All The Kings Men

Chapter 47 Kings Thoughts

Prince Edmund stood tall with his chest out. I could tell he was trying to look confident but it was very easy to see that he was very nervous. "Thank you so much for your hospitality this holiday season."

"We have loved having you." I smiled hiding a laugh. I knew why he was here and I wondered why he was beating around it.

"As you know I have had eyes for Princess Rose since I was a young lad. I think she is absolutely beautiful and smart and kind." He started.

"I couldn't agree more." I replied.

"And I think that your mother has done an excellent job educating her not only in royal practice and ladyhood but being well rounded and culturally aware." He went on.

"She has traveled a great deal in her young life." I held in another laugh.

"And all those qualities I am look for in a Queen to rule my country of Canaba." Finally he got to the point. "I would like to ask you King Silas for your contract for Princess Rosemary's hand in marriage."

There it was. The moment I knew was coming since the second he arrived. The moment my mother had been plotting and scheming for.

"Ohhh this is so wonderful !" My mother squealed. She clearly had been lingering at the door for what should have been a private conversation. "A spring wedding sounds amazing."

"King Silas has not spoke." Queen Tiana followed in after her with an annoyed expression. Both obviously had followed Edmund to my office chamber.

"I do believe that he doesn't need too." My mother huffed crossing her arms. "We are thrilled of this match."

"Yes by law he has to approve of every marriage under his kingdom even royal ones." Queen Tiana said eyeing my mother with disgust.

"If I didn't know any better It would sound like you are hoping my son says no." Mother said even more cross.

It was Queen Tianas turn to cross her arms "I'm saying that we aren't ringing the church bells yet."

"This was supposed to be a private conversation." Edmund raised his voice. "Between two rulers nor their mothers."

"Mothers make kingdoms operate my dear." Mother fanned him off. "The sooner you understand that the better."

"How dare you." Queen Tiana gasped. "Unlike you I've raised my children to be the rulers they were born to be not hindered them with my own motives."

"So now Rosemary isn't good enough for you?" Mother replied.

"I did not say that." Queen Tiana sighed. "I'm saying she is a lovely girl DESPITE you."

"Excuse me?!" Mother started.

"Enough!" I stood and shouted. "Edmund is correct this was to be a private conversation between two men. But since you all are here...I'll inform you that I've already made up my mind on my answer."

"Of course you have dear." Mother smirked. I eyed her with a glance that let her know to stop talking.

All eyes fell on me. Edmund looked as if his heart could be crushed at any moment. Tiana eyed me as if willing me to go against my mother. Clearing my throat, I swallowed hard. "I plan to bring our kingdom into a new era. One where every member is happy. I will not give or deny you permission because it is NOT my choice. If Rosemary chooses to accept your proposal then I will sign off on the contract. If she doesn't then I will stand by her. She is free to choose her heart."

"You can not be serious." Mother coughed.

Tiana smiled up at me with an approving glance while poor Edmund looked confused.
Mother began to turn and try to exit the room. "Guards !" I called "please escort my mother to her morning tea. She is to remain in the glass room until I tell you otherwise. "