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It was a golden autumn day, typical of the season. Summer had faded long ago, and with it, their stay at the Devil’s Den. He and Hans had just returned to Rattay after countless failed attempts to postpone the wedding. They had tried everything – yet nothing could stop the ceremony from happening. It loomed ahead, inevitable as the turning of the seasons. Now, back home, the weight of their powerlessness settled over them like the evening fog.
During their stay at the Devil’s Den, Hans had often proposed they run away together – sail off to see the sea, live a life of adventure. But Henry knew those were just fantasies, sweet but impossible dreams. He understood how much it meant for Hans to finally claim the lands left to him after his father’s death. No matter how much either of them wished otherwise, some duties could never be escaped.
Samuel knew about them. He made it clear after the siege. Henry’s brother had never hidden his disliking for "that pompous fucker" – his preferred term for Hans, warning Henry daily about the dangers of their... arrangement. "You’re gambling your neck for a nobleman’s whim". Henry would force a smile and insist everything would be fine.
God, how he wanted to believe that.
***
They arrived in Rattay a few days before Lady Jitka, Hans’ betrothed, was due to appear. Henry had long wondered how his relationship with Hans would change after the wedding. He couldn’t lie to himself and pretend nothing would be different, that everything would stay the same. He knew, logically, that his Lord would have to marry someday, and he told himself he shouldn’t be so heartbroken over it. But the ache stayed, and he buried his worries deep, if only for Hans’ sake. The man was already freaking out enough.
"Why are you so fucking calm?" Hans hissed. "Do you even understand what’s about to happen? Everything’s going to change. I don’t want anything to change. Especially this. What we have. Do you really think it’ll still be this easy? Sneaking into my chamber, slipping into the forest for privacy… None of it will be the same. At least now, we have some freedom even if we have to be careful. But after the wedding? I’ll be shackled to some wench, forced to play the dutiful husband – to fuck her, even, just to get an heir. Christ, I hope it’s a boy on the first try so I don’t have to endure it more than once.” His voice cracked. “And you – why haven’t you said a damn word? Don’t you care?"
Henry's throat burned with unspoken words - all the fury, the helplessness, the unfairness of it all. But what good would screaming do? It wouldn't stop the wedding. Wouldn't change their circumstances. So he swallowed the bitterness like cheap wine and forced calm into his voice.
"I understand," he said. "But Hans... what choice do we have? We'll find a way. Even after the wedding. You have to trust me."
"I trust you but I am worried Hal…"
***
The days before Lady Jitka's arrival passed quietly. Henry and Hans found what moments they could – the occasional shared meal where their knees brushed beneath the table, the soft conversations in the armory while inspecting weapons, the unspoken understanding that Henry would always bring Hans' evening wine – a ritual that led to nights spent together in Hans’ chamber.
It wasn’t discussed. There was nothing to discuss. The wedding would happen, and they’d adapt as they must. For now, they simply took care to be thorough in their shared tasks, stretching out the work when they could. The alternative was thinking about what came next, and neither had the stomach for that.
***
It was midday, and a light wind brushed softly against the skin when Lady Jitka arrived. The town felt unnaturally still – no children playing in the streets, no drunken fights outside the taverns, not even the usual shouts over dice games. Everyone had done their best to prepare for their future Lady, but the quiet only made the air heavier, as if the whole of Rattay was holding its breath. The carriage was slowly approaching Rattay's Upper Gate at a steady pace, its wheels crunching over the dirt road. Inside, Lady Jitka sat with her father, Lord Erhart the Elder of Kunstadt.
Awaiting her arrival stood Hansuh undoubtedly the most eager of them all, no one had awaited this wedding more eagerly. Beside him, Captain Bernard stood rigid, flanked by a row of stone-faced guards. Nearby, Hans waited with Henry at his side, performing his duty as his page – yet his gaze seemed distant, as if his mind were far from the pomp of the occasion. The air itself felt heavy, thick with unspoken tension beneath the facade of ceremony.
Hans was doing a good job of masking his true feelings. To an untrained eye, he might have seemed his usual self-flashing that familiar arrogant charming smile. But Henry knew him too well. He could read the tension in the way Hans held himself, the slight stiffness in his posture betraying the carefully crafted façade. Henry, too, was fighting to keep his own expression neutral, hoping his performance was just as convincing as his Lord’s.
