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The Love of a Good Man
Chapter Two
The Right Man for the Job
“Uncle Hibard!” A young man stepped out of a carriage and into Hibard’s embrace on the front steps of the palace. “It’s been so long since you came to visit you. Have you shrunk?”
“Lorenzo my boy so good to see you! And no it is not I who have shrunk but you who have grown. The last I saw of you I was at least a head taller than you and now you are towering over me. And so handsome too! Amazing some old woman hasn’t yet managed to get you to marry one of her daughters yet. Come in, come in Lorenzo. You must catch me up on the last seven years of your life. A pity I could not witness them myself but every time I came to visit you were gone off to some wonderful place or another studying.”
“Oh I am dreadfully sorry about all that Uncle surely you forgive me for not being able to meet with you all those times.”
“Of course my lad. Come follow me. I will show you to your rooms first to get settled and then you will join me for dinner in an hour or so. Such a long journey you’ve just taken. There is so much I wish to talk to you about. But if you get tired at any point you must stop your old uncle from blathering on till your ears fall off. Come this way. Your rooms are just down the hall from mine so you won’t have to come far. In fact you come down to my room as soon as you are ready to eat and dinner will be waiting for you.”
“Thank you Uncle. You are very generous to offer for me to come visit you. I’ve always wished to be given a reason to come and see the royal palace.”
“And see it you shall my boy. Here is my room right here. And just down this hall here…is your room. Now you make yourself comfortable and let me know if there’s anything that isn’t to your liking when you come down to dinner.”
“Thank you again Uncle Hibard you’ve done so much already.” Lorenzo stood by the doorframe as his uncle produced a key and opened the door.
“Nonsense it was nothing really. Now here is your key and your room. I will see you soon.”
“Yes I won’t be too long, I am rather starved.”
“Take what time you need.” Hibard was practically beaming as he turned and walked back down the hall to his own rooms. Meanwhile Lorenzo began to gain his bearings in his new room. His uncle’s invitation had sent him flying with excitement. Being cooped up in a castle keep with his father ordering him around was not his idea of an adventure. He was only twenty four and he intended to see some of the world before he was forced to take over the maintaining of the DeMarken land. It may not be a lot of land but to Lorenzo it was a lot of bother.
With him Lorenzo had brought his trusted valet Coulto who had been his faithful companion on most of his journeying. Coulto was in his late forties by now but enjoyed following Lorenzo on his educational adventures. Lorenzo had dreamed of being able to go into the royal palace one day and meeting beautiful court ladies and conversing with the great minds of the royal scholars and scientists. To dress up and meet new people and have an adventure. A knock on the door signaled the arrival of his bags. Coulto quickly moved the bags into the room and then made to dress his master for dinner.
After finishing his toilet Coulto helped Lorenzo out of his now dusty traveling clothes and into some fresh and clean ones for dinner.
“Thank you so much Coulto I feel so much better. Please while I’m gone finish unpacking and have yourself a bath. I don’t wish to keep uncle Hibbard waiting so I will just have to wait until morning although I really wish I could have one now I fell so dirty.”
“No worries Master Lorenzo all will be ready. If you like I can try to have a bath ready for when you get back from your uncle’s rooms?”
“No I’m afraid I’ll be too tired by then. But no reason we should both feel dirty. Have your bath first then unpack. I will most likely be long while with my uncle.”
“Of course Master Lorenzo.” Coulto finished helping Lorenzo on with his suit jacket and gave him a little push out the door. Lorenzo was in no way a highly sophisticated or regal looking man but he was very handsome and extremely smart. Coulto smiled to think of the small boy he used to care for and how he was now here in the center of the country in the Royal palace.
That night, in his uncle’s rooms, Lorenzo told him about all of his studies and trips to the outer provinces. Hibard listed with keen interest to his nephew as he seized him up. All the advisors that were in on their new plan to get to the queen were suggesting men that would be suitable for the job. The queen hadn’t noticed it with her busy schedule but her palace was quickly filling up with new suitors who were ready and waiting for their chance to woo her. Hibbard was so exception and when her remember the handsome and charismatic nephew of his he had seen an opening and taken it.
“And with all these adventures you have also mastered the management of our motherland? My but you are a talented boy, or should I say man now that you are grown.”
