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Vying For The City (AE x Machiavelli)

AlluringEnigma

AlluringEnigma

Wet Narcissist
Joined
Feb 25, 2016
Location
Madness Incarnate
Funerals were such a bore, even for someone used to the overly complex and time-honored traditions of nobility that seemed to drag on for hours longer than they needed. Sofia Fortem could hardly maintain the pleasant smile that was expected of her in such a public event, the layers of clothing and multitudes of boring aristocrats wearing on her patience. The pink dress, which cut off at the shoulders and revealed an almost scandalous amount of cleavage for the time clung to her figure quite perfectly, even if it obscured most of her gorgeous assets.

Nonetheless, today would be worth the boredom and formal dress. While she would much rather lounge around at her mansion in something far more leisurely, appearances were important, and she was on the precipice of solidifying her family as the top dog in Florence. With the death of Marco Mortem, the city was wide open for a new controlling factor. Marco had been a ruthless head of his family, using a brutal combination of subterfuge and violence to keep the controlling factors of the city aligned with him. The last few years, as his health had failed, the vultures had begun to circle, his lack of an established heir leaving his stranglehold over the city quite open. While the Mortems would remain one of the richer houses in the city, their lack of leadership would cost them most of their power.

Now, amidst the somber faces of Mortem allies, other houses were quietly forging alliances and scrambling to secure connections to try and fill the void left by such a drastic change in the balance of power. Sofia Fortem was one of the distinct exceptions, however. She had spent the last year preparing for this exact moment, slowly building her resources up and building friendships with the key circles within the city. She had no need to spend the day scurrying about for support. No, today was simply a formality in her mind, she had little expectation of anything of not happening today. No, her day of excitement would come when she had the city under her thumb.

However, Sofia might have been too quick to assume mundanity in such a day. Out of the corner of her eye, while making polite conversation with a minor court noble, she saw the master of whispers, as she liked to refer to him as, the man whose spy network ran deep throughout the city. He had always been the man anyone went to when they sought information. Yet today, he was approaching her. Politely, she excused herself from the conversation and walked over to meet him.

With an expression reserved to a pleasant smile, unwilling to give anything away until she knew his intentions, Sofia politely began “I didn’t realize you had time for me. Surely your day would be better spent listening to the soft murmurings of new alliances, no? So, do tell me why you’ve graced me with your presence.” Sofia idly swirled the glass of red wine, taking a sip from it as she awaited her answer from the mysterious man
 
Nicholas Umbra was well-known in this city as the man with all the knowledge, the man who could be trusted to know everything - and if he didn't, he would certainly find out. He had made a massive fortune from a network of spies in every family, selling information to each of the other factions in exchange for their funds. It was this way that he had amassed such power within this city, despite having no political or familial ties to it's ruling body. And as the Mortem family had fallen from power, he predicted another golden age for him as the factions sought to tear each other apart. But it had quickly become apparent that few were actually in a position to take control of any kind, and those that were would likely be so predictable that a simple change in the norm would throw their plans right off. However, the one he couldn't account for was Sofia Fortem, a new player, at least to him. The one person who might stand between him and a sudden grasp on the city and its people.

And so now, on this somber occasion, he approached her, both of them doing their duty and making appearances, but the two of them more than aware of exactly how everyone was working. She had the eyes of an intelligent manipulator - and he would know, as he saw those eyes every morning in the mirror. She would be a worth opponent. But he wouldn't allow her to know his intentions just yet, though she was sharp and keen, instantly curious as to why he had decided to approach her.

"Madame Fortem." He said in greeting, giving her a small bow. "Please, I'm certain you know that every one of those buffoons will go home and speak of their plans to their advisers and their wives and a servant will overhear. I don't need to listen in, because they're just going to tell me." He said with the smallest and slightest of smirks. "Do I need a reason to approach a beautiful woman and inform her of that beauty? Should I fabricate one? I must warn you, I'm very good at lying on the spot." His tone was light, relaxed, and completely out of place at a funeral, though by this point the wine was getting to people and appearances were beginning to slip. Besides, the Mortem family was quickly retiring anyway, and the afternoon was yet young.

His eyes wandered over her. She was indeed attractive, and he had no intention of denying that to her or himself. Perhaps... A method to distract her and manage the upper hand would be to pursue her. He had honest intentions - marrying into her house by proxy would be beneficial to him, but moreso... She was a prize of her own sort: a beautiful woman with a mind of her own, eyes like fire, and a wit like a rapier.

Exactly the kind of woman you'd expect a Spymaster to enjoy the company of.
 
The nature of his visit quickly became as apparent as it would ever be, on the surface he seemed to be flirting with her. However, nothing was ever so simple with a master of whispers, and now seemed to be her first test on the rise to the top. No doubt he would be vying for some sort of power left behind in the death of the Mortem family, though she had no idea to what extent, and at some point they would certainly clash heads. As a result, now would be a good time to test her charisma and subtlety, to see if she had enough mastery of her own feminine wile and silver enough tongue to discern his true purpose for such a meeting.

Gone was the dismissive tone she applied to servants or those who held little bearing in the world. However it was not replaced with the normal tone of feigned interest that she had become so deft with. Instead, she now spoke with an air to her voice, a joviality that flirted with the voice of a lover. It contained hints of sultry whispers and just a touch of mindlessness to it. In essence, it was the best tone she could muster for flirting, and she had no doubt it would catch his attention. “I have no need of your lies when you speak so plainly. I’m quite grateful but your company is akin to that of a large tree, your handsome demeanor casts a long shadow over any beauty I may possess” she added. It wasn’t even a lie or very hyperbolic, despite the objectively twisted inner workings of a man in such a profession, he possessed strong features that perfectly complemented his pleasing tone.