The carriage came to a halt before them, and Lady Jitka stepped out. She wasn’t at all what Henry had expected. Henry always found it strange that she remained unmarried. She wasn't old by any means, yet most noblewomen her age had long since been wed. He'd always assumed she must be plain-looking. Perhaps her considerable wealth couldn't compensate for some unfortunate flaw in her appearance. That would explain why she'd stayed unwed so long. But as he watched her descend from the carriage, that theory crumbled. She was strikingly lovely, her fair skin glowing, her hair arranged in an elegant style beneath a delicate veil that draped softly over her shoulders. The light of the day also seemed to favor her, accentuating her refined features. Whatever was the reason for her prolonged maidenhood, it certainly wasn't due to any lack of beauty. A new thought struck Henry – perhaps it wasn't her appearance at all, but her character that had kept suitors at bay.
Hanush inclined his head slightly. "Lord Erhart of Kunstadt, Lady Jitka, what a pleasure to welcome you. I trust your journey was without incident?"
"By the grace of God, we encountered neither bandits nor Cumans. Our journey was most pleasant."
"Excellent news indeed." Lord Hanush replied with a cordial smile. “May I present my nephew, Lord Hans Capon - your daughter's betrothed - along with his page Henry. And the standing guard here is Sir Bernard, my trusted captain. He'll personally ensure your stay in Rattay remains secure and comfortable."
"Your hospitality honors us, Lord Hanush."
"Think nothing of it," Hanush waved dismissively. "My nephew Hans will show you around Rattay. After the tour, we can finally discuss more important matters... like the wedding arrangements."
"An excellent plan, Lord Hanush. Sir Capon, we shall gladly follow your lead."
Hans' lips twitched into what was meant to be his usual confident smile, but the expression fell short. “The privilege is entirely mine.” he declared, his voice layered with forced enthusiasm.
As Henry followed the party through Rattay in his role as Hans' page, Lady Jitka maintained her silence speaking neither to her father nor to Hans. Her expression remained perfectly composed, the picture of noble grace, yet Henry detected an undercurrent of resentment in her stiff posture – in the way her fingers gripped the fabric of her skirt, in the rigid line of her shoulders beneath the dress. He understood all too well; this political union bound them both against their will. At least as Hans' page, Henry could remain near his lord, close enough to catch come some occasional unguarded glances they would still dare to exchange. But Lady Jitka? As a woman, she had even less choice in the matter – sent far from anyone she knew.
The tour concluded without incident after a couple of hours – not that much could go wrong within Rattay's well-guarded walls.
"Sir Capon," Lord Erhart said with a polite nod, "you have our gratitude for this thorough showing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must confer with Lord Hanush regarding the wedding arrangements. Might your squire direct me to him?"
Hans maintained his practiced and confident smile, though his eyes betrayed a flickering unease. "Of course. Henry, please escort Lord Erhart."
"Excellent!" Lord Erhart clapped his hands together. "This gives you and Lady Jitka time to become better acquainted. After all, you'll be husband and wife soon enough."
With no other choice, Henry left Hans alone with Lady Jitka – the woman who would soon be his wife. The helplessness sat heavy in his chest. There was nothing to be done. No way to help Hans, no possible way to stop this wedding from happening. He didn’t care about Hans’ title. He cared and loved him for who he truly was – nothing more. Henry often imagined them born as different men – simple peasants, perhaps, free to sail away together as they'd whispered about at the Devil's Den. No titles, no duties, just the sea's horizon and whatever adventures they might find. Or another time, another land – somewhere the world might have let them be. But reality was what it was: Hans was a noble bound by duty, and Henry... well, he was just a noble's bastard with no say in such matters. So he did the only thing he could - he escorted Lord Erhart to the Upper Castle chambers where Lord Hanush waited, following orders as always.
"Thank you, Henry, for escorting Lord Erhart," Hanush said with a nod. "My lord, I trust my nephew provided you with a pleasant tour of Rattay?"
"Indeed," Lord Erhart replied. "You have my gratitude once more, Lord Hanush."
"Excellent. Henry, you may leave us." Hanush waved a dismissive hand. "We have matters to discuss."
With no reason to stay, Henry retreated to the stables to Pebbles' familiar stall and Mutt's slobbering enthusiasm. The hound greeted him with a muddy paw to the thigh, tail thrashing like a pennant in a storm. For a moment, the chaos of licking and fur was distraction enough. There was nothing else to do; Hans was occupied with Lady Jitka, and Henry… well, Henry was exactly where his station demanded he be.