“Well I can do it. I simply don’t like doing it. My father is rather frustrated with me over the whole thing. Which is why I was so excited to receive your invitation to come and stay with you for some time. And so far I am enjoying my visit immensely. My rooms are so luxurious and large I feel small again.”
“Good then you like your rooms. I wanted so dreadfully to see you again after all these years that I figured if I could not go to you then you might enjoy coming to see me. Plus who knows you may even find yourself a pretty lady to take home with you.”
“Oh Uncle don’t jest. I’m sure no lady in a place like this would want to come with me to my little rock hut and help me take care of chickens.” Lorenzo fancied the idea but in the back of his mind he knew that his station wasn’t nearly up to par with many and that his lack on titles would prevent any father from agreeing to having him as a son-in-law.
“You’d be surprised my boy, you’d be surprised. Now I have a gift for you Lorenzo. I have ordered a tailor to come and make a new suit for you.”
“A new suit uncle?”
“Yes for your introduction.”
“My what?”
“You introduction to the Queen. It was my surprise for you. It may not be a very grand occasion but there is to be a great party and I will ensure that you will be allowed to meet with the queen so that you may see her up close.”
“Oh Uncle Hibard! The Queen?” Lorenzo was in shock. He had imagined meeting a great lady perhaps but not a formal introduction to the queen. It was all so much to take in at once. Lorenzo began asking question after question about protocol, procedures, and mannerisms. Indeed the discussion of his introduction lasted well into the night
“Sometimes I wonder whether you realize you’re the queen or whether you think you’re simply a young girl playing dress up and queen of the fort.”
“Oh Kathleen, surely you’re not saying I should dress like a man and be a big boring flop like Daddy was.”
“God rest his soul. No I wasn’t suggesting that. Now come here and eat something before you go off. Dinner is a time from now and I know you get all on pins and needles when you haven’t eaten properly.” Kathleen held out another biscuit out as Relina draped the dress over a chair.
“Duval says they’ve found lots of men who will all be at the party. Hibbard has also informed me that his nephew will be there.” Relina said through a mouthful of biscuit. All manners and proper behavior were thrown to the wind when she was in her own room with Kathleen.
“I would think that anything that looked like Duke Hibard would be killed before coming out of his mother’s womb. Don’t forget you have the right to refuse a man if he’s not what you want. Don’t just take one because he was offered to you.” Kathleen warned. She took a sip of her teat then stood to get the queen’s slippers.
“Well I an only hope for the best. I will take my time choosing. Oh I will choose but I will make them suffer as I do it. You will help me choose won’t you Kathleen?”
“Of course Relina, I will make sure you don’t choose some country fopling who can hold his drink.”
“Thank you. Well I’m off to go sign papers and such. Do get everything ready for tomorrow night I want to look absolutely stunning. Those men won’t know what hit them when they take a look at me.”
“Are you worried about impressing these fellows?” Kathleen wondered with a smile on her lips. She bent down to help Relina with her slippers.
“No, and don’t you start suggesting anything of the sort Kathleen. I need to go, I’ll talk to you later.” Relina rushed out of her apartments and headed towards the palace offices. There were many courtiers out this time of day walking about and such who bowed or curtsied as the queen walked by. When she arrived at her office Duval was waiting.
“Oh good you’re here, I wanted to talk to you again.” Relina said. He stood as she took a seat behind her desk.
“And what did my queen wish to talk about?”
“Marriage, I don’t think I want to do it anymore. Surely there must be some other way Duval. Is it really all that bad for me to name an heir and line succession through an already existing family?”
“Your Majesty we’ve been through this several times already. I urge you to remember what I told you not two days ago about how the people would not be happy with a new family coming in and there may be so many complications. There are reasons that rulers have always tried to have children first as their plan for securing the throne.” Duval came closer to her desk. His figure had always given Relina a shiver but her father had trusted this man enough to name him ruler when he was ill and that was a lot for a king to do.
“You swear this is the only way?” Relina sat behind her desk defeated.
“Swearing is for children, Majesty, but yes I swear.” Duval leaned in. “The Men that are gathered together here in the palace are among the best in all the land. There are even some very nice foreigners whom we have approved of. The next month will be a bit strenuous but I’m sure Your Majesty can handle a few suitors. Tow of my own Grand-nephews are here as well. You may choose a man who is pleasing to you and is exactly what you want. The man you marry will have no political power or position so you may marry almost whomever you want.”
