I did the like. There
were but three faces which did not show favor for the marriage--and, of
course, the three were the King's, Lotzen's, and mine. At least, I
assume mine evidenced my repugnance. I am quite sure I felt it.
"It is altogether useless, my Lords, for us to discuss the marriage
matter," said Frederick. "I have given my word to Her Royal Highness
that she shall not be coerced in her choice of a husband, and it shall
not be broken. So long as she weds within her circle, she may marry
when and where and whom she will. Save for that restriction, Valeria
will make peace with Titia upon the terms specified. We refused the
marriage before the war began; we refuse it now; we would refuse it
were Casimir's guns thundering without the walls."
They were good courtiers--these men of the Council--for they sprang to
their feet and cheered enthusiastically. And so the matter ended, for
the time. Altogether, I was well pleased with the doings of the
morning.
And so was Courtney, when I told him of it, over a whiskey and soda in
his library, later in the day. Possibly, I violated the proprieties in
disclosing the business of the Royal Council, but I knew Courtney
understood I was talking to my friend and not to the Ambassador.
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