Her Rightful Place

21: The Parents

"Thank you for your indulgence, Your Majesties," Prince Xavier bows once he and Jerôme are back in the Throne Room with King Christophe and Queen Généviève. "It was a pleasure to see your daughter again."

"We only hope that she found your meeting equally pleasing," Queen Généviève replies with a smile. Xavier returns the smile with some strain, finding her unspoken remarks about the betrothal most irritating. The Duke of Pelanshire simply looks on with one eyebrow raised, once again petting Enzo, who looks as dignified as ever at the Duke's feet.

"Now, Xavier, how are things in Mordalce? Your mother is doing well?" King Christophe inquires, trying to steer the conversation in a more favorable direction. Xavier, however, finds this change anything but welcome.

"She is as feisty as ever, Your Majesty. The country is little the worse for wear since last we spoke."

"We do worry about the condition of your people, since religion was outlawed in your country."

"Fear not for them, for it is my understanding that most of them still practice their religious beliefs behind closed doors."

"Then why was such a decree passed?"

"I know not the reason for my mother's actions in that regard. You will have to discuss it with her when next you meet."

"Indeed we shall, for we should hate to send our only daughter into a Godless land," Queen Généviève says seriously. Xavier's eye twitches slightly despite his efforts to restrain his temper.

"Rest assured, Your Majesties, that when I am King, the Faith shall be restored to our land."

The Queen visibly brightens at this, and the King also seems pleased. "You are a believer, then?"

Xavier shrugs. "I know not what I believe, Your Majesties. Perhaps Princess Mireille would be able to teach me your Faith, that I might be a fit spiritual head for my people." In truth, Xavier was more or less convinced by the death of his father that a loving God would never have permitted such a tragedy, but since meeting Mireille and seeing her faith in a loving God despite her terrible past, he has been reconsidering his beliefs. Queen Généviève is less than pleased at this news, but King Christophe seems to take it in stride.

"We do believe such a thing could be arranged in due time. We take it from your remarks here that you are in no way opposed to the renewal of the betrothal arrangements between yourself and Princess Mireille?" King Christophe presses.

"I have no objections so long as ample considerations for her state of mind and her time away from the palace are added to the betrothal arrangements. Without such considerations you will not have my consent."

"We feel that your conditions are not unreasonable. Let us then begin at once to rework the betrothal agreement."

"Your Majesty, if I am to be present for such negotiations, is it not only fair that Princess Mireille should also be present?"

"Nonsense. Women are never present for their betrothal arrangements. She will be grateful that we removed that stress from her life," Queen Généviève dismisses. Xavier and the Duke exchange glances, both skeptical. "I was never involved in my betrothal arrangements, and I think things turned out rather well for me." King Christophe looks rather sour at this point; it is clear that his opinion is the same as Xavier's and Jerôme's on the matter. "And besides, she really does need to keep at her studies."

"Helping to negotiate the betrothal arrangements in the presence of various nobility and royals would certainly improve her Vyrunian, if I may be so bold," Xavier suggests.

"He raises an excellent point," King Christophe remarks, casting his wife a meaningful glance. She frowns.

"But there is so much else she must learn! And her riding lesson is in half an hour," the Queen argues.

"Oh, is that the time?" Xavier asks, glancing at the windows to his left, which reveal that it is well nigh noon. "I am terribly sorry, Your Majesties, but the Duke and I really must be going home. There is much to be done in Mordalce. A pity we could not get these negotiations under way, but quite frankly, given that your daughter's return was so recent, I do believe that things have worked out for the best."

"Mmmmm, yes, quite. Very well then. Be on your way," King Christophe dismisses them. "May God bless and protect you on your journey."

"You are most gracious, Your Majesty." With that, Xavier and Jerôme bow and back out of the Throne Room as quickly as they can.

"Christophe! You are letting them leave?" Queen Généviève protests angrily. The King shrugs with a sly smirk.

"The Prince has his other royal duties to attend to, my dear. Besides, he is quite right about Mireille. She has every right to be involved in her own betrothal arrangements, and her current state of mind is not conducive to such negotiations."

"I have never heard anything so ridiculous! It goes against tradition--"

"Times are changing, and she has grown up in a far more liberal and permissive environment than she would have here. We must remember that and do what we can to make this transition easier for her." Queen Généviève sighs heavily.

"I know, Christophe, but it is so difficult! I want so much to have the daughter I have been dreaming of ever since we sent her away, but instead we have this headstrong foreign village girl with no royal training! I know she is my daughter, but sometimes it is so hard to see."

"Yes, Généviève, it can be difficult. But look at the improvement she has made since she arrived! Yes, she is headstrong, but that is just another way in which she is like us. And she is intelligent, quick to learn, and eager to please, from all accounts. It seems that Christelle is making most of the trouble, but her chief priority is making sure that Mireille's best interests are served, as you discovered last night. Is the ointment working?"

"So Monique and Clothilde tell me. I have not yet seen for myself. But you are right as always. Her Vyrunian has indeed improved quite a bit, and I am told that she has quite an aptitude for musical pursuits. She does have great potential."

"Fear not, my love. With time she will become the Princess she was born to be. We must only be patient and guide her with a firm yet loving hand."