Edmund asked Rosette and Rosalina to join him for the evening meal one night in his chambers. They both arrived a little confused as to why they were meeting there instead of in the Queen's chambers. They entered and the King led them to the table. They sat and waited for the King to explain. " I know it is unusual to meet here for a meal, however I need to speak with the both of you about something important that is a family matter first and foremost." he said. " What is it, love?" the Queen asked. " I believe it is time that we found a marriage for Bethany. I know that we have been down this road before, Rosette, and those times did not work. I want the both of you to help me this time." he admitted. " What do you hope to get out of the union?" Rosalina questioned. " A good match for Bethany and a strong alliance for Mercia. I do want Bethany's happiness to come first. The match should be a prince, strong, educated and should the need arise he should be ready and willing to help her rule without overshadowing her." Edmund replied. " What countries are you considering?" Rosette asked. " Carolingia, Thuringia and maybe Jutland." Edmund answered. " Jutland would put her close to me, if my husband proves fit." Rosalina commented. " That is the reason I consider sending Bethany that far away." Edmund admitted.
" I would start with Thuringia then we can try Carolingia. Jutland would be a last resort and only after we see if Rosalina's marriage will work. The rulers of Jutland are great enemies of my family and I would rather not send my daughter into that." Rosette said. " I believe she is our daughter and I agree. I will write the King of Thuringia tomorrow and the King of Carolingia next week." Edmund decided. " How about we all contribute to the letter. Then all our concerns can be met." Rosalina suggested. " I like the idea, what do you think, Edmund?" Rosette questioned. " I was thinking the very same. Then once the conversation has been established we can allow Bethany a chance to voice her concerns." Edmund responded.
The three discussed what was important for a match for Bethany and made sure each letter reflected their requirements. The next day the letter to Thuringia was sent with the Ambassador. They had agreed not to tell the Princess until they were sure the situation had potential, Just as the response came from Thuringia Rosalina got a letter from her betrothed. The Campaign would soon end and he would be returning to Jutland.
In six months she would be traveling to get married. She seemed less involved in the choosing of a husband for Princess Bethany. She tried to seem interested but her heart was broken. Thuringia had written that their second born son was one year older than the Princess. He had a contract for a marriage but the bride to be backed out of the deal in favor of the first born of Jutland. Carolingia had also sent a response.
The first born was the same age as the princess and would be honored to have her for his wife. " I guess we could have Bethany write both Princes and see which she likes the most." Rosalina suggested in a defeated voice." Are you sure you are alright?" Rosette questioned. " Yes, I am fine. I just hope whoever Bethany marries she actually likes in some way." Rosalina responded. " We will make sure of that." Edmund smiled. " Just as if you do not get along with your husband we will find you a much better match here." The King replied as the princess arrived.
The Queen hugged her daughter and had her sit. " Bethany, Your mother, your cousin, and I have been negotiating a marriage for you. We have written to two Kings to provide a prince for you. We have two candidates. We want you to write to each prince and once you determine which you feel is a good match we can negotiate terms. Edmund answered. " If that is what you wish. What if I do not like either of them?" Bethany questioned. " Then we will look for other candidates. We do not want to force you to marry someone you do not like." Rosette responded. " Rosalina, what do you think of the candidates?" Bethany asked. " I do not know much about them. They are both are around your age. Neither have been married yet. The Prince of Carolingia is first in line to his throne, so you would have to live there. He seems like a sweet person. He plays many sports, loves flowers and is not afraid to cry. The prince of Thuringia is the second born so if his brother does not leave the throne for some reason then you could live here. He paints and writes poetry. He enjoys jousting and hunting. He also likes to sew. Both are great candidates, either have the potential of being great husbands.
You will have to get to know each of them and see which heart cries for you and which soul calls for your own." Rosalina replied. " What do you know of their acceptance of the education of women?" Bethany asked. " The women of Carolingia enjoy some education. The Prince said that he supports educating women as much as they want. He is petitioning for their universities to allow everyone, no matter gender or status, to get a good education." Rosette answered. " He heard of our project?" The Princess questioned. " Yes and he supports all we are doing to improve our Kingdom." Edmund answered. " Alright, I will start writing them tomorrow." Bethany said with a hopeful apprehensive smile.
" Rosalina, when do you have to leave?" she asked. " Six months." Rosalina said, watching the fire." Then we will have to make the most out of these next six months. Next month the triplets turn two so we are going to have to have a feast for them." Bethany suggested. " Great idea, Bethany." Rosette gushed. Rosalina smiled the best she could manage.
The feast was massive and lasted for three days. One day was dedicated to one child in order of birth. The first day was dedicated to Princess Tristana Valencia. A play was performed in her honor and music was played, the song would change if she started to cry. The next day was the Prince's day and a joust was held for him. The King even jousted just once, but it wasn't for points it was just for fun no danger to the King.
The last day was for Princess Graciela, the great hall was covered in flowers and Rosalina read a story she had written for the little Princess. Music was also played and if she cried the song would change. At the end of the feast the prince and princesses were given their own estates that they would be able to live in when they were old enough and ready to run their own households. They were all close so that they would never be too far from their parents.