Royal Luncheon

[Princess Charlotte]

Her mother, Caroline of Brunswick, had been hosting a luncheon for close family members, those in company being Queen Charlotte and her nephew, Prince Friedrich of Prussia. Originally, she'd never thought she'd be attracted to him, considering he was close in regard to family relation. She was sure her grandmother approved of such a connection, particularly after the situation happened with the Bridgerton girl. However, Princess Charlotte wasn't entirely sure how enticed he was by her, given that she was fairly young and had only just come of age. Taking a small bite from her Yorkshire pudding, she could not help but glance at Friedrich for a short moment, before acknowledging her father once more as he raised a toast to those present (minus her estranged grandfather, of course, who could not attend due to his illness). It saddened her, really, knowing that his health was deteriorating over time and that despite the family physicians putting their best efforts into healing him, it was doing him no good whatsoever.  Upon her father finishing his speech, she returned her attentions to Friedrich, "I am glad you've returned to English soil, Your Highness."  musty

her loyalty is to the crown of Great Britain and Ireland MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[musty]

After the debacle with Miss Bridgerton, Friedrich had left London for a short time to let talk and gossip settle. Upon returning, he had the pleasure of receiving an invitation to a luncheon with the queen and her family. As he was also family, and royals often found entertainment in each other's company, it was nothing out of the ordinary. However, he was a little wary. It was well known to him that his aunt expected only the best of marriages for him, and he wondered if there were ulterior motives at play. Then again, the invitation had come from Princess Caroline of Brunswick, so perhaps not.

The food and company were all he would have expected. He toasted the king's health, but did not miss the glance his direction from Charlotte. His smile was pleasant as her attentions returned to him. Though her words seemed only polite on the surface, he was aware of the potential undercurrent. His aunt would be pleased by a marriage between the two, and his family likely would be, as well. It would also solidify ties between the countries. Though a part of him, long suppressed, wished for a marriage full of affection, if not love, his duty would always come first.

"Thank you, Princess Charlotte. I am, as well. London is a most diverting city."

Princess Charlotte

[Princess Charlotte]

Charlotte understood duty above all. After all, she was destined to become Queen of England one day, being second in line for the throne after her father. Her eyes settled on him for a moment, wondering what his thoughts were about her. Did he love her? She doubted that, considering she was born a girl, and he'd originally wished for a boy. He'd made that quite clear to her, especially when he was quick to send word to the court of the Netherlands after she'd turned eighteen.  Originally, she considered Friedrich too... familiar for her. Though she knew her grandmama probably wished for the union between them, the man was practically related to her. Something about him, however, had caught the princess' attention. Was it his comeliness? His overt goodness? The fact that she maybe sympathised with him a bit after the Bridgerton debacle? He was not your usual male -- that much was for sure.  "Ever so pleasing to hear," Given the circumstances of last season. Charlotte took another small bite, feeling slightly full already. "Du bist zu gütig, Friedrich, und das weißt du." ¹ She addressed him softly so that only he could hear, referring to the Bridgerton girl. "You are too kind, Friedrich, and you know that." ₁ musty

her loyalty is to the crown of Great Britain and Ireland MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[musty]

Duty above all else. It was drilled into most royals from infancy. Do what was best for the crown, for family, for country. There were always eyes upon them and expectations were different for a royal. Friedrich was proud of his heritage, his title, and happy to do what was best. However, it was not always easy to set aside personal desires. Setting the heart aside was not a small thing to ask of someone. Perhaps that was why he was so understanding of Miss Bridgerton’s—now Lady Hastings’—reasoning last Season.

He gave a moment’s thought to her words—pleased to hear his native language in a foreign land, yet not entirely sure how he felt about her sentiment. Kindness ran deep within him, a second nature. It was often tempered by necessity, but never set aside. “Womoglich. Aber wurden Sie sich nicht dasselbe wunschen, wenn Sie sich in einer solchen Lage befinden wurden?” For one forced to set aside even the possibility of love, he could not ask another to do the same.


“Perhaps. Yet would you not wish for the same if you found yourself in such a position?”

