It is official, Princess Carolina has made her debut and what a night it was. She was presented by her parents, King Henry and Queen Lucretia, to the court and society at large. Do not let the young princess's calm appearance fool you though, she was like all debutantes on their presentation: filled to the brim with nerves for, now, she enters the adult world and with it the marriage mart.
No betrothals were made in her infancy or childhood for fear of tempting fate. After her parents prayed and hoped for so long for a child and heir, they made no plans, and indeed, her father at least has quite liberal views on marriage, even the marriage of a princess as he has long been of the opinion that his daughter should have some power over who she is bound to for the remainder of her life. It is Princess Carolina's sole comfort as she embarks on this new journey. Well, perhaps not her sole comfort.
Lord Finchwick: Your hands are shaking, Your Highness. Allow me.
Carolina: My dear Milton.
Lord Finchwick: You know it is Lord Finchwick now. We must not offend the court as soon as you have come out.
Carolina: Too true. I do not believe you were first on my dance card this evening.
Lord Finchwick: I am not. Your mother granted me fourth place, I believe, but I cannot allow you to tremble your way onto the dance floor.
Carolina: Yes, I have a parade of more 'worthy suitors' to meet with tonight. Iff it were up to me you'd be nearer second.
Lord Finchwick: Second? You wound me, Your Highness. Have I not shown you great care and affection all these years?
Carolina: Affection, perhaps, but care? Have you cared much for anything but your music these days? Or is it your fine suits that garner the bulk of your care?
Lord Finchwick: How little you know me, Princess. Have we been apart so long? I have always cared for you, far more than many others. Who else would defy a queen and step in for a prince? Carolina: *hushed* Milton, we can't.
Lord Finchwick: You can do anything you please. You are the King's favorite and the belle of this ball. Will you not choose your own partner?
Carolina: I suppose...
Carolina could not wipe the wild grin from her face for the look in Milton's eyes was one of wicked delight. They were about to short a prince on the privilege of her first dance, and a prince with a short temper too.
Lord Finchwick: You may do well to compose yourself. We need not tell everyone how gleeful we are about our plans.
As their dance commenced with her mother glowering on the sidelines, Milton spoke with her again, close enough no one else might hear their conversation over the din of the ball.
Lord Finchwick: Do you look forward to your time as the star of this fair play?
Carolina: What time would that be? The becoming queen or my search for a husband?
Lord Finchwick: The latter naturally, I know your thoughts on the throne.
Carolina: I've dreaded it and hoped for it in equal measure.
Lord Finchwick: And your thoughts now?
Carolina: When they are decided, I shall let you know.
Lord Finchwick: I hope you do not leave me waiting long; my own future plans may depend upon your answer.
The fair princess was speechless then, averting her eyes until the end of their dance as her heart pounded. Had Milton meant what she suspected he had?
Lord Finchwick: *hushed* Do let me know what you decide, Carolina.
HRH Princess Edith recieves the First Holy Communion
The celebration took place last Sunday, Januari 16th 1910 at St. Catherine’s Churchl. The young princess was accompanied by her parents, her siblings and 150 guests from all over the country.
The ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Ilnia. Princess Edith wore a simple white dress and held a classic white bouquet, as well as the traditional brosnian ceremonial veil.
Her Majesty, Queen Edith II of Brosnia and HRH King Joseph were “very proud and happy” with the important step their daughter was taking. The princesses godmother, Queen Alice, made her first public appearance in 5 years after her sister, Lady Rachel McCallister passed away.
According to princess Edith, she has been looking forward to this day for years and believes that she is ready. She has received a full-catholic education and is expected to live under God’s law as a member of the Catholic Church.
After the ceremony, the royal family posed in front of the church for the traditional group portrait.
We all know the Goths. Do they really need the introducton? King Mortimer and Queen Bella have ruled over Simdonia side by side from their palace in Willow Creek for decades. The pair are known for the way they work closely with each other on matters of state as well as their family, operating as equals in all things.
Together they rule Simdonia, the only known Sim empire, spanning Willow Creek, Oasis Springs, Strangerville, Newcrest, and Magnolia Promenade. They possess the largest Sim military and have historically had frequent conflicts with the people of Mt. Komorebi and the Kingdom of Windenburg.
