The Marriage Game

Charles II of Austria has a very small, manageable beard. I'll bet you could convince him to shave it off. He may be a tad too Catholic for you, but he does like horses. Horses are oodles of fun.

Thank you ANNA! I will get you something very nice for your birthday!

I suppose I cudst persuade Eric to shave too. He doth enjoy similar interests as myself... languages, history and astrology. And it doth please me greatly that Eric didst pursue me long as Prince against the wishes of his father the King. And he didst choose not to marry Marie which ist always most impressive in a man.

*raises an eyebrow at Nicholas then glares venemously at Marie for once again daring to speak against the Duc D'Anjou*

Charles ist tolerant of Protestants and I tolerant of Catholics... I do suppose a match might encourage further tolerance in us both.

*rolls eyes at yet another crack at his Marie, and then sighs at Elizabeth*

None of these are good enough for you *folds arms over his chest*

*folds arms too in great defiance*

I wilt have an Englishman or my little Frog or else none!

*grins*

I vote for none

...how about Sir Philip Sidney?

I admit that his long letter attempting to disuade me from marrying my little Frog wast most well writ. I liketh how he didst address it to "Most feared and beloved, most sweet and gracious sovereign".

He ist most supportive of my dear Earl of Leicester (a most rare quality) and I enjoyed his works on Arcadia.

Elizabeth, none of those are befitting of your station. Why dost thee wish to marry peasents whose only monies and influence come from thine goodwille?

My cousin Marie is wise indeed. I would recommend my cousin of Sweden, though his stability is questionable. Perhaps being somewhere with a little less winter would do him well.

Daughter the si ngle life is most fitting for you. Why tie yourself to any man? Childbearing is a dangerous business, ask Jane Seymour & Catherine Parr. Marriage itself has unforeseen consequences, ask me or Katherine Howard. Why give your power to a man. Certainly you have male advisors and wise ones but retain the ultimate power for yourself. Marry no one I say and keep a close eye on that stupid slut Marie Stuart! Also hide all sharp objects from La Loca.

I admit maman, I do get a tad jittery when threatened by monarchs who wudst take my throne. A strong alliance with which to weaken them and an heir to lessen their claim to my throne doth entice me. ...but as soon as the threat ist gone I find marriage and childbearing hath no appeal.

..and no man ist having my crown or control over me! I'd sooner chop off his head!

I am becomming increasingly aware that the monarchy of Europe is prone to mood swings and insanity. This concerns me greatly.

May I recommend, then, choosing a man who will live only a few years before leaving this world for the next- preferably after fathering a child or three? Dukes seem particularly suited in this aspect.

Christina, I find those very wise words indeed, I shall keep that in mind!

Of course, as always, my opinion is shunned. Even when it is a good one. *SIGH*.

That sounds like a plan - I knew Christina had good sense! Someone too old for much ambition, reasonably virile, decent in the sack, not looking for a crown of his own...and someone who has been observed in public for many years, so you can screen him for madness.

Does a man like that exist?

Marie Stuart wrote:

Of course, as always, my opinion is shunned. Even when it is a good one. *SIGH*.

Please you feeble-minded twit! Your good ideas caused you to abdicate your throne to your infant son and flee to England! You are really the one to give advice!

You lying concubine. My own cousin said he would slit my throat if I didn't sign those abdication papers. And I fled to England because my cousin promised me sanctuary, not perpetual imprisonment!

My good ideas got me three children, two duchies, and a son called The Great.
Also, I still have a head.

Christina of Milan wrote:

My good ideas got me three children, two duchies, and a son called The Great.
Also, I still have a head.

Yes you do. Who is this great son of yours?

Marie Stuart wrote:

You lying concubine. My own cousin said he would slit my throat if I didn't sign those abdication papers. And I fled to England because my cousin promised me sanctuary, not perpetual imprisonment!

And who got herself in a hella mess in the first place by marrying the pretty degenerate know as Lord Darnley?

Christina of Milan wrote:

My good ideas got me three children, two duchies, and a son called The Great.
Also, I still have a head.

Christina! I thought surely after what happened to thine aunt that thee would side with me, I see that I hath been mistaken.

An astonishing lack of discretion has my cousin of Scotland.

What dost thee mean Christina? What could I possibly have done to offend thee?