You’re feeling some stress. The hero and his army have walled you up in your fortress, partially defeated your forces, and possibly blocked your escape. Morale is low, and you’re worried – although you don’t show it, of course. There doesn’t seem to be an easy way out. You have already employed Villain Tips: Escaping, but if you have enough time, there is another option.
First, you need a select group of loyal minions. Use all your resources and send out this group; you may need to pretend to attempt a break-out. Once free, this group can travel rapidly and secretly to the hero’s hometown, where his love interest will likely be. (Even if this is not the case, her location should be easy to pinpoint.)
We can almost guarantee that the hero will not have provided any protection for her other than warning her to stay safely hidden. Capturing her should be easy for your trained guards.
In contrast to our usual advice, we don’t suggest you kill her immediately. If you do this, the hero will be overcome with rage and find enough power to win once and for all. You do not want the hero to reach this state. Instead, bring the love interest back to your fortress and use her as a bargaining device. Even if the best friend and the other leaders wish to stand firm, the hero will persuade them to back off and meet your wishes. You can then escape or plan another battle, depending on your position.
Happy bargaining!