They have two children, Cassandra and Alexander, both now young adults and preparing as they have always been to take on their parents' roles as leaders of Simdonia and the world at large. Cassandra has been groomed since birth to take over as queen one day while her younger brother has trained himself to be the ideal soldier and ambassador as a good prince is required to be. They both possess the same love for knowledge that their father passed down to them. Whereas Cassandra is serious and resigned to her task of ruling Simdonia, Alexander finds himself somewhat adrift as the spare. He waits for instruction from his father but what he didn't expect was an arranged marriage, at least not one arranged so soon.
Her mother reassured Carolina as they walked to the grand salon where they would receive the Goths.
Lucretia: Keep your head high, my love, and try to hide any displeasure you might feel at this whole ordeal. I know you aren’t happy but we must try to be. You wouldn’t wish to make a poor first impression.
Carolina: I know, mother. All smiles today. You don’t have to remind me again.
Lucretia: Don’t I? You’ve been pouting for weeks, ever since we told you the news.
Carolina: Am I not allowed a period of mourning for my own autonomy?
Lucretia: So dramatic, my dear, and for what? You are the most fortunate young woman in the kingdom. You will be queen and will have the world at your feet one day.
Carolina: And yet, today, my hand has been bartered off to the highest bidder by my own father. Hardly a little girl’s dream…
Lucretia: You are not a little girl anymore, Lina. It’s time to grow up.
Carolina: So I keep being told…
In the salon, Carolina tried desperately to keep herself from trembling as they waited for the Goths to arrive. Everything was happening so quickly. She’d only just had enough time to wrap her head around her marriage already being arranged, and now she was about to meet her husband and within a fortnight she would be married. The Grand Salon might have been the largest room in the palace but it felt like it was getting smaller by the minute.
The Goths arrived with little fanfare, simply entering and bowing to her parents out of respect as their guests. It wasn’t required of them as sovereigns of their own lands, which made their actions all the more noteworthy. They were willing to humble themselves in their in-law’s home.
Alexander was recognizable instantly. Tall, dark, and handsome as predicted. Surprisingly he approached her before her parents, walking straight to her and bowing.
She had little else to do but to curtsy in response but he had just slighted her father by not addressing him first. Is this the type of man he is? Disrespectful and impolite? No one spoke as they bowed to one another. Perhaps their parents were too surprised at the sight to interfere and too curious to see how their children would get along now that they were face to face.
He offered her his hand and brought her own to his lips.
Alexander: Princess Carolina.
Carolina: Do you make a habit of not bowing to kings, Your Highness?
Alexander: Only when my wife is in the room.
Carolina: I am not your wife yet, sir.
Alexander: Not yet but you will be and that makes you queen of my life, doesn’t it?
Carolina: Queen of your life?
So this was the type of man he was: impertinent.
Alexander: Am I wrong to say so?
Carolina: Perhaps rather forward, but no… not wrong.
Alexander: I would hate to be too forward.
Carolina: And yet, you still hold my hand and speak of me as your wife when we have not known each other five minutes.
Alexander: Would you forgive me, princess? I’ve spent the last several weeks fearful of who my parents may have chosen for me, only to find you were waiting for me.
Carolina: Were you very afraid I would be undesirable?
Alexander: Frightfully so.
Carolina: Did they tell you nothing of me?
Alexander: Very nearly. What did they tell you of me?
Carolina: You were handsome and tall.
Alexander: That is nearly as much as they told me, though I suspected their minimal descriptions may have been embellished. So you see my enthusiasm is due to my surprise that their accounts of you were not exaggerated.
Carolina: I must say, I am surprised as well.
Alexander: That I am as they said? I wonder if I should be offended.
Carolina: No, I am surprised at your enthusiasm, however peculiar. I have had some trouble rousing myself over this arrangement. It all feels rather quick.
Alexander: Well, it is what’s done. If it means anything to you, princess, I do count myself fortunate to be your husband.
Carolina made a face as she almost reminded him that they were not yet married, but he stopped her before she could start again.
Alexander: Your future husband. I do hope you will come to feel the same… in time.
Carolina: It’s not as though we have much choice but I hope that I do… share your enthusiasm one day. You’ve not been what I expected…
Alexander: I hope that is a good thing.
Carolina: We shall see, Your Highness.
Carolina turned from Lord Finchwich to face the consequences of her actions but Prince Alessandro of Tartosa wasn't as cross as she expected. Had the rumors overstated his fickle disposition? He was however more handsome than she anticipated. Family letters never lingered on the appearance of their subjects and the only portrait she'd seen of him had been from his early youth. The prince before her was now very much a young man and one that took her breath away with a look.
