"Then why not become my vassal instead?" Max asked, his expression remaining completely serious as he leaned back into his chair.
Caratacus remained motionless for several seconds, his glass suspended halfway between the table and his lips. The wine inside shifted as his fingers tightened around the stem, while his sharp green eyes searched Max's face for some indication that he was joking.
Max gave him none.
Caratacus slowly lowered the glass without drinking and placed it back on the table.
"You certainly do not waste time," he said, a disbelieving laugh escaping him as he shook his head. "You entered my kingdom only a few days ago, frightened half of my border guards into abandoning their weapons, demanded a secret path through my lands, and now you are asking me to surrender my crown."