However, Sofia was here to garner information, not to lose herself in his firm gaze. “I’m afraid, Signor Umbra , that I find it quite hard to believe you came over simply to compliment. Surely you have some other reason for your kindly visit, besides distracting yourself from the gloom of such a dreary affair” she added with a hint of a smile that seemed to suggest so much more than what she said. Perhaps she would simply receive an invitation to dinner, or perhaps her radiant blue eyes would be enough to tease his purpose out into the open.

Either way, playing mental games with one of the smartest men in Florence was far more entertaining than simply making appearances. Her plans for beginning to seize power had already been set in motion for the weekend, only a few days away, and she had little to do but distract her mind from overcomplicating such affairs. No, as it stood the underground crimelord, as he essentially was in all but name, would make a nice distraction for the moment. Perhaps she could even recruit him to her side, assuming he wasn’t in her way already. As it stood, however, Sofia had no grasp of his plans or intentions. She simply knew that he had ones, like always.
 
The tone of her voice was interesting, certainly not the kind of tone you'd address anyone in... it was far more smooth, sultry, and almost seductive. What was she playing at, hm? Her little bantering reply drew another small smile from his lips. "I'll not fault your eye for masculine features, Signora, for that would do me no service. But I will fault your logic. No one looks at a pair of handsome people such as the two of us and thinks one overpowers the other when it comes to our appearances. No, they are more likely to exclaim 'Look at that handsome couple!' or something akin to it. Now, us overpowering each other, hypothetically, could occur in other scenarios, but such a suggestion might be too forward." His tone, words, and expression all flirted with her, his words carefully crafted.

As she accused him of coming for more than merely paying compliments, he laughed. "What, not satisfied to engage in a duel of silver tongues?" He exclaimed, raising an eyebrow in a manner both curious and suggestive. "You might be right, or perhaps not. I haven't yet decided myself." He mused over her words for a long moment. "But I have decided that I would like to extend an invitation to you. I have a small banquet arranged at a local establishment for myself and some close friends. I would be more than pleased if you could find the time to accompany me. You engage my mind more effectively than most, and it is best that I not allow myself to become too bored during obligatory social events."

His eyes watched her closely, obviously curious as to whether she would accept the invitation. He was already aware of her intentions when it came to amassing power in the town, though he had no idea how she intended to do it. He did, currently have the advantage on her, as she was not yet aware of his plan, though she would likely leave his presence today with some understanding that they would be rivals. He chose that word carefully. To him, enemies were the opposition, those that would never be defeated unless they were dead. But rivals... they were simply challenges to be overcome, people to make life interesting. Enemies had to be eliminated, but rivals?

They were to be toyed with, matched, and beaten. Conquered and dominated, in one way or another. He was the master puppeteer, and how hard would it be to turn her into a puppet?
 
Matching wits with someone as well spoken and composed as herself was quite the thrill. The trappings of nobility and wealth did little to sharpen the minds of those in Florence and too often Sofia would simply discern exactly what she wanted with a few carefully chosen sentences. Nicholas, on the other hand, rolled with the punches, sending back witticisms and veiled promises with ease. He was a constantly shifting enigma who seemed to revel in concealing his purpose. However, as their conversation continued to angle towards flirtation a feeling began to nag at Sofia.

The longer this conversation dragged on, the surer Sofia was that the master of whispers would stand in her way to the ascent of the throne. She had no real reason to suspect this sudden shift in his goals, but the way he seemed to be avoiding declaring his purpose was enough to raise her suspicions. Perhaps Sofia was wrong and simply was reading too much into his normally guarded behavior, but there was no way her plans this weekend could afford to simply ignore her hunch. No, the second Sofia left the festivities of the day behind, her plan to seize control of the police would simply have to possess safeguards against any sort of actions Nicholas may take of his own. While unlikely, Sofia had planned this for far too long to allow her suspicions to simply fall by the wayside.

“You are very well spoken, Master Whisper” Sofia began, resolving to remember the nickname in the future. “The courts of Florence are so often filled with dullards and ignoramuses. It’s refreshing to speak with one so eloquent and careful in their words.” Sofia gave him a sultry glance, her form of response to his more obvious flirtations from earlier, before continuing on. “I’d love to attend your banquet, though I hope you truly mean small when you refer to the attendance. I do so despise large gatherings.”

Sofia paused for a moment and pursed her lips before filling his ears with a playful laugh, a volatile mix of carefree flirtation and veiled lust. “Come to think of it I dislike gatherings in general. The most intimate things in life can never be enjoyed in the company of others. Hopefully the estate is as big as your web of spies, I’d love to spend some time amidst the darkest corners with you” she added with a playful smile before returning to a more formal manner. “So when and where should I meet you?” she inquired, her mind already turning as to how her plans could be fool proofed from any of his meddling.
 
The darkly handsome man merely raised an eyebrow as she referred to him as 'Master Whisperer', and the quirking smile signaled his covert approval of the nickname. "I feel much the same way. Conversation with others often bores me, but not you." He returned, catching her seductive look and returning it, his glance briefly flirting down her body, obviously admiring her figure for a long moment, making little attempt to hide the fact. As she mentioned the small nature of the banquet, he chuckled, reaching for her hand and bending to kiss the back of it. "Ah, it will indeed be small. Just the two of us, in fact." He revealed, a charming but devious smile slipping across his features. "A slight deception, which I hope you can forgive." He laughed, kissing the back of her hand. "I'll arrive before your manor on Friday eve, just before sunset, if that is amicable." He said, giving her a slight bow.