Carolina: Your highness.
Prince Alessandro: Cousin. I was led to believe I would be given the privilege of your first dance.
Carolina: Oh, I wasn't aware. My mother hadn't said and she has full charge of my dance card tonight. It was my fault, I'm sure, for assuming the first dance would go to Lord Finchwick; we are old friends after all.
Prince Alessandro: How strange, to assume a mere marquess would take precedence over a prince, especially one of your own blood.
Carolina: A misunderstanding. I do apologize, dear cousin.
Prince Alessandro: Indeed. Shall we? Or shall you seek out another old friend?
Carolina: I must amend my mistake, mustn't I? Please, lead the way.
As they began their dance, he spoke again.
Prince Alessandro: Do you often make mistakes like this?
Carolina: No, I do not.
Prince Alessandro: Hm.
She watched him carefully as they danced.
Prince Alessandro: They said you would be clumsier.
She fought a frown.
Carolina: What else did they say?
Prince Alessandro: You were fair and beautiful. What you lacked in grace, you made up in other accomplishments, painting, music, philosophy. By all accounts, you are very nearly a paragon of all a princess ought to be.
Carolina: Very nearly.
She offered him a stained smile, not wishing to seem impolite nor completely agreeable to her cousin's slights, for he must intend them to be slights.
Carolina: I assume you have your own judgement now, do you not? Now that you've had the chance to assess me yourself.
Prince Alessandro: I have.
Prince Alessandro grew quiet and serious then as Carolina waited for any elaboration on his part.
Carolina: And what, dear cousin, is your ruling?
As their dance drew to a close, he used what momentum she had as she swung around him by the hand to bring her in close, far closer than she ought to be with any gentleman.
Prince Alessandro: A more pristine rose has never bloomed in Henford-on-Bagley.
Carolina: Oh.
Prince Alessandro: You have been surprising, and I do hope the surprises will continue.
With one final breathtaking look, he turned and walked away to rejoin his parents, leaving Carolina flustered, confused, and alone on the dance floor.
Prince Hugo of Windenburg came to call at his father’s insistence. Carolina struggled to make conversation with the timid prince but she always excelled at music.
The prince had given short answers when she attempted to make conversation with him. Running out of topics with no meaningful responses, she offered to play for him.
He listened silently as he watched her play. She did excel at the harp as he’d been told but if he was impressed or amused by it, he did not show it. She was beginning to consider making some excuse to end the visit when her song was finished but who should arrive but dear Lord Finchwick.
Lord Finchwick: Just heavenly, princess. Truly.
Without pausing, she glanced behind to give him a friendly smile in greeting.
Lord Finchwick: Do you not think so, Your Highness?
Prince Hugo: Oh, yes.
For the first time in their visit, her gentleman caller showed a genuine reaction to her playing in the form of a gentle smile even as he held his hand near his face in surprise.
Carolina came to the end of her song and Lord Finchwick applauded. Prince Hugo joined, albeit a bit softer.
Lord Finchwick: Simply marvelous, princess, but you are so much more accomplished at the piano forte. Perhaps you might treat us to an encore?
Carolina: I suppose. If Prince Hugo would like to hear another…
Prince Hugo: I would. Thank you, Princess.
The boy appeared terrified with two sets of eyes on him now, but Carolina continued playing the gracious hostess and guided the two men across the room to the piano.
Carolina found herself glancing continuously to Milton as she played, the prince all but forgotten behind her.
Lord Finchwick: She’s marvelous. Don’t you think so, Your Highness?
Prince Hugo seemed to enjoy the lack of attention.
Prince Hugo: Oh, yes. A great talent.
Carolina: I thank you gentlemen. It’s taken me many years of practice to achieve this proficiency, so it’s very good to know it wasn’t all for naught.
Lord Finchwick: No, never for naught. Any knowledge gained is a gift that cannot be taken from you. No, it is never a waste to learn something now. As you are so skilled, perhaps you could teach me some of what you know.
Milton took a seat on the bench beside her and Prince Hugo could see from the look in their eyes that he was truly forgotten now.
As they began to play together, it was apparent Lord Finchwick was no novice himself at the piano forte. It would have been a relief if he hadn’t come there with the intention of courting the princess. But he knew when he had been bested and quietly slipped out of the room, leaving them alone.
Carolina: I can’t believe you ran him off.