The stables, however, could not hold his thoughts at bay for long. The image of Hans with Lady Jitka, polite and proper, hunted his mind. Needing a stronger distraction, he turned toward the tavern. Henry found a spot in the corner, the wood of the table rough under his hands. He drank, the ale bitter and sharp. He tried to lose himself in the noise, to focus on a game of dice or a nearby argument, but his mind kept drifting back. Even here, surrounded by life, he felt apart. The ale did its work, easing his anxiety but doing nothing to fill the hollow space it left behind.
Eventually, the tavern's noise grew suffocating. He let the day fade into evening, then slipped through the castle corridors. At least tonight he could still enter Hans' chambers without too much fear as the marriage bed would remain empty a while longer before the wedding forced Hans to share it with Lady Jitka.
He slowly opened the door to find Hans seated on the edge of his bed, a forgotten book held open in his hands. The dim candlelight sculpted his lord’s troubled profile, his gaze fixed on some distant thought rather than the pages before him. Henry’s steps made the floorboard creak. Hans’ body stiffened slightly in recognition but he didn’t lift his eyes. He would immediately recognize Henry’s step.
"How did your meeting with Lady Jitka go?"
"Well enough,” Hans muttered. “At least she’s neither old nor ugly, as I’d feared."
"And that’s all?"
"What else would there be?"
"I don’t know…” Henry hesitated. “Did she seem… irritated? Annoyed with you?"
Hans scoffed. “Why would she be? She’s a bit past the usual marrying age – if anything, she should be grateful not to rot as some unmarried woman. Besides, today was the first we’d met. She acted exactly as a noblewoman have to do.”
"Hans, for once, use your damned brain," Henry snapped. "she was forced into this wedding just like you – maybe even more. She had to leave behind everyone she’s ever known and start a life here, in a place where she knows no one. Imagine if you were forced to marry her and live somewhere so far away that I could never be able to reach you.” He paused for a bit. “When you gave her and her father the tour, I sensed some kind of hostility in her body language. You really didn’t notice anything?" "Funny – the great Hans Capon, who could unravel any woman's desires with a glance and charm his way into any bed, somehow missed that his own bride would rather be anywhere else." Concluded with a slight mocking tone to ease the situation a bit.
Hans exhaled sharply. "I’m fucking sorry but I wasn’t paying much attention to her. I was too busy holding myself together." His voice dropped. "Also we can’t avoid this argument forever, Henry. But your ‘everything will be alright’ isn’t enough anymore. The wedding is real now. I need to know how you plan to make it work."
"When exactly is 'another time'?" Hans' voice cracked a bit. "Before I'm forced to spend every day with her? Before I have to father an heir? Before this damned war ends?"
Henry fell silent. When he finally spoke, the words felt bitter in his mouth. “Do you think this is even worth it? I honestly don't know what to do. Will waiting help? Lady Jitka is beautiful. Maybe if I stepped aside, things would be easier for you." Henry swallowed hard. "Don’t misunderstand me. I know you care for me. And I care for you, more than you think. It wouldn’t be a happy choice, but it might be the right one. With time, you could forget about me – about us. You might even come to love her. This arranged marriage might become... manageable."
It hurt to say these things, but he did it for Hans. He knew this wasn't really the answer Hans wished to hear but he’d pretend this was a solution for him. Some sacrifices wore the disguise of solutions.
"Could you please shut the fuck up?" Hans’ voice cracked. “I hate when you act like this. You just come up with these stupid ideas, thinking it’s okay as long as you’re the only one ‘sacrificing.’ What the fuck is wrong with you, always neglecting your own feelings? It pisses me off so much. I’m no damsel in distress to be saved. Don’t get me wrong. I love that you care about me, but I care about you too. What makes you think I could ever forget you? You know it’s easy for me to fall in love like I thought I loved Karolina – but this? Us? It’s different. Christ, Henry – do you truly believe I’d trade one moment with you for a lifetime of her? I’ve never felt like this before. The time we spent together during the siege, at the Devil’s Den, even here… It’s too important to give up. There has to be a way to keep this, even after the wedding. There has to be… None of it's worth losing. There has to be another way – even after the wedding. There has to be..." His voice dropped. "That's why I need your help to find a real solution and not that self-sacrificing bullshit."
Hans felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest. Damn him, why does he always have to be the noble one? Couldn't Henry understand? Just imagining him walking away – never feeling his hand brush against his while checking weapons, never hearing that laugh that somehow made even his worst moods better – made Hans feel sick.