With a small smile, he straightened. "I must excuse myself now, however, as there are a great many things I must do, given the current state of affairs. After all, in these uncertain times, my skills and resources are more valuable than ever. I look forward to Friday evening with great anticipation." With another small bow and a flirtatious wink, he slipped away, the dark cloak trailing behind him like a fabric shadow as he vanished into a carriage awaiting him at the street.

Mere days later, that same carriage would arrive outside of her family home in Florence, its black and silver exterior glittering in the setting sun. Those days were filled with intense preparation on the Spymaster's part, arranging favors and testing his abilities, preparing traps and creating lies while hiding truths. A great plan was quickly coming together, with his agents already outmaneuvering many of the other players at this game. It was like a children's game, where you hid and attempted to scare other children also hiding in a great political maze, but he knew exactly where every other child was. Except Sofia... Her plans and her position were yet unknown to him. It was reasonable to assume that she too would pursue control over the police force first, as any commoner could tell you that the military is the one true way to control a population. Yet there were plenty of ways to control a military, and it wasn't always through their commanders. While he lacked any incriminating or acceptable blackmail in that regard, he knew how to work a system.

And tonight, his forces would meet hers for the first battle of influence between them, while the two masterminds, opposing generals sat over dinner, playing and flirting and drinking wine. For no matter who won the battle, a challenge could always be appreciated. Besides, there was some thrill in playing so seductively with the only real threat to him.

The mysterious individual had not wavered much in his apparel, sticking with the black and silver that he seemed to have adopted as his house colors. His tunic was buttoned carefully, though it was well-fitted and accentuated the shape of his torso as much as his trousers fit to his legs and hips. Around his waist a black leather belt was clasped, with a decorative dagger on one hip and his pouch on the other. from his shoulders, the ever-present black cloak hung, its hood bundled slightly around his neck, held together by that silver clasp. He was well-groomed and well-dressed, obviously prepared for a dinner with a proper lady as he stepped down from the carriage and into the evening air to greet her.
 
Sofia had spent the next couple of days enacting every safeguard she could. This plan would not fail on the account of a spymaster such as Nicholas, not matter how devious he may be. For, no matter how well connected he may be, the man still lacked the door-opening status as a noble. Sofia imagined that his plan would involve blackmail or some other manipulative force. Nicholas seemed to be of the type who skulked in the shadows, his plans making up for their lack of boldness in clever design.

Sofia, on the other hand, was a more forceful person. While she still appreciated and incorporated some subtlety, besides simply keeping the plan secret, her solution was bound to be far more straightforward than whatever Nicholas had come up with. The key to controlling the military was through their leaders, and she would soon hold the ace of spades in her hand.
When Friday finally occurred, she was prepared and confident. She would have all the time in the world to do whatsoever she pleased with her new flame as the wheels of her plan were already set in motion. No matter what happened between her and him tonight, the forces at work from both sides could not be stopped. She simply hoped that he had the common courtesy to reveal his plan as the night progressed.

Sofia had dressed extremely casually for the era. In fact, had it not been a private affair, she would have invited whisperings with such caustic words as ‘whore’ or ‘slut’. As it was, she doubted that Nicholas would mind the ample amount of skin on display; judging by their earlier flirtation she would likely not be wearing her outfit all night. Sofia wore a plain blue gown that cut off just below her knees and lacked sleeves, the design akin to a peasant’s dress even if the material was far finer. The front of the dress showed a reasonable amount of cleavage and was more than enough to tantalize Nicholas’ imagination.

The young noble girl stepped into his carriage upon his arrival and gave him a smile. “Word is, you’ve been a busy man this week. Shocked you have the time for me with such important events on the horizon” she added, hoping to rattle him slightly with her information. Then, she added a bit of flirtation, curious to see if her teasing would lead somewhere exciting. “I hope you don’t mind the banal nature of my dress. Since it was just us, I wasn’t too concerned with decorum. Besides, who knows if I’ll even need this old thing for very long.” Sofia’s bright laughter filled the carriage, brightening the brief journey. When the carriage finally came to a halt, she beckoned for him to assist her outside and into the venue for their dinner. Who knew what lascivious behavior the night would bring?
 
Nicholas smiled as he caught sight of her, enjoying the view. His eyes made his appreciation clear as they swept her body a few times before his lips delivered sugared compliments and his trademark smirk. She more than teased a little, and he was certain that any tight-mannered man might have found her clothes a little too provocative. Yet it was beyond clear that his morals and manners might vary a bit too far from the norm for him to complain or comment. He was more than content to admit that he enjoyed the sight of her skin and her body.

"Ah, is that what they are saying, hm?" He mused as she challenged his timetable, a smile playing on his lips. "I have a complicated series of maneuvers to complete over the coming hours, as I'm certain you do as well. However, I'm currently more interested in maneuvering you about." He gave her a slight wink. "Besides, my operatives have their orders. Everything that happens from here on out is out of my hands, and you, beautiful woman, are hopefully in them." And, as timing was everything with him, the carriage came to a halt and he offered her his hands to help her out. "As for your dress, I'd certainly prefer you to not be wearing it when you're in my hands." A playful glance was thrown her way once more. Offering his arm, he led her into the building, where a white-clad waiter stood, holding a pad of paper.

"Signor Umbra, welcome. This way." He said, giving a slight bow before turning around and heading up a flight of stairs, and then another. With a slight flourish, he opened a door, and Nicholas led his date through the portal. On the other side was the rooftop of the two-story building, looking over the Plaza di San Lorenzo, lit with candles and surrounded by a small garden. In the center of the space there was a table, set for two, a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting. "I spare no expense." Nicholas chuckled, holding a chair for her to sit as waiters appeared, delivering a small basket of bread. "The first course will be a light pasta with scallops, followed by the second course..." the chef, who had appeared amidst the wave of waiters, paused when the menu for the evening was completed, and Nicholas gave him a small approving nod. The chef smiled, and gestured for the dishes to come forward.