Lord Finchwick: Don’t act as though you weren’t wishing I would. The poor man hasn’t a clue how to act around anyone, much less women. He’ll be hopeless unless his sister can make an arrangement for him. At least she can speak to people. Hugo might as well be a ghost.
Carolina: Don’t be so unkind. He was nervous. No doubt he too was lectured about the importance of his calling on me.
Lord Finchwick: It’s not unkind to state the obvious. You know I speak the truth. If the man doesn’t change, he’ll never find a wife that will choose him for anything but his money and title.
Carolina: How lucky am I then to have someone choose me for nothing but my good nature and companionship.
Lord Finchwick: You are, Lina, and so am I. I wouldn’t touch the Crown with a twenty-foot pole if it weren’t for you. You know it’s not in my nature to grasp at power like some people, but I’ll gladly take on the role of your consort though if you’ll have me.
Carolina: Have you an appointment with my father yet?
Lord Finchwick: Yes, I spoke with Sir George and His Majesty’s secretary just before I came into the drawing room. One week from today, we’ll have our answer.
Carolina: Oh, thank goodness for that. I know many ladies dream of courtship but I doubt any other man could match the vision I have of my future. You’re truly my savior, Milton.
Lord Finchwick: It’s both of us that was saved a lifetime of searching, Lina. You’re as much my savior as I am yours. With you I know I can be myself. No titles or money could ever change that.
Alexander finds Carolina alone in the drawing room, Spring 1770
She thought it would make her fears go away once she met him. That was silly though, she thought, that just meeting him would dispel her worries. She still didn’t really know him and for whatever few expectations she actually had, he had upset them and surprised her. Several days passed after their first meeting during which they were always accompanied by their parents who more often than not dominated conversations. She and Alexander had little chance to speak just to the other without one of their parents inserting themselves. The interruptions and activities were constant and she desperately wanted a moment alone but when she had found it, he came to find her and for the first time they were alone.
Alexander: May I join you?
Carolina stared up at him a moment, a little startled that he found her in the family’s private drawing room.
Alexander: I promise I haven’t brought my father with me. My mother, though, may yet sniff me out very soon. I make no guarantees that we will be alone for long but for now…
He sat down next to her.
Alexander: I apologize if they are a bother to you. They’ve been very careful with mine and my sister’s betrothals and now they’ve chosen, they want to be exceedingly sure that this arrangement will work. Hence the incessant interrogations. I am sorry for that.
Carolina: It’s perfectly understandable. You’re their only son and I am my parents’ only daughter. It makes sense.
Alexander: It does not make them very good guests though. I wanted to climb out of the window when I caught my mother taking inventory of the china at supper last night. Did you see her?
Carolina: No. Is that what she was doing? I wondered if she was admiring the pattern.
Alexander: I would stake my life on it that she was counting the pieces. Unfortunately my parents are somewhat preoccupied with themselves and for my mother that manifests as comparing the dinner service to her own back home.
Carolina: Is it very different for you at home?
Alexander: Not very, no. Slightly more grand, I suppose, even when it’s only the family dining at home. My mother always prefers the most fine and grand arrangements possible.
Carolina: I suppose she finds our more modest displays rather beneath her then.
Alexander: I don’t think I’d call any of this modest. This is still a very fine palace. Perhaps ‘understated’ is the word. You don’t flaunt your influence like my parents do. I like that.
Alexander: I know you aren’t keen on this marriage. I always knew I would have little choice in my bride but when my father told me a contract had been signed, I still felt… well, what I imagine you might have felt when your father told you. I made my peace with it and the last few days have eased my mind considerably. I think I could be quite happy here but not, I think if my wife is not.
Carolina: I am trying to come around to the idea. The last few days have helped, but we don’t even know each other. How can you say you could be happy here when you’ve only just arrived? We’ve had all of two proper conversations.
Alexander: Because I know what I want for myself. I know what I need to be happy and if I have those things, then I know I can withstand whatever else comes.
Carolina: What do you need then?
Alexander: Good books and music. Pleasant surroundings and pleasant company. I need my wife to not be unhappy and my parents to stop making my decisions for me. This marriage may just grant me all of these things, if you can do one thing for me.
Carolina: Not be unhappy?
Alexander: Be my friend, if you cannot be my lover.
Carolina: Oh.
Alexander: Can you try? I think we could be very good friends if we tried.