“Yes Duval I know, you explained that to me already as well. I will have a chance to meet with some of them privately first won’t I?”
“Of course! You must ensure make the right decision on this issue.”
Relina relaxed just a little trying to put the whole thing out of her mind. She knew Duval wasn’t an avid supporter and had a nagging feeling in the back of her mind that he was up to something with this whole idea. But then everyone she had spoken to had agreed with Duval and assured her that this was the best way to go about the situation. Even Renaldo had sat with her and they had found Duval’s plan to be without any loopholes or cuts of any kind. The only thing was if Relina married someone too close to her advisors things could get sticky. Hearing Duval mention his grand-nephews proved that there was some political maneuvering taking place behind this whole thing.
“Well I will have to meet these men anyways so let us not think about it right now. I’m sure there are some urgent papers that need signing.”
“Yes Majesty there are.” Duval took papers from the clerk and help the queen sort through them all.
“Dashing, simply dashing. Why you will turn more heads than the queen tonight I think. You are ready for your introduction then?” Hibbard smiled to himself as he watched his nephew check himself in the mirror. He certainly had filled out splendidly over the past few years and although his skin was a bit rougher and darker than most of the other suitors Hibbard felt the queen wouldn’t mind that so much.
“I suppose, I still worry I shall do something terrible to embarrass myself.” Lorenzo slumped his shoulders a bit then quickly straightened them along with his back. Hibard was amazed that this country nephew of his cleaned up so well, if he only spoke more like a courtier he would fit in just perfectly. But then Hibbard didn’t exactly want him to fit it. With his slightly darker country look Lorenzo was definitely not your ordinary courtier with his jet black hair and smoky gray eyes.
“Well then lad, let us go on.” Lorenzo followed his uncle down several hallways from where their rooms were located until they reached the main hall which ran the length of the palace’s main level. The hall was brightly lit and everything shone and sparkled in Lorenzo’s eyes. The courtiers were filling the hallway and starting up friendly chatter while waiting to be announced. Lorenzo stayed close to his uncle as they headed towards the main entrance into the throne room. A crier stood by the door and took the names of the people passing through and announced them as they entered the room.
“Hibard the third Duke of Frelin and his nephew Lorenzo DeMarken!”
Relina was getting bored with all the men filing past her throne. But when she heard that Hibbard had arrived with his nephew she simply had to see him. Not because she was interested in him really but she was curious to see whether or not this Lorenzo DeMarken looked at all like his uncle. She laughed to herself as she strained her neck ever so slightly to see the door and find Hibbard. Kathleen was also curious and together they searched the crowd for Hibbard.
What Relina saw left her almost speechless. If this was truly Duke Hibard’s blood relation there was no family resemblance. For although Hibard looked more like a large pig standing on his two hind legs this young man was like an angel. He was well built with broad shoulders and extremely tall. He was almost a head taller than his uncle who was of course much taller than the queen. Yet his large body frame was softened by the large smile on his face. Relina had never before thought of a man as being so good looking in her life but this man seemed to have some sort of pull over her causing her to stare at him and want to talk to him. But she couldn’t. If she were to marry this man he would be like the invisible spouse and the moment she let him get to her she was done for. She was so busy watching them that she almost didn’t realize that they were heading in a direct path for her throne.
“Your Majesty? May I present my nephew Lorenzo DeMarken. His father, my brother, is the Baron DeMarken, surely you’ve heard of him?” Hibard had led Lorenzo directly before the throne. Relina quickly tried to think of something good to say.
“Yes I’ve heard of him from my father, God rest his soul. From what I hear the Baron is a good man and I am please to meet his son.” And my future husband she thought to herself grinning. To have a man such as this around would be very thrilling. But she knew it wasn’t a good idea.
“Your Majesty, my father sends his greetings and hopes that it finds your Majesty well.” Lorenzo spoke his rehearsed line. A lump caught in his throat as he looked up at the queen sitting on her throne. She was looking directly at him and for a moment their eyes locked. He was taken aback by the probing feeling he got when he looked into her eyes, as if she was silently questioning him. And Relina was surprised that all she could find was awe. This man was not much older than her and seemingly fresh from the farm. His face seemed so clean of anything evil or political.