Once the staff had drifted away, Nicholas glanced over the Florentine skyline around them. "Such a beautiful city. Do you think her people know the clash of powers that is going on around them now?" He mused, giving her a little glance as he stood to pour wine. "A grand contest begins, and we, the generals, dine as armies clash."
 
Sofia gave him a flattering smile as she took her seat at the table, enjoying the bounty of food and wine laid out before her. Sofia had always been a lush, enjoying the trappings of wealth immensely, even if she generally suppressed the urge to gorge herself like some of her peers. However, tonight was an evening of celebrations. Months of planning had gone into the events of tonight, and the following weeks of activity as well. Now, she would enjoy the company of her handsome foe as her plan unraveled.

“Obviously, you’ve got me at a slight disadvantage, my dear Nicholas. You see, I have no servants nearby to relay any information you may divulge. You on the other hand…” she added with a slight raise of her eyebrow, her flirtatious purr trailing off and lingering in the cool evening breeze for a few moments. “While I’m sure that my plans are too far along to stop, I’d like you to order your servants to stay out of the room for the night, at least everyone excluding the chef as I’d still like to enjoy the meal you’ve so graciously offered. Simply refrain from having any hushed and shady conversations with him, would you? Besides, we wouldn’t want them walking in if you do manage to slip my dress off of me” she added with a wink, her sultry tone enchanting, no matter how serious the topic at hand may be.

Sofia couldn’t imagine a scenario where he would be able to institute measures against whatever she told her, but the young noblewoman was cautious and wanted assurance either way. This night was not just about the pleasure it entailed, but in a sense it was a way to gloat. She wanted to revel in the look within his eye as the full scopes of her plans were revealed.

With his assurance given, she teased the very beginning of her plan. “Ms. Bellicus is always so unpredictable, but if there’s one thing that can be relied upon, it’s her insatiable lust. My advisors always disapproved of my ownership of the “Randy Unicorn” she added idly, referring to a high end brothel that was infamous among the citizens of Florence. Idly twirling a glass of wine, she rose and turned her back to Nicholas, admiring the view before continuing. “People talk a lot during sex, even women. What interesting things Isabelle has had to say over the years, though I imagine my favorite little tidbits were about the structure of the hierarchy of the local police. After all, it’s much easier to gain control over the police if you know exactly who you need to control… or replace” she added with a smile, turning around to face Nicholas, and sitting down once more.

Sofia had shared her first bit of the plan and so she began to consume her meal. It was now Nicholas’ turn to begin sharing, and the lovely Italian noble would enjoy the high cuisine of her foe while watching the first inklings of his plan unfold.
 
Nicholas chuckled softly. "I do solemnly swear that I shall not have any of my agents in our way tonight, and that my chef is not one of my intelligence operatives, but rather simply an amazing cook." He said, smiling slightly as he enjoyed the view of her enjoying the view of the city. "And no, I quite like to have women alone if their dress is coming off. Call me a jealous man." He added with a quirk of an eyebrow and a grand gesture to the table as they both moved to sit, the food prepared and waiting. He sat and leaned back in his chair, sighing softly , that little smirk still on his lips.

As she described her plan, or at least the little inklings of it, he chuckled at some comments, often those regarding Bellicus's fickle nature. "Women? Talk during sex? You may want to replace some of those employees, if she's able to talk straight." He said with a smile and a chuckle, picking up his glass of wine and taking a sip. "I'll admit I'm surprised your more religious allies aren't appalled by your ownership of that establishment." He commented, noting that fact mentally with a bit of curiosity. Despite the nature of her plan, one that was obviously well-thought out and careful, his expression did not shift from his smirking, controlled facade of mystery. "It's an excellent plan, and one I might have concocted with the same sort of information. But alas, I had a widely different base to work from, and so I fear my plan differed wildly."

He paused, then smiled broadly. "You showed me yours, I suppose I should return the favor." He commented with a chuckle. "My operatives were all people I hired and brought in off the street for a long while, and so they know the local law enforcement quite well. I would hate to tarnish any names, of course, but a great many of them have less-than-legal indulgences, secrets they want to hide, desires best kept quiet. And some of them simply are twisted and corrupt. This information, as you can imagine, is extremely useful." he paused, setting down the glass and picking up fork and knife, cutting into his meat. "And so, as long as they support me and my agents, such things will never be known by the public. Admittedly, my blackmail on the higher-ups in the force is weaker, but as long as the soldiers are mine, the leaders won't risk rebellion, hm?" With a slight smile, he stabbed a small piece of meat and lifted it to his lips, taking a small bite.

Honestly, he hadn't related the entirety of his plan just yet. That was the first layer, the net with which he was using to trap the force in general, but there were obviously a few other threats that he would have to deal with in a more personalized manner.
 
Sofia smiled the slightest bit upon hearing the preliminary steps of his plan. In a sense, Nicholas had played right into her hand. While the details of his plan were fuzzy, the broadest strokes were not. Having allowed him to return fire, she began with a more precise strike.

Sofia left her seat, having finished her meal, and slowly swayed over to her host, smiling softly at him. “Oh Nicholas, you fit the stereotypical spymaster far too well. Tell me, do all of you blackmail everyone around them, or is that simply a stereotype you happen to embody?” Sofia smiled as she reached him and allowed her gaze to linger on his eyes, lust swirling in her amidst the blue ocean of her irises.

