Royal Hunt

6th Chapter

I met Johanna and Valentina on the staircase. 

"We saw Marie Elizabeth's carriage arriving. What is she doing here?" 

Marie Elisabeth was our eldest sister, already married for two years and with her own household. She was now completely exhausted by the duties of an expectant mother. 

"I guess we'll have to go find out," I replied. Brother Johann joined us at the bottom of the stairs. 

"What happened?" the sisters asked him, though he knew as little as we did. 

I remained silent, ashamed of the argument between my parents that I had overheard earlier, which was all because of me. I had caused my parents pain and, it seemed, shame to the whole family. 

We walked together into the parlor where my mother, father, and sister Marie Elizabeth sat with her huge pregnant belly. Johanna and Valentina immediately rushed over to her and began asking her questions about her pregnancy and marriage. 

"Silence," Father said in a chilling tone. Mama was pale, her eyes a little puffy from crying, but she was smiling cautiously. 

I couldn't imagine what could have been going on that Papa had called the whole family together. 

We sat down and waited. 

"As you know, the war is over. The Fifth Regiment was the last to be deposited in Poland." Johann beside me stiffened and nodded. War and tactics were his. He may have been younger than me, but he had attended the military academy and dreamed of being like his father - a decorated warrior and war hero. But for now, he had to wait for his battles. So he lived them in his imagination thanks to his father's stories. 

It was almost absurd. Men were dying in the war, commoners were starving because of the expense of war, men who should have been working the fields and caring for their families were dying on the battlefields. But no one at the royal court in Vienna recognized anything. The great warlords preened before the ladies, ball after ball, the ladies had their sumptuous toilets made. Just so the nobility wouldn't have to face the reality of war.

"For the first time, Her Royal Highness's son, Prince Jon Charles, commanded in this war. He was just in the Fifth Regiment and now he's coming home." 

My mother and sisters spontaneously cheered and applauded, and I rolled my eyes. I understood that an army career was an easy path to success for many men, and it also provided opportunities for the commoners. But perhaps influenced by the philosophical writings my teacher Ignatius had me read, I thought of myself as a pacifist. 

"Is he handsome?" Johanna blurted out.

"Of course he's handsome," our eldest sister finally spoke while stroking her pregnant belly, "He's a prince."

I burst out laughing out loud.

"Like it's related. Have you seen some of the portraits in the Vienna gallery? His grandfather had a harelip and a squint." 

Mother immediately stood up for her sister. "The prince is certainly not mutilated. And a young lady shouldn't talk like that. Not about the royal family at all."

"Anyway!" my father interjected again, this time visibly tired of our banter, "The Queen has decided to celebrate his triumphant return and extend the social season. I have just received a letter. We are returning to court."

My groaning was lost in the enthusiastic cheers of my sisters. I was so happy to finally be home. No balls, no protocol, no rules, no crinoline, and no corset. At home, I could fulfill my time with math, philosophy, Ignatius, and discussions of physics. 

I glanced at my father, obviously surprised by the Queen's decision and looking as tired as I was. Papa wasn't the youngest anymore and this constant traveling wasn't doing him any good. Our gazes met and I saw a sudden tenderness in his eyes. 

"The war is over then?" I asked, moving closer to my father.

"Yes. The Poles got what they deserved and the troops are coming home. The losses were not great," Papa sighed, "I hate to say it, but it's mainly because of the prince. His tactics in the last few battles have saved many of our soldiers. He certainly has potential."

"Have you ever met his highness before? In command, or at court?"

"Never in command. While I command part of the queen's army from Prague, his highness remains in Vienna at the royal court and consults with the top generals. That is how Her Majesty wishes it, though I think it would be far better for the young man to know all parts of his future army. And gain experience elsewhere. At court, we have only been in the same place at the same time a few times. We were never formally introduced. I can't say I regret it."

"Why?" I asked in surprise. My father always had only words of appreciation for the royal family. 

"My dear Marie Kristine, you know yourself that I am the last person to believe court gossip, but our prince's reputation is not the best." 

"Really?"

"Despite being a born tactician on the battlefield, he has a reputation for being an arrogant lout. It's not very tactical to antagonize the nobility, but he's managed to offend half the royal council already. I'd like to believe it's just gossip, but I've heard it from people I trust completely. Our prince seems to be a lout."

"His poor wife-to-be." I grinned, "Which of the lovely princesses has the honor?" 

It was well known that the queen had consolidated her position mainly through the marriages of her many children. Her older daughters had married into the most famous royal courts all over Europe. The only son would remain at the royal court in Vienna, but his bride was certainly well chosen.

"That's just it." Papa leaned towards me with a mischievous smile, "The three chosen girls declined once they had spent some time with him. The other five were refused by him. I'm sure it cost the Queen a lot of money and time to reconcile the angry fathers." 

"Papa, but that's all gossip. And you try to tell me that  you have no sense of courtly intrigue." I laughed out loud. 

My father just smiled mischievously at me and we both turned to the rest of the family.

"Twice as long a social season. What a dream." Valentina gushed.

"Depends on who," I retorted, "Maybe for the family treasurer it sounds more like a nightmare."

"Oh yes. Papa, I will need to buy new clothes. If we are to return to court, I absolutely need new stockings and hats. And matching gloves."

"Oh dear, could you borrow the dresses from your sisters for once? My God, dressing four daughters, do you know how much that costs?" Father laughed, but I could tell he was joking. Valentina was his pet. He may have seen how vain, shallow and spoiled she was, but she was his youngest daughter.

"So that the prince would see me for the first time in my sister's worn dress," Valentina replied plaintively. 

"You probably won't see the prince at all. Because he would first have to fall off his pedestal to notice little Countess Dietrichstein." I laughed at her. 

"And why shouldn't he notice little Valentina? She is beautiful, cheerful, and popular. And she behaves like a woman and a lady." My mother replied and I retreated into myself.

Her remark struck a nerve. I was the one who was being unfeminine, just because I didn't want to be part of their bargain hunting and strut like a peacock in front of the men who were supposed to choose me as their wife. And then serve them for eternity. 

I dreamed of a marriage where my husband and I would be equals.

Fortunately, no one noticed my change of mood. My mother and sisters were still discussing their new wardrobe and how many suitcases they would take with them to Vienna. 

"Will you come with us, Marie Elisabeth?" asked Johanna.

"I will go, and as long as my condition permits, I will accompany you. Since,  likely, I will not attend next season because of the baby, I must enjoy it while I can. Plus, I'll have to keep an eye on you while Mama is busy."

"How busy would Mama be?" I c****d an eyebrow.

My mother turned to my father with a beaming smile.

"Tell them the best yet." She insisted. My father hesitated briefly, looked in my direction, and then stood up.

"As you wish. At your mother's insistence, Marie Kristine will also be presented at court. At the end of the extended season, your mamma will select a suitable suitor."