“His greeting does find me well. And I trust that you have been made comfortable here?”
“Yes.” Lorenzo couldn’t get his mouth to say anything else. Relina realized there must be something wrong. Could he be scared, she wondered.
“Good. I welcome you to my court Lorenzo.” Relina sat up a bit straighter symbolizing that she was finished. As the bowed and walked away Relina could help but follow the tall figure through the crowd. He was so easy to spot as he stood a head above most of the crowd. Relina looked up at Kathleen who was smiling for a similar reason as Relina.
It wasn’t as grand as he had expected it to be and his performance had been atrocious. But as Lorenzo and his uncle bowed and walked away he couldn’t stop looking at her. He found himself looking over his shoulder to have another glance at her. He stood just high enough above most of the other guests that he had pretty easy view of her on her dais.
“Good job lad, she likes you.” His uncle patted him on the back. “Now have some fun! There are hundreds of pretty ladies here who need a dance partner and I’m sure every one of them will want you to do the honors.” Hibard was not blind and he noticed the slightly glassy look in his nephew’s eyes. It worried him a little that perhaps Lorenzo may not be strong enough to face the queen but then the queen was really just a girl and no girl could resist a good looking man with a pure heart.
Lorenzo nodded then his uncle wandered off leaving him alone in the crowd wondering what he was supposed to do. Soon, however, he got the hint as a troupe of well dressed girls surrounded him and asked him questions.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you around here before.” One of them said after a quick curtsey.
“I just arrived last week, I’m visiting my uncle.” Lorenzo explained.
“Oh so you’ll be here a while then? How wonderful!” another piped in.
“Well I’m not sure I…” A man came up behind Lorenzo and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to see who it was and found an elegantly dressed lady with straw colored hair and blue eyes. She was much taller than the other ladies Lorenzo had just been talking with. She was much taller and she carried herself much differently.
“My Lord, I am Kathleen, the queen’s lady in waiting.” She made a deep curtsey and Lorenzo bowed in turn. “Would it be to forward if I were to request a dance with you my lord?” Kathleen smiled very prettily. While she was not as young and vibrant as the younger girls around her she was still a very solid figure that men could not turn away from.
“It would be an honor M’Lady.” Lorenzo mentally slapped himself for letting his country accent slip through. Kathleen presented her hand and Lorenzo led her to the dancing floor. It had been some time since he had danced at a formal occasion such as this but he did well considering. Kathleen of course was like a fairy the way she danced so lightly and with such ease. She made Lorenzo feel like frog when he forgot a step or made a slipup.
Lorenzo soon became very focused on his dancing and if he had taken yet another look at Relina while he was dancing he would have found her staring straight at him. She was almost jealous of Kathleen. While Relina loved dancing it wouldn’t have been very appropriate for her to skip down off her throne and ask Lorenzo to dance with her. But if this weren’t such a political game she knew she was playing she would have rushed to have a chance to talk to him more. She rather like the way his words sort of slipped together in his slightly country accent. It made him special.
For a short moment Relina was distracted by Lord Duval and his two grand-nephews. One of them looked like a younger version of Duval which made Relina shiver at the thought of him being her husband. It would be like having Duval for a husband and she didn’t think she could deal with that. But the other one was not so bad. He had the courtly fair skin with his hair slicked in the fashion and his blue suit making him seem a little more cheerful that some of the others around. But then Relina remembered that Lorenzo was wearing a black and gray suit and he looked positively radiant because of his smile and the way his eyes seemed so excited.
“Your Majesty my grand-nephews Richard and Simon. They are cousins and their mothers were both sisters of mine.” Duval didn’t even need to mention their full titles because absolutely everyone knew already that they were great simply because they were related to Duval who’s position at the palace was not only strong for him but it had been a family position as well running back several generations. Both men bowed deeply and extended their greetings. Relina found it eerie that Richard not only looked like his uncle but he spoke in similar tones which made her skin crawl just a little bit.
If only they weren’t related to Duval Relina might have considered taking a closer look at Simon. He seemed to have a genuine smile on his face as he greeted her and told her how much he looked forward to seeing more of her around the palace. Relina also offered a semi-genuine smile to him in return as she told them to enjoy themselves at the party. Then as soon as they moved on her eyes wandered around as she searched the crowd for Kathleen and Lorenzo.