Henry didn’t know what to respond. Hans' words still hung in the air when Henry moved without thinking – his hands cradling Hans' face like something precious, his mouth crashing against his with the same desperate urgency as that night before the suicide mission. But this was different. That had been a goodbye. This was... Christ, this was a plea. Their noses bumped, breaths coming in ragged bursts between messy, uncoordinated kisses. Henry's thumb brushed the wetness beneath Hans' eye – tears? Some distant part of Henry's mind recognized the madness of it – a nobleman and his servant tangled together like this. Their crumbling future drowned out by the silent language of lips and teeth.
***
The next few days were mostly normal, though Hans was kept much busier with the endless wedding preparations and Lady Jitka often stayed with her maids. But sometimes she and Hans were made to spend time together – forced walks in the courtyard, shared meals under the watchful eyes of their families, and stiff conversations – all carefully orchestrated moments meant to foster familiarity between the betrothed pair.
The stress weighed heavily on Hans’ shoulders, so he decided to clear his mind with a short hunting trip – accompanied, of course, by Henry. Lord Hanush did not hide his concern.
"Keep this hunt brief, and don’t wander too far," he warned. "I’ve no wish to tell Lady Jitka she’s a widow before she’s even a wife. Henry," he added sternly, "you heard me. Bring my nephew back safely – even if he tries something foolish."
"Yes, yes, Uncle…" Hans replied dismissively as he headed for the door. "I’ll be back in a couple of days at most. Just in time to return to all this wedding nonsense."
"I’ll keep a close eye on him, my lord." Henry responded quickly, following Hans out.
Together, they made their way to the stables to prepare for the trip. Aethon and Pebbles stood ready, their saddles secured and travel packs fastened – clearly prepared for a journey of at least a few days. Neither man spoke as they walked to the stables, the silence between them thick and heavy. But as Henry finished checking the girth strap on Hans’ horse, Hans moved closer. His voice was low, meant only for Henry.
"Can’t wait to get away from this madness and spend some time somewhere more private with you.” Hans murmured, his tone a mix of exhaustion and longing. “Don’t get me wrong. Lady Jitka is pretty enough, but God, she’s dull. She acts every bit the perfect noble lady, but that’s all there is to her. It’s not that I am trying to get closer to her in that way, but must my future wife have nothing to say? Trying to talk to her is like speaking to a stone wall."
"I’m sure there’s more to her than that," Henry replied gently. "but for now, let’s just focus on this trip."
"Sure, whatever you say, blacksmith’s son," Hans said, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "but since it’s so early and no one’s around… how about a good luck kiss before we depart?"
Henry stepped closer and gave Hans a brief, tender kiss – not desperate, but familiar and soft, the kind that spoke of shared mornings and quiet understanding, something more domestic. He longed to be the one to take the lead for once, to cross the distance between them with the same boldness Hans had shown that fateful night in Suchdol. It was Hans, after all, who had kissed him first. Without that moment, Henry might never have dared to believe his own feelings could be returned. He would always be grateful for that. Yet now, he wanted to be brave. He wanted to match Hans’ courage, to pull him close without hesitation. But their secret hung over them like a blade so he did as much as he was allowed.
They were so absorbed in the moment that neither noticed the soft footsteps approaching the stables. The steps were light, almost silent – belonging to none other than Lady Jitka. Her feline and secretive nature made her movements difficult to detect, a trait those in her father’s household knew well. Servants and guards alike often jumped when she appeared without warning like she was materializing from the shadows.
She was passing by the stables on her usual morning walk, enjoying the first gentle light of the rising sun. She paused just out of sight, then stepped closer. Her breath caught as she saw them kissing – a brief, tender moment that left her stunned. But almost as quickly as surprise had seized her, understanding began to dawn. It seemed she would need to have a very serious conversation with Sir Hans as soon as he returned from his hunting trip.
***
The hunting trip proved rewarding, less for the pursuit of game and more for the rare opportunity it gave Hans and Henry to reconnect in a more private, familiar setting. They journeyed to their usual hunting spot, a place they hadn't visited since before leaving for Trosky. The days were blessed with perfect weather. The sky was a clear blue with only a few slow-moving clouds. The autumn air held a surprising warmth, unexpected for that time of the year, and the wind was little more than a gentle breeze that brushed softly against their skin. Here, far from duties and demands, the weight of their worries – the stress, the complications, the endless noise – simply melted away. Here they were just Hans and Henry and nothing more.