“Tell me, Master Whisper, who are you going to blackmail when the men you’ve gathered information on have long since lost their heads?” Sofia brushed a stray strand of light brown hair from her visage and leaned in to kiss the man, a soft exchange of lips that lasted but a few moments. “Are you familiar with Viktor Kempny?”

Sofia withdrew from him and began to pace as the thrust of her plan was revealed. “I can’t imagine you are, he’s nothing more than a local constable from one of the smaller provinces of Austria. However, I think it is important you learn of him now. You see, he’s been in my debt for years due to various run ins with the law and financial issues. Suffice it to say that he has an overgrown sense of loyalty; he’d take a bullet for me.”


Sofia smiled and returned her gaze to Nicholas, arching her back suggestively and slowly returning to his presence as she spoke. “Now, Viktor was ecstatic to hear about the opening for the position of constable here in Florence. Apparently the last one had a terrible accident at the hands of some unknown thugs, quite a tragedy. Nonetheless, Viktor was able to attain the job, after I pulled a few favors of course. I’m sure he’ll be a dashing constable.”

Sofia leaned in, her breath now hot on Nicholas’ face as she spoke “Oh but I’m teasing, as you don’t really know the best part of it yet, no? Constable Kempny is surely having a thrilling night. Perhaps I’ll tell you more somewhere more private. After all, I hate to tease, but I prefer to lay it all out in a proper bedroom. I am a proper lady after all” she added with a wink. “Besides, it’s your turn. Perhaps you could regale me with more of your actions while we retire for the night?” she added with a glimmer of flirtation in her eyes, a slight wave of anxiety hitting her as she began to anticipate the entertainment of the evening.
 
Nicholas leaned up as she leaned down, meeting her for the short kiss that held more passion than anything so short should. "Purely a stereotype, my dear. Blackmail simply is the most efficient method of mass cooperation, short of open threat. The lovely thing about stereotypes is that is makes people think you're predictable." He smirked, quirking an eyebrow as if to hint at things yet unsaid. He leaned back some as she spoke again. "You and I both know that if you beheaded all of the soldiers I have information on, you'd run out of spikes to mount them on." He said with a laugh, standing to join her, not pacing, but rather leaning on the balcony rail, looking over the city they both struggled for mastery of. When she spoke the name, harsh with its consonants, he merely shook his head, turning once more to face her, his expression one of complete calm, perhaps even amusement. His eyes wandered her body as she posed so carefully, so suggestively.

As the next stage of her plan emerged, his face once more held no reaction- he too was holding more cards in his hand than he had yet revealed. "Oh darling, you really think I would use a bullet?" He said, playing offended. "Nay, I would not be so crude and base. Something more elegant could, of course, be arranged for him." he said, as if offering accommodations or dinner reservations. It was difficult to say, but he might have been joking. "You do seem to find distinct pleasure in teasing." He accused as she concluded. "A proper bedroom?!" He added with false incredulity. "You know, they say variety is the spice of life." He teased back, taking her by the arm. "But how could I turn down such an enticing suggestion. Would you prefer neutral ground? There's a lovely, luxurious inn nearby that would certainly provide lavish rooms for our continued banter." He suggested, his eyebrow raised and lips curled upward.

"I must admit, a new constable is an unplanned variable, but ultimately one that shouldn't interfere with my own plans." He confessed as they wandered toward the rooftop doorway. "After all, his loyalty might be to you, but the soldiers? We all know their loyalty lies with the gold payout. They enforce the law, the city reinforces their purses. Now, do you know the easiest way to have the solution to someone's problem?" He prompted, allowing her to mill that question over for a moment as they descended the stairs. "It's simple - create the problem."

"Everything in society comes back to gold, one way or another. Now, I realized this a while ago - though then it was all about information and knowing where money was going - and managed to get an agent into the taxes and commerce meetings every year. You know, few of the people at those meetings actually care about any of the places the money goes, and don't particularly pay attention to what is being sent where." He paused as they exited the restaurant and he offered her a hand up into the carriage. "The end result is quite simple - the biannual commerce meeting is tomorrow morning, first thing. If the militias and guards don't agree to support me, it might so happen that their funds were sent to the wrong location and have since disappeared. Can you imagine a guard force working from reserve funds? They'd have to cut their numbers in half, at least, and the city would be crippled! Certainly, whoever did win the affection of the military could donate funds themselves, but such a cost would be immense!" He smiled slightly, entering the carriage behind her and relaxing against the wall.

"Now, I do hope you're running out of cards, as I've only got my trump card left." He chuckled, his fingertips wandering along her arm, sliding slowly up toward her shoulder, his eyes clearly imagining her without the fabric. His desire for her was just as clear, as his calm nature just barely covered something predatory. And that hunting posture had nothing to do with his plots and plans.
 
Sofia gave the master of whispers a coy smile. She had expected something along the lines of a financial crisis, though she had underestimated just how strong of a grip he had on the city's wealth and its allocation. She made a tsking sound and waggled her finger at him as she shifted towards him slowly, pressing against his chest and leaning forward to his ear to sultrily whisper "Someone's been a naughty boy, if only Ricardo Cupo was more careful with the city's wealth."

Sofia gave his ear a playful nibble before stepping back and eyeing him playfully. "I suppose I should lay out my last card, since you're about to do the same. Lay it all out to bare." she remarked playfully, before her hands went to her dress, shrugging the straps off her shoulders but keeping the fabric held tight against her chest as she spoke. "You see, I have no problem putting the heads of every man in the city garrison on a spike, at least the ones you have dirt on. I also have no issue with the lack of funds for the city guard. I don't need anything more than their leadership, in the form of Constable Kempny. I'd bet you like to know why, hmmm?" she smiled with a grin plastered on her olive skin.

