Betrothed to Trouble

Chapter 22 - Conflicted

Hi!! I’m back!

               

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” the booming voice of the Royal Advisor echoed loudly in the hallway, alarming King Frederick who was on his way to the luncheon with the Freygardian Royal Family.

                “Phillipe!” King Frederick exclaimed disapprovingly, using the Advisor’s name carelessly only on occassions when they were alone – for they have grown up together. However, his irritation at his friend’s lack of indiscretion was quickly quelled by the surge of hope he felt in his heart at the sight of the letter in Phillipe’s hands, which bore the royal seal of France. Shooting a quick, cautious glance at his surroundings, the king quickly strode over to meet his trusted colleague halfway.

                “What is it?” he immediately demanded in an urgent whisper. “Have they agreed to help us?” His heart pounded at the thought of a salvation for his country, and for his beloved daughter from the clutches of the treacherous Freyrgardians.

                “Frederick, the French has agreed to help!” Phillipe gasped, panting from his rare exertion. “Though not directly, as you have signed the legal, binding agreement with the Freyrgardians on the marriage of your daughter to the crown prince of Freyrgard and the terms it entails,” he explained.

                “What do you excatly mean?” King Frederick demanded impatiently, clearly not following his friend’s logic.

                “The treaty you signed did not specify peace in its wordings. It simply demanded Ansodria’s military and agricultural support to Freyrgard. Hence – ”

                “Yes, but King Alekzander had made it very clear what he wanted. If the treaty is  ever broken, they will attack,” the king protested, getting more and more annoyed by the minute.

                “I understand that the terms of the treaty has been legalised by the French monarchy, and not even the king could revoke it, as it is lawfully, correct. However, on the other hand, the France are able intervene direct unwarranted attacks on its subsidiary kingdoms,” Phillipe tried to explain as patiently as he could.

                “This is utterly ridiculous! You want us to start a war?” the king exclaimed incredulously, clearly thinking that his partner must have lost his wits. “Give me the darned letter. I will read it myself,” he snatched the letter from the Royal Advisor’s trembling hands.

                King Frederick read the letter feverishly, clutching the paper with his pale, unsteady fingers. His eyes darted from left to right in almost a dizzying rythm, his lips mumbling the words illegibly, unable to keep up with his speed. The contents of the letter was what he would have never expected. The French were known for their cunning schemes and complicated bureaucracy, but this; this was outrageously simple. Yet, noone had given it a single thought.

                “So, if,” the king began cautiously, lowering the letter slowly to look into his advisor’s expectant eyes. “If the marriage is annulled, the treaty is void?” he slowly enunciated, as if he could not believe what he was saying.

                “Technically, yes,” Phillipe broke into a broad grin, which however faded as he continued his sentence. “However, a royal marriage can only be annulled on one condition,” he added grimly.

                The king however did not seem to share the Royal Advisor’s worry, for he had burst into a rich, hearty laughter that bounced off the walls in glee. Surprised, Phillipe could only watch as his friend threw back his head again and again, emitting a sound he has not heard ever since his daughter left for France years ago.