Chapter 30 - Princess Mariela (1/2)

It took promising Al we would play cards after dinner to get him to let me go. By the time I reached the gardens, Mariela was waiting for me on a bench. She greeted me with a genuine smile.

”Katie! I thought you might not be able to make it.”

I shook my head. ”I'm sorry for being late. My fiancé held me up a bit.”

Surprise lit her beautiful violet eyes. ”You were with Alpheus?”

I was confused by her reaction. ”Is that so strange?”

”I hardly see Franz…and Rosenia sees Sigmund even less. They are both terribly busy. I suppose I assumed Alpheus was the same,” she admitted.

”Can you keep a secret?” I asked, trying to gain her trust and broach the topic at hand.

Mariela nodded, a slight pleased smile on her lips, so I continued.

”Alpheus has way too much free time on his hands. I was actually hoping I could convince him to work together politically with your husband.”

Her brow furrowed. ”I do not have much to do with my husband's political aims. All I know is that he does not agree with many of Sigmund's policies. In truth, I am a pretty object for him to bestow his affection upon and little more. Franz does not talk to me about anything of actual importance.”

I had my suspicions about the purpose of Mariela marrying into the royal family but this was worse than I anticipated.

In the novel, Franz respected his wife's input. She may not have been the most important character but she was involved in the overthrow of Sigmund's regime and ruled jointly with her husband when he became king.

”I'm sure he would tell you what was going on if you asked,” I said, a bit desperate. ”He dotes on you.”

Mariela sighed, letting go of some of her primness.

”He does, I cannot deny that. As far as political marriages go I consider myself lucky. My situation could have been far worse. Women in my home country have a bit more power than they do here so I was trained in diplomacy and politics as a princess but my only purpose here has been to be a porcelain vase with rich parents.”

Wow. She was really airing out her dirty laundry and she didn't even know me. Sensing my shock, she smiled self-deprecatingly.

”I am sure you are surprised I would tell you this much. I suppose it is because I have been lonely and you are quite easy to talk to. It is no wonder Alpheus treasures you so.”