Without warning, she allowed the dress to drop, revealing her full, perky breasts to her company for the evening. She allowed him a few moments to gape, before revealing the thrust of her plan. "I have something better than money, Nicholas my dear. I have the power of the Church. I'll admit, Monachus has yet to support my claim to the city, as he still believes there are questions when it comes to my claim, but I have managed to convince him that the City Watch was under threat. A sanctimonious fool like that could never allow the fine city of Florence to fall into dark times, and thus he's committed his band of religious zealots to backing the dear constable. Sure, they aren't as well trained as professional guards, but they already outnumber them 5 to 1. If you institute a budget crisis, I have the men in place to wait it out until I can take care of it personally. We both know the finance council is run by morons, but they're not stupid enough to leave the guards unfunded for too long. If you institute some sort of insurrection, I have more than enough zealots to put that down. Perhaps even enough to kill every guard you have under your thumb."

Sofia smiled at him. She was certain that victory was at hand for her, at least in the first part of the fight for the city. Confidence rushed forward and she dropped the dress in front of him. "I've bared my plan to you, now for you to do the same." she added with a smile, her nubile body glowing in the moonlight. "Perhaps when I control the city I'll have you disappear from the public eye and keep you at my manor on a leash. The place could use some decor" she added haughtily.

In her mind, their night together would be spent as the day had unfolded. If her plan succeeded, she would take charge, using him for whatever her whims dictated. If, by some unforeseen turn, he had won, she would end up mercy to his darkest desires. Either way, she's likely end up enjoying herself.
 
It had taken them no time at all to reach the inn as he spoke, the perfect location for their first evening - neutral, with the only upper hand being the one who won the day. Nicholas had, admittedly, anticipated this occurrence (occasionally it paid off to be cocky), and already had a room set aside for him that he led her to as she spoke. As the door closed behind them, he turned to look at her at the precise moment she dropped the dress from her torso, giving him the full view of her delicious bust, her pale skin divine in the moonlight that streamed through the window. She paused to let him gape, and he did, though perhaps not as basely as she might have desired, his eyes scanning over her body with detectable lust as he licked his lips suggestively, a smirk quirking at the corner of them.

She dropped her dress fully, baring herself as she did her plan, and he took the haughty jibe with a smile and a nod, taking the moment to enjoy the view presented to him, gloriously glowing in her entirely nude form, her curves delightful, eliciting a lustful response from his own body, a bulge that threatened to tear its way through the fabric of his trousers and overcoat.

"Well, Madame Sophia, you do have me bested this time. I hadn't expected the zealots to have as many numbers as you proclaim. You had best hope you aren't bluffing, however, as I won't hesitate to take an opportunity." He said with a smile, pacing to the center of the room. "But alas, the final stage of my plan was to graciously donate my own funds to the guards, buying them into my pocket and securing their loyalty. Which I still intend to do, of course, just in case your little band of religious warriors doesn't work out for you." He teased, stepping solidly in front of her, his eyes sweeping her nude form. "I'd hold off on buying a leash for me just yet, darling. You've won the battle, not the war. And if there's anything I'm good at, it's sneaking up from behind." He warned with a laugh.

He spread his arms, as if inviting her to his body. "It would seem I've been bested today, and it only seems fair that to the victor, go the spoils." With a small bow, be began to deftly, flick open the silver buttons of his tunic, beginning at his collar and working slowly down his chest, exposing muscled, toned skin underneath. "I am yours, Lady Sophia, however you shall have me." He teased with a little wink, his mood and energy undaunted by his defeat. After all, no man could be too disappointed with the sight he had before him, and the Spymaster of Florence had more than one plan waiting to work in his favor.

But now that night had fallen and their door was closed, the time for plans and schemes was over, and it was time for him to find out exactly what he had been wondering for the entire day - what would his beautiful female challenger feel like pressed against him, skin to skin, hot and heavy and aroused?
 
Victory tasted sweet. She hadn't bothered exaggerating the size of the zealots, she had assumed he would have an answer or would not, and when his answer was an admission of failure, a course of adrenaline surged through her. The night was hers, and now she would enjoy the spoils, so to speak.

A cool breeze coursed through the room, the moonlight glistening on her nubile form as she felt her nipples stiffen and slight bit of moistness begin to develop in her nether regions. "Is that so?" she responded saucily to his last statement, before her tone took a mocking dominance. "Tsk tsk, what is it with spies and their propensity for brbibes and blackmail? You do know there are other methods, don't you? Oh well, I'll teach you about them when I control the city and you're at my feet. As it is, I get what I want, no? Well I want you as naked as I am" she purred, stepping towards him and pressing up against him.

"Don't mind me, just surveying what I get for the night" she added with a smirk, her hands teasingly running along his chest. As he followed out her orders, she leaned in to kiss him, a passionate exchange that lingered the whole time he was undressing.

"Tell me, what would you have done to me if I had been your spoils, hmm? I'm curious" she purred, having pulled back from the kiss, and now looked up into his eyes, watching him curiously.
 
Nicholas merely smiled as she mocked him and his tendency for bribes and blackmail, already knowing he would have to best her the next time. Her declaration that she wanted him naked as well, made him chuckle. "More than happily." He said, finishing the last few buttons on his tunic and dropping it to the floor before she pressed her nude body to him, hands running his chest, an action that made his arousal grow stiffer and harder in his trousers, obvious now that she was so close.

Then she kissed him, a hot, passionate moment as his slightly-parted lips played with hers, his hands unclasping his belt and dropping it to the floor as well, his trousers with it. From there it was a simple task of kicking his clothing and boots off and away without a second thought, his hands lingering on her hips and pulling her against him. She withdrew, however, pulling back from the kiss, and teased him with a question.

