Then the Council began its business and the Prime Minister, Count
Epping, read a tentative proposition of peace, which, he said, he
understood had already been practically accepted by Titia.
It provided that Murdol should be permitted to determine for itself, by
the vote of its citizens, whether it would remain a province of Valeria
or become, once more, a part of Titia. In the latter event, Titia was
to pay Valeria the value of all the public buildings in Murdol erected
or rebuilt by Valeria, and, further, to reimburse Valeria for her war
expenses. But, if Murdol voted to remain with Valeria, then, Titia was
to pay all the cost of the war.
"I need hardly say to the Council," the Prime Minister remarked, "that,
thus far, the terms are entirely satisfactory to His Majesty; but there
is another detail, suggested by our friend, the intermediary, which is
not so agreeable. It is only a suggestion, but, I fear, has much to do
with Titia's acquiescence. It is that the peace be further cemented by
a marriage between the Royal Families of Valeria and Titia."
Then the Count sat down, and all faces were turned toward the King.
Frederick ran his eyes slowly around the table.
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