darker_london | Marital Negotiations (Wolfgang, Devon, open) (Reply)

The below conversation is in German.

Wolfgang Kempf sat behind his large rosewood desk, petting his black obsidian dragon carving in contemplation as if it was some sort of pet ready to pounce on anyone who interrupted his thought processes. No one ever did, however. They knew better. Most of the business of the day had been resolved. One matter was still left to discuss. Finally, Wolfgang spoke. "What about the situation in Little Moscow? I am eager to see this resolved." He tapped the desk with the fingers of his other hand, and he did not sound pleased that the situation hadn't been.

It was Johannes Drescher that spoke up first. He was a member of the family, same as Wolfgang. Only distantly related, of course, but family. "We could send someone in there."

"We have infiltrated their operation before, Hannes." Wolfgang sounded cold. "And if you remember, that anarchist Arkady sent us Felix's nose." 'Felix' meant luck. But poor Felix Vogler really hadn't had that with him when he stepped foot in Little Moscow. "London has always been an area that has remained elusive. Those Englishmen think they are superior because of that trollop they sit on the throne and have the gall to call a monarch." And it had taken his brother away from the family as well. But at the moment, that was neither here nor there. "Infiltration will not be easy."

"There has to be a way." Johannes said quietly.

Wolfgang nodded. "Indeed. Tomorrow morning, you will send me one of your sons."

Johannes blinked. "B...but Wolfgang-"

Wolfgang's eyes shifted over to stare directly into Johannes' own and Johannes felt for a moment, as if he was swallowing his own tongue as he tried to remain calm. He was a member of this family which granted immunity, yes. But no one crossed Wolfgang. "Yes, Hannes?"

"Er...I..uhm...which son?" He finally managed to squeak out.

"I don't give a shit which son!" Wolfgang shook his head. "Vladamir Nikolovic was a friend. An ally. And he is gone. But his wife and daughter Illyana are not. So we will not send a spy. We will send a suitor."

"A...suitor?"

"Yes, dammit. A suitor for Illyana. Unification through marriage was good enough for the Hapsburgs. It will be good enough for the Kempfs. I will see that swine Arkady's eyeballs rolling back inside his worthless head."

Johannes stood, gave Wolfgang a little bow, and he left the room quickly, the others following him. Wolfgang shook his head and he returned to his papers until he heard a light knocking on his door. "Come in."

Devon looked around shyly as she entered. "Er...oh. Hi. I didn't know where I was..."

Wolfgang's demeanor changed as quickly as he switched his language from German to English. The harshness drained from his eyes, leaving only fondness there. "That's no trouble, Liebchen." He held his hand out and Devon skipped over to help Wolfgang up. "How was your day?"

"Boring." Devon admitted, uncensored as ever.

Wolfgang chuckled. "Well. Let's change that then. How do you feel about going for a ride?"

Devon squealed. "Horses!? Really?!"

"You can pick your favourite colour." Wolfgang said with a chuckle, and they left his office together.