The Cost: A Regal Romance

Chapter 1: Frustrations

Edmund rubbed his hands against his face in frustration. The setting sun shown brightly through the colored glass in the windows, beautifully illuminating the large table and the burden that laid before the king. He had been at it all day, hearing the constant drawl of his council in regards to proposals received by different noblemen and their countries. There had to be at least a few dozen. His council continued speaking at him, demanding he uphold the traditions of family and blood. Others protested and argued as the king rubbed his temples. Edmund knew he had to marry off his children, it would expand his land holdings as well as hopefully secure his bloodline, but did it have to be this tedious? He groaned again before slamming his fist against the sturdy wooden table.

"Enough of this! I am the King! I will decide who my sons and daughter will marry! Leave the proposals and I will look over them. Now leave me, before I have you all drawn and quartered for your annoyance. Go, please." The small flock of council members scurried away, bowing as Queen Octavia entered the drawing room. Edmund looked up at his wife and sighed, resting his head heavily in his hands.

"I heard you hollering from down the corridor, my king. Your council looked quite disheveled." She rested a hand on his shoulder as she approached him, kissing the top of his head lightly. Edmund sighed and met his wife's gaze.

"I do not mean to be so temperamental, dear wife. These proposals for our children have become more overwhelming than necessary." Edmund placed a hand over Octavia's, that still rested on his shoulder. "Our children deserve to marry for love, do they not?" Octavia sighed lightly and seated herself next to him.

"Few royals have that luxury, yes. Our children may not be so lucky. However, the hour is early and they are still young. They have plenty of time to mature before understanding what a martial commitment would mean, with or without the possibility of love." Octavia scanned over the proposals that laid sprawled across the table. "It seems our daughter may have a chance at love with all of these marriage offers, my love. Do not fret. Our sons will not suffer a loveless marriage, they are too good looking for that." Edmund chuckled at his wife's words and smiled lightly. It was true all of his children had been born beautiful and they had grown more so as they aged. He was not worried about their looks, but their mannerisms, mostly of his sons. Emelia, his oldest, was kind and fair, both in looks and heart. Emelia cared deeply for all things. Edmund had no doubt she would make a wonderful Queen, wife, and mother someday. Theodore, his middle child, was a boastful man. A bit arrogant, like his father, but his bravery was unrivaled. Theodore seemed to have little regard for his own safety yet was more self centered than Edmund cared to admit. Theodore resented the burden the crown would one day have on him, so he chose to live his life as he wished until the dreaded day came. Oliver, his youngest, however, was a gentle soul. He loved the arts and poetry. Oliver spent the days in nature. He would ride horses across the Plains of Oswen until Edmund would be resorted to sending a search party to return him home. He was glad to be free of his elder siblings' strife. Oliver loved deeply and lived with passion. This left him in a well of women, so Edmund knew finding his youngest a wife would be uncomplicated. Octavia smiled as she watched her husband's brow furrow. "Our children will find love, my king. Do not worry yourself." Edmund took his wife's hand once more and kissed it gently.

"Come, my queen. Supper awaits." He offered his hand, which Octavia took gracefully, and the two monarchs made their way to the dining hall.