But it still left him in this regrettable position.
"We'll continue this later," Frederick told George. "I can't focus enough to further cull the ranks."
Even without looking, he knew his aide disapproved, but also knew George understood where Frederick stood on the matter.
The side door opened then closed again, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more.
Maybe he should call his mother. She always gave good advice, but had also made it clear she didn't believe it to be her place to advise him once he turned twenty-one. Mum wasn't a politician which Frederick thought made her the perfect person to advise him. Especially on matters of a relational nature given that she'd been queen for nearly eighteen years and would have aunique perspective on what it took to handle the role with grace and dignity.
A glance behind showed him that George had left the information on the four remaining women on the conference table.
He didn't want to admit defeat, but perhaps it was time.
Frederick walked back to the conference table and took a seat in the middle of one side rather than the end where he normally would have. One at a time, he picked up the photos and informational sheets about each of the remaining women. Taking his time to read it all carefully - again - he found himself no closer to an answer than he had been three weeks ago.
Not really.
On paper, as it were, it looked like things had changed significantly. In reality, he was no closer to choosing one over the others.
They were all... fine. In fact, one could argue that they were fairly interchangeable at this point. None would be the wrong choice.
But none would be the right choice either.
How was he supposed to choose when there was no right answer?
A buzzing sound let him know he had someone coming in to meet with him. Odd. There wasn't anyone on his schedule. His whole day had been cleared for finalizing this decision and to begin making arrangements for a quick wedding.
AIDE2 entered with a file folder. "This item has been added to the agenda for your video conference with Queen Catherine tomorrow."
"Thank you." Frederick took the folder and turned, making his way quickly to his desk where he sat down. After a moment to let him change his focus, he flipped the folder open and beganto read. Before he made it to the end of the first page, the buzzer sounded again.
He closed the folder as he waited for someone to enter.
When the door opened to let his next meeting in, the person surprised him.
Frederick stood so quickly his chair rolled back several feet. "Elise!" He rounded the desk and walked toward her. "To what do I owe this immense pleasure?"
An internal wince forced him to admit he felt more intrigued by his visitor than he ought to, given that he should be marrying in the next week.
Elise dipped into a curtsy. "I came to offer a solution to your problem." She held her hands together in front of her, gripping each other tightly.
"My problem?" Was she aware of his dilemma or talking about something else?
"You have to get married, right?"
He nodded his affirmation.
"Then I have a solution."
Confusion remained. "Pardon?"
Elise sucked in a deep breath and spoke quickly. "Marry me."
Years of practiceand acting experience were the only things that kept Elise from showing too much of any one emotion on her face.
The knots in her stomach tightened further with each second the king didn't speak and it took far more of them than she would have hoped for him to respond.
"You want to marry me?" Confusion seemed to be the primary reaction.
