In The Name of Love

Trying to interview Prince Casimiro is like pulling teeth, or trying to do fancywork embroidery in the dark. Minna bites her tongue so hard she tastes blood trying to hold back her frustration as the Syazonian prince swaggers around the Hall of Private Audience. She imagines he’s looking for something shiny to check his reflection in, which she is thankful he does not find. As things are, it’s clear that he’s constantly shifting to afford Minna the best possible view of his muscles at all times, and that he believes he is Chuezoh’s gift to womankind.

“Tell me about a time when you were frustrated with someone or something. How did you resolve that situation?” Minna asks, hoping he’s too self-absorbed to recognize the tightly controlled frustration in her voice. If only for her father’s sake, she would prefer not to offend this most irritating of the Syazonian princes.

“Emiliano used my best crossbow to go hunting and I thrashed him,” Prince Casimiro answers, striking yet another pose to highlight his chest and arm muscles.

It’s all Minna can do not to roll her eyes.

The rest of the interview only serves to further prove that Prince Casimiro is unfit to wed Minna, and that Syazonia has much to fear if he should ever inherit his father’s throne. The entire Aethyrozian Royal Family, even King Ansgar, breathes a collective sigh of relief once the Chief Royal Steward has escorted the prince from the room.

“Are you sure we can’t send him home before his brothers, dearest?” Queen Ingrid asks her husband.

“Very,” the king replies through gritted teeth. Emrik groans for the umpteenth time that morning.

“Finally we have Prince Adalberto of Syazonia!” the Chief Royal Steward announces as he comes back into the Hall of Private Audience with the eldest Syazonian prince following behind him.

The last one, Minna tells herself, surveying the tall, handsome prince with his well-groomed coppery beard. He’s about seven years older than Minna, an age difference that scares her, but Queen Ingrid recommended him over most of his brothers, and the sadness in his dark eyes intrigues her.

“Thank you for receiving me, Your Majesties, Your Highnesses,” Prince Adalberto greets them with a stiff half-bow.

“Thank you for your patience, Prince Adalberto, and welcome,” Minna replies. “Your swordsmanship yesterday was most impressive. Do you spend a lot of time practicing swordplay?”

“Whenever I have the time, Princess Wilhelmina. It is a comfort to me.”

“Would you perhaps be willing to offer Prince Emrik tutoring in swordsmanship? He quite admires you.”

“I would find that a welcome distraction. Simply name the time and place, Young Prince.” He dips his head towards Emrik, who squeals in delight and starts to thank him, only to be silenced by a look and a ‘shhhhhh’ from Queen Ingrid.

“You are most gracious, Prince Adalberto. Thank you. But I must ask…. You said a welcome distraction. From what, exactly? If your accommodations are lacking or—”

“Nothing of the kind, Princess Wilhelmina. Adelhyod is lovely, and I have wanted for nothing material since my brothers and I arrived. I seek a distraction from grief.”

Minna bites her lip. Do I ask? I have to know. It seems to be crushing him. But the last thing I want to do is cause him more pain, she worries. “Forgive me for prying, Prince Adalberto, but as you are here contending for my hand in marriage, I would be…most thankful to know the cause of your grief.”

Prince Adalberto’s spine stiffens and he squares his shoulders. “I suppose it will not surprise you to learn, given the age difference between us, that I have been married once already. Her name was Valeriya, Grand Duchess of Khandazar, and though our parents arranged the match and we met the day before the wedding, she won my heart within a fortnight of the solemnities.” His expression softens as he speaks of her. “We were well-suited to one another and spent most days together, riding or going for walks or even just reading in my study. And then my dear Valeriya became with child. We were overjoyed, anticipating the birth of our child, but then…when the time came….”

He swallows hard. His shoulders quiver. Minna aches for him. “There was so much blood. Her screams still haunt me. The apothecaries and midwives said they did everything they could to ease her pain, to save her, but it was all for naught. She was gone, and our son with her. You will forgive me, but I still mourn her.”

“I am so terribly, deeply sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how dreadful that must have been, nor how it must still pain you. Was this loss…recent?”

“What month is it now?”

“Bretor.”

“It was in Mirtor. The wind was howling and there was snow on the ground.”

Four months ago, give or take, Minna realizes in horror. How could his family have seen fit to send him here so soon?!

“Chuezoh have mercy,” Queen Ingrid breathes, voicing Minna’s feelings. “And yet your parents sent you here—”

“Enough,” King Ansgar interrupts.

“As the Crown Prince and the heir to the throne of Syazonia, it is my duty to remarry and produce an heir. I could not stomach the idea of asking for the hand of one of my Valeriya’s sisters, and so…I am here.”

Minna’s eyes lock with Prince Adalberto’s. She feels like she is truly seeing him for the first time. He knows his duty. We would understand each other and respect each other, but I would never replace Valeriya for him. It would be a hollow marriage, without any hope of romantic affection.

“Forgive me for prying into your personal tragedy. The remaining questions should be less…difficult. Do you enjoy music at all?”

“I like to listen to it, and I have enjoyed dancing in the past, but I have little aptitude for playing any instrument.”

“What would you consider a just cause to start a war with another kingdom?”

“There is no cause great enough to rob others of their loved ones through the violence of war.”

“How would you handle a revolt amongst the common people?”

“By listening to their complaints and taking action to better their lives. A civil war and violent suppression are to be avoided at all costs.”

“Even if what they want is not in your power to give them?”

“What could inspire the common folk to revolt against the crown that the crown could not rectify?”

“Perhaps if they objected to your religious beliefs and policies, or something of that nature.”

“The needs of the people ought to come before the religious convictions of their sovereign. Rulers are entities as much as people, and must set the self aside for the good of the kingdom.”

It is clear to Minna, as she continues and concludes her interview with Prince Adalberto, that he is level-headed and mature and that the loss of his Valeriya has deeply affected him. Of the five brothers, there is not a doubt in her mind that he would make the best king. But we do not share personal interests as Lisandro and I do, and he is still heartbroken…. she debates with herself. He would be good for Aethyrozia, and he will be great for Syazonia, but I am not convinced that he can be the best choice, out of all these suitors, for me.

But there is still time, Minna reminds herself, to learn more about her suitors and make a more informed decision. She knew before this interview that Prince Adalberto would be staying for the Ball.

“Well, Minna. The Questioning is over,” King Ansgar points out once Prince Adalberto and the Chief Royal Steward have left the room. “Do you know which suitors will stay for tomorrow?”

“If it please you, Father, I would prefer to discuss this over supper,” Minna answers. “For now, as we have some time, perhaps I would be permitted to take a walk in a courtyard or spend some time with my instruments, to get some fresh air and clear my mind?”

“Whichever you please, as long as Fifi and at least two of your maids are with you,” Queen Ingrid allows before her husband can speak. “Take care that none of your suitors seek another audience with you.”

“Of course, Mother. Thank you.”