Princess Charlotte

[Princess Charlotte]

The switch to German was so that they could both understand each other quietly without having others privy to their little side conversation -- especially not her parents. She'd heard talks of the Prince of the Netherlands arriving to the court of Great Britain and Ireland, but she wasn't sure how she felt about the entire ordeal. Her father had made mention of him, too, though Charlotte did not take the idea of her courting the prince too seriously. No, her sights were elsewhere, and Prince Friedrich had been on her mind, starving her of sleep sometimes. "Vielleicht, Freddie,"₁ She returned softly, the nickname rolling off her tongue naturally, having provided him with it since they were younger children. "Du hast Besseres verdient."₂ The corners of her lips moved upwards into a small smile.  "Führst du mich durch die Gärten?" Of course, they would not stray far and remain under the watchful eyes of their family. Perhaps then they could switch to her native language, as she'd been much more fluent at it. "Maybe, Freddie." ₁ "You deserved better." ₂ "Will you take me through the gardens?" ₃ musty

her loyalty is to the crown of Great Britain and Ireland MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[musty]

Regardless of the reason, he was quite enjoying the ability to converse in German for even a few moments. He was fluent in several languages, including English, but there was nothing quite like your native language. Then again, it could be construed as rude to others if they continued, even if only between the two of them.

Freddie. Her nickname for him slipped easily from her lips. She was the only person to have ever given him such a nickname. It still baffled him at times, though it had become familiar enough over the years. He could not picture anyone else using it, and he was quite alright with that.

As for what he deserved, well, he could not say. ”Vielleicht.” He believed everyone deserved a chance at love if they could find it. Daphne had found it with the Duke of Hastings, turning down his proposal of marriage before he had even been able to formally ask her. It had been quite confusing at the time. After time spent with her, he’d believed her amenable to a marriage to him and he had seen no evidence of an attachment to Lord Hastings. Alas, none of that mattered now.

At her request, he smiled pleasantly once more. ”Wenn du das Mochtest.” Then, for the benefit of the others, he stood, offering his hand, and addressed her in English. ”Princess Charlotte, would you accompany for a walk through the gardens?” A little stroll could certainly do no harm, particularly as they would never leave anyone’s sight.

“Maybe.”
“If that is what you wish.”

Princess Charlotte

[Princess Charlotte]

She could not tell if he was bittersweet or not, nor would she ever. Princess Charlotte knew better than to delve further into the Prussian Prince's mind. Nodding toward him, she waited for him to make the formal request, the luncheon arriving at a pause as he did so. She peered over at her father first, who seemed... decent, then over to her mother, who offered her a small nod. Accepting Friedrich's hand, she rose from her chair, "By all means, Your Highness."  Fixing the hem of her dress, she followed him. Now that they had a little more privacy, she felt as if she could speak freely. "My heart belongs to Great Britain," She suddenly spoke as they took a stroll around the gardens. Reaching out, she pulled out a daisy and smelled it. "Father already seeks out the Prince of Orange, while I..." Lottie paused. "I want someone strongly connected to my land and soil. Why must papa be so difficult when it comes to my destiny?" musty

her loyalty is to the crown of Great Britain and Ireland MADE BY VEL OF GS + ADOX 2.0

[musty]

His feelings regarding the matter from last Season had been put behind him. It was of little consequence, regardless. Miss Bridgerton had married Lord Hastings and, from what he'd heard, they were quite happy together. Yes, he'd thought he'd found a young woman he could be content with, one whom shared at least some of his desires for life and family. However, it was obvious the pair were in love, and he would never stand in the way of such.

The scent of flowers drifted through the air as the prince and princess casually walked among the blooms. Here, it seemed, away from her parents and grandmother, she felt more comfortable speaking freely. "I understand, as my heart belongs to Prussia. Yet perhaps we should not limit ourselves in the opportunities that may be available to us. I am sure your father has your interests in mind, as well." He knew, of course, that may not be the case. Marriage in their world meant gaining allies and trade partners while mitigating war. Often, it was the daughters that were used as the means of such ends.

Princess Charlotte