Your Majesty

07

On a cool Monday morning Lord Fredrick Williams left his home to go to a gathering in Evergreen castle. Fredrick's job was complicated, decades ago his father had been given the title of Viscount Williams, as Fredrick was the eldest son it was passed to him once he had passed, and one day the same would be done for Louis. But for now Louis along with Belle were reduced to Lord and Lady titles.

His role was to be apart of the crowns wider court, a place in parliament shall we say. Not in the close circle of dukes or viscounts but still in a place of wealth and power, and that suited him just fine. He would have a say in local laws, politics etc.

He was sitting in a crowded row filled with around twenty or more other men, directly across from him was another row of twenty or more men. The group were in a large haul in the castle, one of many made for these type of meetings. They were waiting on his majesty to arrive as then they could begin. He sat in a platformed seat in the centre of the haul.

A silence spread the room as a certain man entered with a crowd of people following behind him. The room stood from their seats and bowed to the king before he took his seat. Until James Cornwall spoke, standing from his seat at the front row.

"Good morning gentleman. Today we will be discussing the visit of Princess Natalia of Spain. Who will be staying at Evergreen castle for four months, her brother King Fernando of Spain has kindly agreed to the visit. Firstly, we need to decide on the princesses lady's maids while she stays. We would like young English girls of a well upbringing, the young ladies would be staying here at Evergreen for the course of the princesses stay. Any suggestions of who we should ask?"

This was a huge opportunity for anyone, the girls would go to all social events, which would mean they would meet multiple suitable men for marriage. They would also be surrounded by royalty most of the time, not to mention a great experience. A lady's maid would be a companion to the princess. To high class to any work like a maid, but a friend to the princess, someone to talk to and care for her needs.

Multiple men around Fredrick's age stood from their seat, mostly likely offering their daughters or close female relatives for the job. He took the hint and stood, perhaps this would be a good thing for Belle. He had been trying to find a husband for her for a few months now, as she was at the age.

"Viscount Thomson" Cornwall pointed to a man across form Fredrick, he man seemed delighted to be picked to speak clearing his throat.

"My daughter Anna would be an excellent choice. Well educated, unmarried, often attends social gatherings, and of great beauty" he smiled. Cornwall looked up at the king, who simply nodded his head in agreement. Fredrick could hear the man let out a gasp of relief, he had just secured his daughters future. Cornwall scanned the room for the next person, until he locked eyes with Fredrick.

"Lord Williams, do share."

"My daughter Lady Williams. I believe she shared a dance with his majesty at a recent ball. Extremely intelligent, unmarried, of a similar age too the princess, a perfect choice." Fredrick sold the idea of his daughter like she was a pig at the slaughter. He looked at the king, and watched him became slightly interested in the conversation.

"Isabella Williams?" The king spoke, this being this first thing he had said the full discussion. Fredrick was taken aback by the comment, he was surprised he even remembered Belles name as he saw him with other women that night. In fact he saw him take a few to his bed chambers. But he did remember, he remembered her.

"Yes, your majesty" he said, then the king looked Cornwall dead in the eyes and nodded again. Fredrick was pleased, not overjoyed or excited, but pleased.

The rest of the morning and into the afternoon was filled with men offering the daughters up for the role, most rejected but a select few offered a space by that special nod. Later on the men discussed other aspects of the princess stay, uninteresting thing like her preferred meals what wing she will be staying in, etc.