She found them easily and sighed as she wished that it was her dancing so prettily instead of Kathleen. Kathleen knew they were being watched and knew she would be talking about this before she and the queen went to bed that night. She herself was a bit shocked when Relina asked her to go look in on the nephew of Duke Hibard. She knew it meant Relina was interested which worried her. Someone so closely related to the man who led the avid campaign against the queen could only lead to trouble. But Kathleen did as she was told and she found Lorenzo to be absolutely delightful.
“Are you enjoying your stay here at the palace?” Kathleen asked Lorenzo as he slowly began to make smoother motions and feel the beat of the music.
“Yes, my uncle has been showing me around. This place is truly magnificent, much better than any hut I lived in back home.” Kathleen laughed thinking about Lorenzo even fitting into some of the huts she had seen. He was so tall she imagined him hitting his head on the doorway and having to double his body in order to fit on any standard sized bed.
“You and your uncle are very close then?”
“Well …Yes, but I haven’t seen him for near seven years now so the relationship is still developing. But when he was still living with us back home he and I got along very well, he paid for my schooling as well.”
“I see, and how long did you intend on staying here at court with us?”
“Not too long, my father will be needing me at home. Perhaps only a couple of months and I shall be satisfied. I’ve always dreamed of visiting this place and now that I have done it I feel as if something is complete within me.”
“And are you married Lorenzo? Or is there a woman back home waiting desperately for you to hurry home and settle down?” Kathleen found it hard to believe that this man was not in any way involved with any women.
“Neither, I’ve been traveling a lot recently and a relationship can grow if there’s only one person. Probably when I go home some woman will capture me and keep me at home with our eighteen children but for now I am still a free man.”
“I understand. I myself have never thought of marriage. The queen keeps me very occupied and we have grown so fond of each other over the years that I’m not sure I could leave her for a husband. I do hope that she will find a good man here though.”
“Her Majesty is searching for a husband then?” Kathleen almost slipped when she heard his very sincere question. Was it possible that he really was just here to see the palace and had no intention of wooing the queen? She found it very unlikely and decided that he must simply be a very good actor.
“Her Majesty and her advisors have decided that it would be in the best interest of all if she were to take a husband. Although the man she marries will hold no power or great titles he will ensure that there is a line of succession. I’m surprised t how many have turned out when they heard they would have nothing but a title of prince.”
“Oh but they would have the queen! I myself wish I were of no station so that I could continue my travels and not have to worry about caring for accounts and having people dependant on me. If I had the chance to marry Her Majesty and have no duty but to be to her a good husband I would do nearly anything to have that honor.”
“So you are not here for that reason then?” Kathleen was confused, very confused. Why would Hibard introduce his nephew that wasn’t trying to marry Relina? None of it made sense to her.
“Me? Don’t be silly. I don’t stand a chance beside some of the men here. My father is lowly country baron there is no way that I am eligible to marry the queen. Besides I’m sure she would never want a man like me. Women don’t want men like me.”
“How can you be so sure? Since the prince is to have no station or power Her Majesty is looking for a man such as you. Are you sure you have no interest in vying for her hand?” Kathleen saw a spark in his eyes.
“What are you saying Lady Kathleen?” Lorenzo had this strange tugging in the back of his mind. Why was this woman asking him such questions. Surely she didn’t think he was here to try and marry the queen!
“All the men gathered here tonight are here for the opportunity to become one of the queen’s suitors. Isn’t that why you are here as well? Because that is what we’ve all been assuming.” They had stopped dancing now and were standing apart still in position. It was hard to have such a discussion and remember dance steps at the same time so Lorenzo had simply given up. Kathleen saw people were starting to notice them so she took Lorenzo’s arm and led him to the edge of the room.
“But I am only here to visit my uncle. He told me nothing about all this. I would never assume to make myself the queen’s suitor, I’m not that stupid.”
“Why would it make you stupid Master Lorenzo?”
“I know I wouldn’t have a chance that’s why. Now please Kathleen I think I’ve had enough. I’m here only for curiosity’s sake. I came to visit my uncle and see the capitol of one of the most powerful countries in the world not marry the ruler. Don’t get me wrong I would be honored to court the Queen but I know it will get me nowhere. Thank you very much Lady Kathleen for the dance but I think we’re both finished here. You scare me with the way you’re insisting that you know my intentions here.”