"Well, I think I would have liked to see you on your knees, with me in your mouth... From there, who knows? The other thing spies tend to have is a propensity for dungeons, ropes, shackles. Perhaps I might have had to restrain you and tease you for a long while. I'm sure with enough time even you would beg for me..." His words lingered with lusty intent, as if he was describing a fantasy he had every intention of making reality at their next encounter.
 
The idea of being his turned her on, as her mind wandered at the possibility. However, she was far more turned on at the ludicrous wealth and power she would have at her disposal, as well as a chained spymaster she could play with if she was ever bored with running Florence. Sofia made a pouty face, pushing her lips and pretending to emphasize with him. "What a sight that would have been, Sofia Fortem, her hands bound, her mouth gagged, and bent over a table, being had every which way by the Spymaster of Florence. It's too bad that when the city is mine, it'll be you on your knees, hands bound behind your back, pleasuring your owner" she smirked at the thought, before kissing him once more.

I don't wish to linger here too long, however. I wasn't wholly prepared for a victory, I suppose I thought you more crafty than you really were. However, when I imagine you and I will be clashing for control of the wealth of the city in a few weeks time. Let me have you over for dinner. I have a nice, quiet and secluded dungeon that you would adore. When I win, I'll have plenty of fun toys around me to try on you" she purred in her Italian accent, lording her victory over him further.

"For now, my dear, I shall fuck you how I like and call it a night. Speaking of which, why don't you get on your back. You belong below me, after all" she added. Her style of dominance was mostly gloating, but it suited her for now. As he lay on his back, she leaned over to kiss, her ample breasts hovering inches above his chest, her back arched, and her toned backside sticking out. "Grope me, Nicolas. I want you to feel what could have been yours, before I feel what I'm going to use while I'm Queen of Florence" she purred, allowing her curvaceous nubile form to lay at rest while he had his feel. "Mmmmm, tell me, what color collar would you like when I finally win?" she added, continuing to prod him with her newfound arrogance.
 
Nicholas merely chuckled. "While I don't mind the idea of pleasuring you, I do prefer it to be on my terms. We'll see who is on top in a few weeks time, and perhaps I'll happily put that dungeon to use myself." He said with that sassy little smirk he had given her several times before, though it melted away as she kissed him again, silencing his words.

She ordered him onto the bed and onto his back, her words gloating and pretentious, full of pride with her victory for the night. She approached with catlike grace, her nude form hovering over his, the curves of her breasts so close to his skin as she instructed him to feel her, touch her, explore. "Happily." He almost growled, his hands sliding up her legs and over her hips. One explored the curve of her rear, drifting between her legs to slowly and softly caress the inner curve of her thigh. The other hand flowed up, pressed gentle and flat against the arch of her back, enjoying her form as it found her soft side, stroking the hourglass curve before sliding across her flat stomach. Then upward, in a fluid motion, he cupped a full breast, thumb brushing over her perky, pink nipple, teasing with a touch. Her exposed nature and passionate proximity brought his manhood to a throbbingly erect state, ready for her to enjoy however she pleased.

"If you think a mere collar will hold me, I think you might be deluded." He said, lunging up at her to playfully and aggressively bite her lip, not content to merely be played with and ordered about. "You, however, would look lovely in just a collar..."
 
Sophia smiled at him, her whole attitude infected by power. She had bested the spy, and overestimated him at that. Florence was as good as hers in her mind. She might as well go and find the perfect collar that matched his eyes. She smiled down at him as he had his feel of her, enjoying the attention he paid to her curves before responding to his quips and jabs. "Oh Nicolas my dear, you will get to use the dungeon." she smirked as she continued, her tone dripping with sardonic wit "I'll try all the devices on you, as I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I'll even get your collar for you, the one you'll wear when I own you and the rest of Florence"

She purred as she brushed away his hands, taking charge of the scene now. "That's enough touching. If you wanted to grope me you should have come up with a better plan" she quipped, grabbing his wrists and placing them behind his head. "Now be a good boy and lay there. I want to try out my eventual servant" she purred, lowering her entrance upon his rock hard manhood, slowly allowing him to push inside of her.

Her pace started slow at first but then picked up, riding him faster and faster as she enjoyed the feeling of him filling her. Then, as she felt Nicolas begin to find a pleasurable rhythm, she planted herself all the way down on him and stopped. "Tell me who owns you right now, Nicolas. Beg for me to continue" she purred, a satisfied grin plastered on her face.
 
He merely chuckled. "Mmm, one little victory and it all goes to your head. Best be more careful than that..." He warned teasingly, fingers briefly pinching her nipples roughly as she taunted him about the collar, a sassy smirk across his lips. Then, in a swift movement, she pinned his wrists above his head. He was strong enough that he could have resisted her, but saw no reason to as she slowly took his long, throbbing length inside her wet, hot slit. He groaned, back arching in pleasure even as she slowly began to ride him

She began to move more quickly, clearly working up to the perfect pace for her, and he soon found the perfect rhythm to rock his hips where the ridges and walls inside her felt divine as she rode his thick, pulsing cock. However, that seemed to be the very thing she had been counting on, as she suddenly plunged him deeply inside her and froze, unmoving. He let out a low growl of frustration, hips bucking lustily. Her demands met with only a horny growl. "It'll take more than that to make me beg." He breathed, aroused but by no means defeated. He had no intention of giving her both the satisfaction of being the victor of the day and reducing him to a begging, lusty, horny creature that would do anything to have her fuck him.

Not yet, anyway. He was aroused and she felt delightfully tight, hot, and wet around him, but he knew she wanted to have him inside her, to ride him, as much as he wanted her to do so. That much she had made very, very clear throughout their evening together. After all, their flirtation and their plotting had gone oh so sweetly together, and it wouldn't be right if he didn't give her a little bit of that competition and conquest in bed as well.
 
