Speak more with Johann

"Is something wrong, Johann?" you ask quietly. You saw the spark go out of his eyes when you mentioned his daughter.

Johann sighs, and hops himself up onto a chair, his short legs barely able to reach the floor from the seat. "Xavier, you know I think very highly of you. You were an honest and hardworking boy who's grown into a fine man, not to mention a good and honorable king. And it shames me to even admit that I've been listening to rumors, but... I understand you're seeking a woman to wed."

"It has been on my mind," you say. "Is Pia... is she already married?"

"No, she is not," Johann says. "And please understand that if you wished to court her, you would certainly have my blessing. She would make a fine wife to any man - she takes such good care of me in all the ways which are appropriate for a daughter. But... I cannot say in my heart of hearts that Pia would make an excellent queen."

"I understand, Johann, if you would rather say no more."

"No, Xavier, it is for her good as well as Elyssia that I must. Pia is... she has always had her eyes on the horizon, you know this. When we travelled together those many years ago, she could scarcely wait to see what was around each bend, who we would meet at the next village, what new wonders we might find. I allowed her to travel further without me, because I needed to return but I knew she would run off without my leave if I did not grant it. I don't know that she could live for long within castle walls, Xavier... even though I think she would do it, for you. But it is more than that. You knew her in her youth, the free spirit that she was. If anything, she has become more so over time. It is why she remains unmarried, I think; she does not wish to become subservient to any man. You know that to be a king is to serve as much as to rule, and that in many ways you must sacrifice your own freedom for the good of your kingdom. I do not think Pia will be able to make that sacrifice. I fear that she might see the glamour of royalty, and the romance of wedding her first love - and yes, that is how she speaks of you - but she will be blind to the duty and the responsibilities, until it is too late.

"But, the choice must be hers, and yours, Xavier. If I stand in your way, and she learns I have done so, she will never forgive me. In fact, you would do me a great service if you do not say to her that we had this conversation at all."

"Of course, Johann," you assure him.