“Lorenzo forgive me. The party is in honor of the queen’s new set of suitors. It can only be assumed that a man such as you is one of these suitors. But if this is not the case then I will inform Her Majesty at once.”
“Wait, inform her of what exactly?” Lorenzo reached out and took Kathleen’s arm to stall her as she began to curtsy her way out of the situation.
“That she was mistaken. I was sent over here to talk to you and invite you to meet with the queen at a later date. She, as I have, assumed that you were a suitor like all the rest. But as it seems she is mistaken then I must inform her of the mistake we have made. I’m very sorry for this miscommunication Master Lorenzo. Know that you have not only my apology but the queens.” Kathleen began another curtsy and this time Lorenzo let go of her and she walked away.
Relina wanted to jump out of her skin and scream. Kathleen had been gone for fifteen minutes now and she had lost sight of them. Was she wrong to send Kathleen like that? Relina had never had to do anything like this before and she did what she had thought wise. But now…
“Majesty I have returned.” Kathleen came up behind her. A sigh of relief was in order as Relina motioned for her ladies maid to come closer.
“Well, what did he say? Is he any good?” Relina wanted to know everything.
“Not now Relina it isn’t appropriate. When we go to bed I promise I will tell you everything.” Kathleen whispered. She saw the queen was very disappointed with this answer but Relina knew Kathleen was right it wasn’t appropriate. She hoped she hadn’t done anything wrong and chased him away. As much as she was very wary of the fact that he was the nephew of one of her adamant opposers she found him so much more interesting than all the rest and she hoped that he was as different in character from his uncle as he was in looks.
“He’s not a suitor, Hibard must not have told him or he simply isn’t interested.”
“What? But why would Hibard mention his more than worthy nephew if he didn’t mean for him to be a suitor? Perhaps they want Duval’s relative in the position. But oh Kathleen did you see Richard? He looks like Duval with a skin color! The thought of marrying that skeleton…ugh!” Relina sat back on the bed and pretended to hang herself. Kathleen laughed and the queen’s antics.
“So who else is there? Surely there was one other man that interested you other than DeMarken.” Kathleen pulled Relina up so that she could undo her dress for bed.
“There was a Count. The one with all that blonde hair. You know he looked like the sun only his face was too pale.”
“Count Devon you mean? I hear he’s…nice. Also that he already has lots of children but that could just be rumors.”
“Oh, well even though I don’t want a husband who’s pushy I do want a husband who’s good. Was Lorenzo a good man Kathleen?”
“What does it matter he’s not an option.”
“I know that was very mean of that old ugly Hibard to do that to me. But I at least want to know what I’m missing.”
“Yes Relina he’s very good. I think that if he were up for the position I would encourage very much to look into him more.”
“A mistake? Lorenzo what mistake was there? Surely nothing happened last night?” Hibard hoped that the mistake he was thinking of and the mistake Lorenzo was talking about were the same thing. He had seen Kathleen talking to Lorenzo the night before and knew what it meant. Relina had taken the bait.
“The queen thinks I’m a suitor Uncle. She sent her ladies maid to invite me to meet with her.”
“Oh Lorenzo I hope you said yes!” Hibard was ecstatic. Those bastards would be pleading with him once Lorenzo was prince.
“Of course not Uncle Hibard.”
“What!” he couldn’t believe it. His thick headed nephew had just turned down an invitation to be alone with the queen. “Why not? You don’t refuse the queen.”
“I know Uncle but she thought…”
“No matter what she though you do not refuse her. I will inform her at once of this mistake and I’m sure she will be very willing to reinstate the invitation.”
“But that’s not what I wanted to apologize about. I wanted to apologize for my lack of understanding as to the occasion last night. I will not mention you but I shouldn’t make it sound as if she is to blame for last night. I should make it my fault, which in some ways it was, and I should apologize for me being that part.”
“But you do wish to meet with her then?”
“If I must. I had thought to write her a letter explaining all but if a meeting is necessary for this type of apology then I will go.”