But the trip had to end. The demands of the world soon called them back, cutting their peace short and turning their path toward Rattay and the responsibilities that waited there. As they rode, Henry was pleased. He saw the eased tension in Hans's shoulders, the lighter tone in his voice. The trip had done exactly what it was meant to: give Hans a break from all the wedding pressure. That, after all, had been the whole point.
***
As they got closer to Rattay's Upper Gate, they could already see signs that the town was getting ready for the wedding. The quiet forest sounds were gone, replaced by the smell of baking bread, cut wood, and the noise of a busy town. The usual serious look of the stone walls was brightened by colorful ribbons tied to market stalls and servants hanging wreaths of fall flowers and pine branches above the doors while people rushed through the packed streets.
The heavy feeling of their responsibilities returned as they left their tired horses at the stables. Without a moment to spare, they made their way through the animated courtyards to report their return to Lord Hanush.
Lord Hanush looked up from his desk as they entered. "I hope your hunting trip went well and that you encountered no issues," he began, his eyes shifting between the two men. "But at least, as I can see, you've brought my nephew back safe and sound, Henry." His gaze settled firmly on Hans. "There will be no more hunting trips for you for a long while. You will now soon take full responsibility as a Lord and a Husband."
"Everything went well, Lord Hanush. I assure you," Henry replied.
"Strangely," Hanush continued, his tone shifting to one of mild suspicion. "Lady Jitka has requested to see both of you as soon as you returned. "He fixed them with a stern look. "I hope you fools didn't do anything foolish enough to anger the lady – especially you, Hans. This marriage is important for the ongoing war, and I will not go back on my word."
The two men excused themselves and made their way to Lady Jitka's quarters. As they walked through the corridors, Henry spoke in a tone that aimed for annoyance but landed closer to mocking. "What in God's name did you do?"
"I assure you, Hal, I did nothing," Hans insisted, a note of genuine worry in his voice. "I have no clue what she wants. As I told you before, she hasn't exactly opened up to me. She's been cold and... definitely not the talkative type."
It didn’t take long for them to reach Lady Jitka’s room. Hans knocked softly, the sound fading into the hallway’s deep silence. The door opened slowly, as if she had been expecting them. Lady Jitka stood by herself. Which was something unusual, since she was almost never without at least one of her maids when she was not in the company of one of the Lords. Her face was calm and gave nothing away. Her hair was pulled back smoothly, not a single hair out of place, and she stood very straight. She didn’t offer the soft smile expected of a noblewoman. She only watched them both carefully with a steady, thoughtful look.
"I hope your hunting trip went well,” she began, her voice cool and even, “but there is a matter I must discuss with you both – urgently."
"My lady,” Hans replied, a note of confusion in his tone, “I understand you wish to speak with me, but… why is Henry needed here?"
"Because my Lord,” Lady Jitka answered calmly, her gaze lingering briefly on Henry before returning to Hans, “this concerns your dear… squire, as well. Please come inside."
The room felt as though no one truly lived there. Little had changed since Lady Jitka had moved in. Everything remained exactly as it had been before her arrival – likely because most of her belongings were still at her family’s estate. Still, it was unsettling how nothing seemed out of place. Not a single hairbrush rested on the dresser, no book lay open on the table.
Hans broke the silence. “What did you wish to discuss?”
"Allow me to be blunt. While on my morning walk before your hunting trip, I happened to pass the stables and witnessed the two of you kissing."
Both men froze. They had been discovered before, in a way. They were aware that most people who frequented the Devil’s Den knew their relationship went beyond that of a lord and his squire. Henry’s own brother had often commented on it. But they knew those people so the implications had never truly frightened either of them.
But Lady Jitka… she was a stranger. She was not a friend and definitely not a confidante.
"Do you have any idea of the weight of the accusations you are making? I am the heir of these lands. How dare you imply I would engage in such depravity as sodomy? I am a faithful servant of God and a good christian, as is Henry. We would never commit such a sin. Choose your next words carefully, my lady. Do not forget your place."
Lady Jitka’s expression remained unshaken, a faint smile touching her lips. "Please put your guard dog on a leash, Henry, and spare me the performance, Hans. You can drop the act. I assure you, I couldn’t care less about who shares your bed." She stepped closer, her voice lowering but losing none of its edge, her eyes locking with theirs. "What I do care about is my future. So let’s stop pretending and discuss the situation like the adults that we are."
