer me?”

“A chance to stop Metternich,” von Hohenzahl said. “He longs to add Nvengaria to Austrian control, as you know. After all, Austria has every bit of land leading up to your western border under its domain, and Prince Metternich ever asks the question—why do you resist?”

“Because our independence is precious to us,” Alexander answered at once. “We will fight to the last man for it—preferably his last man, which he will discover if he tries to breach our mountain passes.”

“Precisely what I have told him.” Von Hohenzahl grinned and took a pull of the cheroot. “But you see, my friend, I have found a way in to Nvengaria. Your passes are small and defensible, that is true, but with cunning, they can be breached.”

“What way?” Alexander asked in a hard voice.

“Now, that all depends on you.” Von Hohenzahl pointed two fingers and the cheroot at Alexander. “I promise you that I have not shared my research and speculations with Metternich. Not yet. He has a way of taking things useful to him and discarding the person who helped him. I tire of being overlooked.”

“So you are willing to sell the information to me? Because I will reward you better?” Alexander snapped.

“You are blunt, Your Grace.”

“My wife has remarked upon the same thing. I truly am busy and wish you would reach the point.”

“Naturlich.” Von Hohenzahl smiled. “I am a businessman and would like to make a profit, but I am not a traitor to my own country. I would do nothing against the Austrian Empire. On the other hand, I feel no obligation to give them information so that Metternich can control still more territory. Nvengaria is not a threat to me, or even Austria.”

“No,” Alexander agreed. Nvengarians did not want to expand their territory. They were happy where they were, and Alexander’s and Damien’s jobs were to keep the rest of the world out.

“I will share the information with you, as a friend, so that you can take precautions,” von Hohenzahl said. “That is what friends do, you know, help each other.”

Alexander felt a twinge of disgust. “What are you asking of me? Money?”

“No, no, Your Grace, do not be so boorish.” Von Hohenzahl gave him a fleeting smile. “Such things are for the English, so uncultured. Have you tasted their wine? It is wretched. And their women dress—ach, my wife would faint at such tawdriness. I am happy she chose to stay in Vienna where things are civilized.”

“You have not answered my question,” Alexander prompted, curbing his impatience.

“I beg your pardon; I did not mean to be evasive.” Von Hohenzahl sat on the edge of his chair, letting the cheroot dangle from his fingers. “What I want in return for this information that could spell Nvengaria’s end … is you.”





Chapter 16





Alexander stilled. Von Hohenzahl was watching him like a cat regarding a mouse hole.

“In what sense?” Alexander asked, keeping his voice calm.

“What are you willing to give up for me? Your life? Your service? Your role as Grand Duke?”

Alexander got to his feet. “You know nothing,” he growled. “You are a grasping little man with nothing to offer me. I would never pledge myself to the likes of you.”

Von Hohenzahl rose. “You would. You are key to Nvengaria, Your Grace, not Prince Damien with his prophecy and his long-lost princess. The kingdom would have fallen apart under the old Imperial Prince if not for you. I know that. I watched. You made sure Damien had a kingdom to return to, and what did he do for you?” Von Hohenzahl shook his head. “Tossed you out to watch over the boorish Britons—as far across Europe as he could throw you. All your devotion and all your work, and your reward is exile. We are much alike, you and I.”

Alexander subjected von Hohenzahl to his chill Grand Duke stare. “I have nothing in common with you. You are nothing but a petty official in Metternich’s cabinet.”

Von Hohenzahl chuckled, not offended. “While you are the second most powerful man in Nvengaria. And yet, my friend, you need me, if you want to be restored.”

Alexander’s blood grew cold. “I will not move against Prince Damien. He rules by right, and if I must remain behind the scenes I will do it. I want Nvengaria to prosper, not my own glory.” So many people did not understand that. “This is why I say you and I have nothing in common.” Alexander made a show of pulling his watch from his pocket and studying it. “As you clearly have nothing to offer me, I will depart. My next appointment is an important one.”