Tears welled up in her eyes and suddenly, she felt rather overwhelmed at the tender entreaty he’d made. She nodded, offering him a small smile. Voices and footsteps approaching down the hall pulled their attention away and brought both of them to their feet. They listened as the footsteps receded and he turned to her again.
Alexander: Very soon, we will make vows before the Watcher and the world together. I know you’re afraid. I am as well, but I promise you that I will do my very best to support you in all things. I intend to be a good husband and friend to you if you will accept me.
She stood there sniffling as her tears refused to abate. He became worried she was unhappy again, but she saw the concern on his face and smiled.
Carolina: A week ago, I was afraid you’d be some cruel, oaf of a man, but here you are, so lovely and gentle with me.
Alexander: And I was afraid you’d be some simple country girl, but you’re so interesting to me and we have so much in common.
Carolina: I’m very glad we were both wrong.
Alexander: As am I.
Queen Lucretia joined her daughter in her room one morning after Lord Finchwick’s last visit. She knew Carolina would be in poor spirits but she had hoped the fool hadn’t tried to turn her own daughter against her.
Lucretia: I know that look, darling. Men can be callous.
Carolina: It’s not men that have me so incensed.
Lucretia: If not a man, then what? Because I know your ire is not directed at your long-suffering mama.
Carolina: How could you turn him away? Because he is only a marquess? Is that it? Or is it because he is a dandy? Are there not much worse things for a man to be?
Lucretia: He is an adventurer, dear girl. A rake without the charisma and a fortune hunter.
Carolina: How do you know?
Lucretia: How can you not see it? You know the boy and his sister well enough. You have seen the suits, the operas, the wine, and soirees. Come now, my dear. I never thought you to be that simple of a girl.
Carolina: He is my friend and I love him!
Lucretia: *shaking her head* My dear. A friend does not a good husband make.
Carolina: I should not be friends with my husband?
Lucretia: I only mean that a friend does not always make a good husband, but a good husband will always be your friend. And that boy may be a good friend but he is not a good man. His kleptomaniac sister has seen to that. He keeps secrets from you, my darling. A good husband will not do that.
Carolina: How could you know what kind of husband he would be if you won’t even give him a chance to prove himself to you?
Lucretia: You must trust me, my love. He’s a sweet young man and charming enough, but he is not the one who will rule at your side. He is the one who will drain the treasury and drink his days away while you shoulder a kingdom alone.
Carolina: But how can you write him off so easily? People can change. He loves me. Can love not be transformative?
Lucretia: Of course, love can be a powerful thing and if your love could change him, he’d be a far greater man by now. But he isn’t. He is drowning in debt and concealing it from you all while grasping at the most powerful solution within his reach: your heart. He would use the Crown and its funds for his own means. You must see that.
Carolina: Must I?
Lucretia: Yes. You must. I cannot be any clearer with either of you. This tie between the two of you must be dissolved for both your sakes.
Carolina: What will you do to me, mother? Lock me in my chambers? Arrange for me to marry some old lord from a foreign land?
Lucretia: I will look after your interests as I always have. You should be more worried about what will happen to him should you continue to pursue this.
Carolina: What do you mean?
Lucretia: It would be very bad for both Lord Finchwick and Lady Edith if his debts should all come due at once.
Carolina: You wouldn’t.
Lucretia: Do you want what’s best for this kingdom, my darling?
Carolina: Of course, but am I not supposed to be happy?
Lucretia: Of course I want you to be happy, my darling, but you have an obligation to the people not to marry someone who will swindle you out of the entire treasury. Happiness can take many forms but it is always fleeting. It does not last. Strength though, and honor and fidelity. These things are what you can build a partnership on and Lord Finchwick possesses none of them, not to degrees worthy of your hand.
Carolina remained silent, a frown settled into her face.
Lucretia: You must end your attachment to him if this dynasty is to survive past your father and myself. You could be a great queen, my dear, but not with him.
Her mother left her then and Carolina began to cry, sinking down onto the bench at the foot of her bed. She fought the feeling she had deep in her stomach because deep down she knew at least some of what her mother said was true. Milton was a dear man and never failed to make her feel better about herself and the world but now the very thought of him made her want to weep.
How could she cast him aside after all that had passed between them? She gave him her first kiss. Her first touch. He was her first love, if this was truly love. If her mother was right about his finances then were his professions of love even true?
Carolina laid in her bed that night tearful and afraid that she’d been misled. But by her mother or by her oldest friend she wasn’t sure.