One little victory was the biggest understatement he could make in her mind. She controlled the men who enforced the law of Florence. In essence, she was the law. He would regret his hubris, having allowed her such an easy victory. It was one of a required set of victories, but a war could very easily be won in the first clash. She knew that she now had the momentum, and considering how lackluster his plans had been, she doubted he could ever snatch it back.

"That's fine. I don't have the time nor patience tonight to make you beg. After all I'll have plenty of time to break you down after I seize the rest of the city" she purred, before slowly pulling out of him, looking down with a wicked glean in her eye. "Since I won the night, I think it's only fitting that I finish first" she added with a knowing smile. Sophia then crawled forward, so that her entrance was now hovering above him, looking down at him with an austere authority "Finish what I started, Nicolas dear" she purred, already close to an orgasm.

Sophia had a devious plan in mind, and she was almost too proud of her own wicked mind. She wondered if the spymaster had any idea what it was. Considering how dull he had been in this first bid for power she doubted it. His defeat and eventual submission would be a cake walk.
 
She removed him from her slit with tortuous slowness, her hot, tight sex releasing him as he moaned in frustration. But as she shifted herself forward, positioning her hip directly above his face, he easily got the idea. He wouldn't complain about being in this position at all, and accepted her instructions without hesitation.

His hands ignored her previous directive and slid up her soft legs to pull her hips down onto his mouth, his tongue lapping at her wet, slick slit, a soft moan of appreciation and pleasure vibrating along his lips as he tasted her arousal. If he had any indication of her plans, he certainly wasn't too concerned, and was more than happy to enjoy the moment that he was in, without too much concern for the moment that came afterwards.

When it came to the power struggle, however, he was not quite so carefree. He now had an excellent understanding of his opponent, and intended to use every bit of information he had cleaned from tonight's loss for the next confrontation. After all, sometimes a loss teaches more than a victory, and information was his best resource. It was what he prized above all else, and it was what set him above her. He knew a great deal about this city, and little would stop him from seizing it.
 
Sofia arched in pleasure, enjoying the deft tongue below her. He'd be a fine prize to keep after her conquest was complete, even if he was a bit lippy at times. "Oh Nicolas, you're much better at this than scheming. Maybe you could be a professional whore" she moaned as she felt herself slipping into an orgasm. Her whole body convulsed and her moans filled the room as she pressed her hips down on him. She slowly rode his face as she came down the highest of highs, allowing herself to fall back off of him and roll to his side.

She panted for a second, before looking over at him "I guess it would be decent of me to finish you" she added frankly. She smiled at her own wicked maneuver before standing up and walking over to her dress, slipping back it on as she offhandedly set up their next encounter. "My villa in two weeks time, Nicolas. We can have dinner and celebrate my victory there. Maybe if you're a good boy I'll reward you" she added with a wink before walking out of the room and signalling a servant to fetch her carriage.

She had already begun to consider the toys she would fill her dungeon with more than the actual scheme itself. After all, Nicolas was an uninspired spymaster with little flair for the dramatic. There was no need for caution against an opponent who had already shown such a lackluster plan.
 
Nicholas enjoyed her orgasm as she moaned and squirmed atop him, her sex pressing down into his mouth and tongue as he licked her, moaning softly in response. Her riding his face was a hot, intense, and deeply arousing scene, one that ended all too soon when she rolled off of him, panting softly for a moment.

When she had recovered, it became abundantly clear she had no intention of finishing him off as she dressed and assigned their next date, a decent time away. With a soft growl of displeasure, frustration, and lust, he watched her go, all the more determined to seize victory at the next opportunity. He would not be defeated yet again, not by her. And he would most certainly put her in her place. He had enjoyed their little banter, but now he had no intention of playing nice or safe with the lady.

Little Lady Sofia was about to learn exactly how rough and dangerous he could be. Not that he would show it until the final victory of his plans, however. One had to keep up appearances of being a proper gentleman.

And so he dressed once more, leaving the inn after calming down some, returning to his own manner. Once there, he called upon his small council of advisors and close friends to determine how they should proceed, and who would take the falls in order to make up for their losses. A plan formed, once that would eventually lead to him being on top.

Of Florence, and of Sofia.
 
Two weeks came and went and Sofia had laid plans to take control of the wealth of the city. Everyone in Florence who held any modicum of power knew that trade and the blacmarket flowed through Ricardo Cupo and his contacts. She knew there were several paths to victory in this case, though none of them immediately jumped out to her as they had in the fight for the police. However, she was very confident that her plan was enough to beat the typical blackmail and subterfuge a man like Nicolas employed.

The dungeon was set up, but so was the dinner table. They were to spend the night in a villa on the outskirts of Florence, a picturesque place that was beset with rolling orchards and gentle green hills. As the sun set, she saw Nicolas' carriage roll up and she walked outside to greet him.

Her attire was just as risque as last. She wore a plain dress that was cut at her knew and showed a fair amount of cleavage, the red hue fitting her fiery temperament perfectly. In essence it was a summer dress, a risque choice for the time, but once again her present company was not the kind of man who cared about the dull decorum of the era. Sofia herself cared even less; when she ruled Florence she would wear what she pleased. "Hello Nicolas" she greeted him with a warm smile, a bright chuckle elicited as she recalled the nasty trick that had ended their last encounter. "Come inside won't you, I've had the table laid out already, so that we may dine and discuss right away. I'm sure you're eager to be rewarded after my inevitable victory tonight" she quipped, offering her hand out so that he could escort them to the outdoor patio.
 
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