The Raven-Haired Mistress

Questions

Adler walked into the King's office room where all privy council members were sat around a table. The King stood up and Adler stood at the other end.
"I'm sure you have all made your guesses regarding the subject of today's meeting. My son has an announcement." The King gave the floor to Adler.
"Yes. Honorable council members, I don't know how many of you are aware of the terms of my marriage to the Lady Regina Mills. We were introduced to each other by our parents who then arranged our marriage. My father chose this woman for the good of the kingdom because her family was and is fabulously wealthy. Regina and I have never particularly warmed to each other. There is mutual respect, but no love. I met another woman about a month ago. She comes from nothing but that doesn't bother me. I took her in as my official mistress. I want more. So does Regina and Monroe too. I am here to petition for an annulment. Regina and I are to be divorced and then I will marry Monroe and have the children needed to succeed me in the throne in the later future." Adler took a breath. "I know there are many concerns surrounding this. I will open the floor to questions."
Almost every council member shot up his hand.
Adler picked the first one.
The man asked his question. "What of the money in the Princess' dowery? Surely this peasant woman can't pay for it?"
"Good concern. We have discussed it. My wife Regina is very eager for her freedom and has offered to pay for Monroe's dowery. She also isn't going to ask for anything in return from the divorce except for a place to live in peace with a few servants to attend her. I will be giving her the land, but the servants she will be paying for herself with all of her family's money under her bent." Adler explained. "Next question."
He examined the crowd. There were three less hands leaving only four up.
"Yes?" He pointes to another gentleman.
"Highness, I am curious of what the people think of this woman and your idea to divorce your current wife?" He asked.
Adler looked at his father for help and then addressed the man. "The people all liked Regina, but I know that they are also aware of my unhappiness, which is why we haven't had children yet." Adler answered.
"We don't know what they think of this new women since most don't even know about my son's mistress yet." The King helped him. "Those who do know her, enjoy that she is common like them and hope she will show them great kindness in the future."
"Anything else?" Adler asked.
Two hands remained up.
Adler called on one of the men.
"Sire, most generally disagree with having a woman with no title in the throne. What I want to know is his majesty's feelings on this topic?" He asked.
The King looked shocked. "This isn't my matter. I fear that if I reveal my feelings then it will sway the vote. This matter is entirely my son's."
"How can you say that when it involves the future of your kingdom?" The man argued.
"It is his future. If it is the wrong choice then it will affect him later, then it is his problem." The King replied. "There will be a vote on the matter in one month's time." He sat down. "If you don't like it, then vote no."
Adler nodded in agreement. The King waved his hand to the door to say that the meeting was over. The nobles all stood and bowed. They took their leave and Adler followed them out. He tried to listen in on conversations, but most were careful with what they said.
Adler spotted his friend Tristan in the open courtroom.
"Tristan." He approached his friend.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I need you to listen in and find out what the nobles think of my divorce. Tell me of all who oppose so that I might try and change their minds." Adler instructed.
"No problem. I'll report my findings to you tomorrow." Tristan nodded his head.
Adler then left the room and headed towards Regina's chambers. He knocked on the door and walked in.
"Hello?" He smiled as he entered.
Adler instantly saw Monroe sitting still against the wall looking as gorgeous as ever and posting for Regina who was sat behind her easel.
"Adler!" Regina shouted. "Get out! You are going to ruin the surprise." She exclaimed.
Adler put up his hands in fake surrender. "Sorry, I'll leave. Just wanted to tell you two that our plans have been announced. The voting will take place in a month."
"That long?" Regina complained.
"It will give us time to assure that all the nobles are voting yes and to make sure that the people accept my choice." Adler explained. "The month will pass faster than you think, I promise you." He backed through the door. "See you tonight for dinner." He said to Monroe and then shut the door leaving Regina to finish Monroe's portrait.