Have a Talk With Dietrich

You just woke up from a rather restful night's sleep. The monastery had humble and simple beds. Nothing to complain about for sure but nowhere as comfortable as beds made for kings. You find a sense of longing for your old monastery and its priests. You miss it. It was your second home and the priests have always been kind to you. Kind and reasonably fair. Even though you'd experience your fair share of corporal punishment for deeds of disobedience.

You get off your bed. You open the doors leading to the balcony of your room and you take in the fresh morning air. You look down and observe the city, your city. The busy capital of your relatively small kingdom. Someone knocks on the door and you leave the balcony. "Come in," You command. A manservant enters with a tray of your morning meal. "Good morrow to you, Sire. Your first meal of the day at your pleasure." You thank the man after he places the tray on your small round table where you eat your meal alone and in peace. The man leaves your room.

Now that your belly is filled with needed food, you do your other morning necessities before heading off to find Dietrich. That man did have something to talk to you about and it's best not to postpone it. Thankfully, ever dutiful Dietrich is also done with, with his morning necessities. You find him ready to talk to you. He offers you a seat on the front side of his table while he remains standing.

"Lord Dietrich, you have candidates for me to choose from and marry, correct? Well then, let's not waste time and get on with it. Who do you have for me?"

Lord Dietrich is pleased with your willingness to your duties. "My King, I have four noble ladies in my list who could prove to be a match for you and worthy Queen. Each one bringing benefits of varying kind. All, if used wisely, would bring the Kingdom of Ostgrenze to higher standing among the continental powers."

"Please." You request.

"First is the Duchess Eliza. At twenty-four years of age, she has very recently inherited her family's lands. Her father had no legitimate sons who he willed it to her."

"Good man," You comment.

"Quite. Continuing on, she is clearly older than most maidens and eligible noblewomen but her lands are very wealthy and is part of the Confederation." You rub your chin at the piece of information, "Hmmm... that is convenient."

"Indeed it is, Sire." Dietrich nods with approval of your insight. "But her wealth is more than enough to have drawn the attention of several other suitors which means-"

"Blah!" You bellow as your face contorts in displeasure. Venom is laced in your words. "Competition! I so loathe competition." Your anger then quickly dissipates followed by a sigh, "But I reckon we can't have it easy all the time."

"Wise words, Sire." Dietrich comments.

"Maybe. Doesn't mean I have to like it." You scoff. Dietrich puts down Eliza's scroll and picks up another and unrolls it. "The second is Lady Camilla the daughter of Duke Renard."

You hum at the familiar name, "Duke Renard, is he not one of my father's most powerful subjects?"

Dietrich's eyes widen briefly. "Someone has been taught about certain men by the priests and monks." Your most loyal Lord is impressed, "Indeed he is, Sire. Duke Renard was one of your father's most powerful subjects. With his ****, the Duke is now one of YOUR most powerful subjects."

"Marrying his daughter could help to ward off any scheme to steal my throne. A most prudent and pragmatic option."

"I agree, Sire, I agree. But you have not yet heard of the third noblewoman. I present to you the choice of Lady Sonya. She is one of Elector Jan's daughters. Marrying into his family could very well be the first step into Ostgrenze leading the Confederation."

"Mayhaps," You frown, "But Elector Jan is said to be rather stubborn Lord. Marrying his daughter may not guarantee his vote."

"I must say I am most impressed with you just how much you know of these men. You must have been paying much attention during lessons in the priesthood."

"Please don't give me too much credit, Lord Dietrich. I still have much to learn."

"And modest too." Dietrich noted. "Very well, let us proceed to the fourth and final noblewoman. Here we have Princess Helga from one of the Northern Kingdoms, the Kingdom of Daynland. She is just one of King Rorik's many children born from one of his concubines. Which one?" He said with a shrug of his shoulders, "That I really can't say but I've heard she's inherited her mother's beauty. So do with that piece of information what you will? With her father's ****, her realm has descended into civil war between her siblings. Marrying her could allow you to press her claim for her crown..." He takes a breath, "if you're into such politicking." Lord Dietrich placed his hands behind his back. "How shall you proceed, Sire?"

"As you know, my Lord Steward, my mother will marry soon. The royal family will travel to Lothelsabourg for the wedding and the official signing of the treaty which will recognize the union of the Kingdom of Ostgrenze and the Arch Duchy of Lothelsabourg."

Dietrich responds while nodding his head, "Indeed. I shall be accompanying you and the rest of the family." You return with a nod of your own. "Of course, going to Lothelsabourg for the wedding will take the time you could use to court one of these ladies. As far as Lady Eliza is concerned, time is of the essence."

You look down on the table, your eyes shift slowly left and right as you think it over.