"Let’s hear her out, Hans,” Henry said, his voice low but firm. “But know this, my lady if you intend any harm toward him, I will do everything in my power to stop you."
"Both of you, breathe," Lady Jitka replied, her tone cool and unwavering. "as I’ve said, I have no interest in the nature of your relationship. In truth I, too, have a relationship with someone… one that might be considered similar to your own, I suppose."
Hans, too confused to speak, remained silent. Henry’s eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you mean, my lady?"
"What I mean," Lady Jitka said, her voice growing softer yet more intense, "is that I, too, have a lover. And the person I love is a woman. I had managed to appoint her as one of my maids in my father’s household, but since being sent here… all contact with her has been lost." She drew a slow breath, her composed mask slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of genuine pain. “This is why I wish to propose a deal.”
Both men were too stunned to speak. It wasn't just what she said that shocked them, but how calmly she said it. Everything was happening too fast too much to process at once. They had, of course, heard whispers of such things, but they had never stood before a noblewoman who spoke of them so plainly, so fearlessly.
Lady Jitka watched their stunned faces, a flicker of impatience in her eyes. "Try to contain your amazement." she said, her tone dry and unimpressed. "What’s so strange about a woman loving other women? You, Lord Hans – if all the numerous rumors are true, you’ve praised enough of them yourself to understand the appeal."
"Forgive us, my lady," Henry responded. "We… certainly did not expect this."
"No, definitely not." Hans echoed.
"But why share such a secret with us?" Henry pressed, his brow furrowed in genuine confusion. "You don’t even know us."
"Call it desperation, if you must." Lady Jitka replied, her gaze steady. "You know my secret, and I know yours. That makes us even. And it makes us allies – whether you like it or not. And as I said before I wish to propose an arrangement to the both of you."
"An arrangement regarding what?" Hans asked, skepticism creeping into his tone. "The wedding cannot be stopped. Trust me, we’ve tried."
"Hear me out, both of you. Hans and I will get married like our families want, but we don't have to act like a married couple. I'll stay in my rooms, you stay in yours. All I ask is that you bring my love here to be one of my maids. You can keep seeing Henry, and I can keep seeing her. Just... try to be more careful. You got lucky that I was the one who saw you two. For me and my girl, it's easier. People just think we're close friends.”
"That... actually sounds possible," Hans said, though frustration edged his voice." But my uncle will expect an heir."
"There are certain days each month when conception is most likely. We will... perform our duty only during that time, and hopefully, it will be over quickly." Lady Jitka replied, her tone practical and unwavering. “I know it’s not ideal, but under the circumstances, it’s the best outcome either of us can hope for.”
"She has a point, Hans," Henry said quietly. "it’s not like we’ve come up with a better plan..."
"Yeah, I suppose you’re right," Hans admitted. "but I’m still not sure I trust this one… or her."
"You don’t have to trust me," Lady Jitka answered calmly. "I shared my secret because I hold yours. We each possess knowledge that could ruin the other if it were ever revealed."
"Fine, I’ll try to convince my uncle to bring your… girl here as your maid. I’ll think of some excuse. But don’t think this means I’m letting my guard down, my lady."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Lady Jitka’s lips. "Thank you, my lord. Perhaps you're not entirely a fool as the people say after all."
"I’ll take that as a compliment." Hans replied dryly. "Well then, my lady, I imagine we’ll be speaking again soon."
"Yes. I’ve said all I needed to say for now," Lady Jitka said with a slight nod. "We can discuss the details further as situations arise. Let us hope things proceed smoothly."
***
Almost everything went according to their plan. Hans managed to persuade Lord Hanush to bring several of Lady Jitka’s maids to Rattay, which of course included her lover, claiming she suffered from an extreme loneliness in her new surroundings without her usual company. Though the excuse was thin, it was offered with enough sincerity that Hanush, perhaps seeing what he wished to see in his nephew’s newfound “concern,” allowed this arrangement.
The wedding went smoothly. After the party, Hans and Lady Jitka went together to their shared bedroom because everyone expected them to act like a married couple and consummate on the night of their wedding. Instead, they waited patiently until the castle fell into deep sleep, then each slipped away separately to where their true lovers waited. Eventually, they did what was needed to have a child, but only on the days Lady Jitka claimed were best for conceiving. Not any other time.
They were lucky – within a year, Lady Jitka was pregnant, and nine months later, she gave birth to a son named Heinrich. They continued to live their lives devoted to their respective partners, and as all four took part in raising the child, an unexpected friendship gradually grew among them.