“I will arrange the meeting. Tomorrow I will request that you may visit with her for tea if she is free, if not than some point in the afternoon. But remember Lorenzo this is your chance to talk with her. You said that is would be a dream come true to speak with the great rulers and here’s your chance.”
“I know uncle and I will. Thank you again.” Lorenzo once again turned to his glass and took a drink. Hibard finished his glass then had another one. He still couldn’t believe that Lorenzo had blown his chance to be with the queen out the window. After all his hinting and hard work he’d have to go back to the short little girl and request another audience for Lorenzo. An audience was not easy and there was a very big chance that she could say no.
“Who’s coming Relina?” Kathleen was half surprised half scared to death when Relina had come running into the room shouting.
“The interesting one…Lor…Makrie…”
“Lorenzo DeMarken?” Kathleen finished for her.
“Yes that one. The tall one with the nice smile. Oh I shouldn’t marry him Kathleen it would be awful. I like him too much.” Relina slumped onto a nearby chair and slouched. Kathleen didn’t understand the queen’s sudden change in moods. It always seemed like Relina thought it overtime with her thoughts racing one ahead of the other and sometimes they just got all jumbled up. As a child Relina could never sit still and was a horror with nearly all of her tutors. Now she could sit through reasonably lengthed meetings but afterwards she wanted to jump on the bed or play games while everyone else wanted to sleep. Kathleen had become accustomed to it in a way but it still worried her.
“I don’t understand you Relina. Would you like some tea while you explain?”
“Yes please, with milk and not too much sugar.” Kathleen nodded and went to get the tea while Relina explained herself. “ If I find him attractive or I like him then what happens when we’re married? I might not see when he’s trying to trick me then. They want me to like the man I marry Kathleen. Why do you think they’re letting so many men volunteer for the job. They’re all handsome and of good families but not necessarily the best. Most of them are very charming and more than half of them are related to at least one of my advisors. I’m not stupid I know what they’re up to. And I’m going to beat them at their own game.”
“How do you intend to do that Relina?”
“I’m going to marry a man and hate him. So if I marry a man I like than it would be completely…bad, it would be completely bad.” Relina finished her sentence with a little less than poetic end but she’d made her point which was all that mattered.
Kathleen brought the tea over and sat down across form Relina. She watched as the leader of one of the largest and strongest countries sipped in an attemptedly delicate way and accidentally dripped tea on her dress. Relina needed a man who could not only take care of her but could keep her from having to give in to her advisors. But such a man would be hard to find because while someone might genuinely care for Relina it wouldn’t be hard to give her up as a simple woman and take whatever great offer some of her advisors were willing to give to get to her.
“So why is he coming? Lorenzo I mean.”
“To apologize for something. Hibard didn’t say exactly but he said that Lorenzo wanted to apologize for some miscommunication. I really don’t care because it’s good excuse not to meet with Duval tomorrow to discuss what I thought about the suitors at the party. Did you see those awful letters they’ve begun sending me? They’re on my table.”
“Yes and I saw the pictures and notes you scribbled all over them as well. It’s not a writing contest Relina.”
“No but if that’s how they feel about me than I don’t even want to see them again. We should start a list of all the men who write me such horrible letters and tell Duval to send them home.”
“We’ll start tomorrow, so why are you so excited about Lorenzo coming if you can’t marry him whether he’s available or not?”
“Because I like the way he talks.” Relina giggled. “And he’s very pretty. Maybe I’ll need the male equivalent of a mistress…”
“You will have no such thing or so help me God Relina!”
“What? If men can have mistresses why can I?”
“Because we a better than men that’s why. Don’t stoop to their level Relina. You marry a man you can appreciate and make love to so you don’t have to find someone else to make you happy. To think that you would even suggest such a thing!”
“I was joking Kathleen. But I guess you’re not amused.”
“NO I’m not. So when is he coming?”
“Tea time tomorrow. Give me something drab to wear. Oh and something pink! Men hate women in pink.”
“So now we’re trying to scare him away are we? Relina I don’t understand you. I’ll find something for you to wear. But it’s getting late now and you should have your bath before you go to bed.”
“All right Kathleen, you will stay with us for tea won’t you?” Relina looked up expectantly at her older friend.
“Yes Your Majesty I will stay for tea.”
A/N: AgainI don't like this chapter as much but it needs to be written. Later on the story will be more intersting than all this I promise.
