Chapter Text
« Your Highness, this is your duty. For you to marry and produce an heir » says his closest and most trusted advisor Wade Grey.
King Timothy ' Tim' Bradford of the Wilshire kingdom has known this his whole life. He knew from early in his childhood what his destiny was supposed to be. He had been trained his whole life to take over the throne once his uncle passed away. At the age of 25, he had been king for over a year now. A life dedicated to his empire. To his subjects, between meetings, ceremonies, councils, parliament reunions, ... He has navigated some of the most challenging problems but this one seems to be a non-avoiding one. He knows what he has to do. His country before his heart. Always did but he figured he still might have time to find a suitable match. He witnessed what a loveless marriage was when living with his parents and this is not something he wishes for him or anyone else for that matters. His mother had been betrothed at a very young age to the king's brother and she had not a say in this. She had been unhappy her whole life and the only brightness were her two children Timothy and Gennifer.
The pressure of finding a wife and producing an heir was more and more on his back these last few weeks. Counselor Grey continues his speech.
« We compiled with Sir Nolan a list of some very greats matches your majesty. You must marry and quickly to settle the dynasty. We need to solidify the trust of our subjects and show unity to them. What a better way than a royal wedding. You will find that our list is made of some of the finest girl our kingdom has to offer. A wise choice of a bride would also help us solidify some fragile alliances with different houses across the kingdom »
Tim knows for a fact Grey is right. Some alliances are fragile due to the recent change of king. A kingdom without a queen and an heir may be seen as fragile.
Grey continues « If I may drops a few interesting names in passing. We have Lady Ashley of the House of MacGrady's. Her father : Lord Jerry MacGrady used to be a brave general in our army back in the days and he has been graced with the title of Lord due to his service to the nation. She's rumored to be particularly pretty. A marriage with her would also solidify the trust of the army in his majesty. Macgrady still has a lot of influence on them. We also have Lady Isabel of the house of Walsh. Pretty, polite, an excellent education. She's the first daughter of Lord Patrick Walsh. From the house of Walsh. He's very high influence in the north. Has lead troops for your uncle during the great war. High line of service for our country. She would be perfect for you Your Grace. What else could you ask for more ? »
« Well first to know her ? All of this is purely hypothetical lord Grey. Do not send the invites before I even met some of them. « Arranged marriage are still very common in those times but as said before Tim wants to connect with someone before agreeing for a marriage. He knows his prospects are very limited due to his rank but he still wants the power to choose.
« Of course Your Grace. It's still up to your choosing. Hence why I figured that we could schedule a tour of the country. It would be good for your image to visit some of our most trusted people across our kingdom and a good opportunity to get acquainted with Miss Walsh before settling for marriage. «
Tim takes a deep breath because he knows Grey is right on everything. He must find a wife and a tour of his country to get acquainted with all the Houses is a good way to get their trust.
It has been a few weeks now since he and some of his most trusted men were traveling across his kingdom. They are reaching the end of their trip. The long hours on their horses and carriages are finally getting to an end. They still have one last stop before going on their way home.
They came across all sorts of beautiful sights. His country is truly beautiful. He never really had the occasion of getting to know all of those places before and he can't say he's disappointed. They are now reaching the north. It's getting colder. The landscapes are changing.
They visited the most beautiful castles , visited the most important families. Mother throwing their daughter ( rumors had been heard that the king was looking for a wife) his way with no luck. Tim felt nothing but disinterest in those girls. No sparks. Even the MacGrady daughter was a disaster. She was sure pretty but this was about the only good thing about her. She was empty headed and couldn't even held a conversation about politics or culture. How was he suppose to spend his life with someone who have no substance.
Tim knew Lord Grey and Lord Nolan were crossed with him and his lack of interest in those women presented to him. They were now heading towards the Castle of Rampart. Home to the Walsh's house. Their last stop for this tour. Tim was getting tired of this traveling. He lounged to get back to his castle. The quiet of his study.
His horse, his loyal Kojo, first of his hoof, king of horsepower was trotting vigorously, always full of energy. Horses were one of the passion of king Timothy. He loved them fiercely. They were loyal, their deep trust, unwavering companionship, and reflective nature. The shared mutual reliance, a trusted confidant and a source of peace. Riding Kojo was a stress relieve for Tim. Every time Tim had to make a hard decision, he would take a ride on his loyal friend and he would him help him. He often sneaked out of the Castle and into the stables to find some peace.
Kojo was always very ware of people and Tim was the only one allowed to ride him, having tamed him. He was magnificent. The king's favorite.
Tim was distracted of his thought by hearing the voice of Lord Grey riding his own horse beside him.
« We should arrive soon Your Majesty. We can start to witness the land of the Walsh. May I remind His majesty that this meeting is very important. We are running out of option and Miss Walsh is the last remaining on our list. We would not want to have looking across the borders for a bride. This would start some feud we don't want. Lady Walsh is perfect for you on paper and from the portrait I've seen of her, she's also perfectly beautiful. »
« I Heard you loud and clear the first time lord Grey. I know what my duty is »
The edge of the Rampart's castle was starting to draw itself in front of them. The high towers, the battlements. The gatehouse, the village behind it.
They were now on a huge courtyard. Peasants were starting to gathers round them. Amazed to be able to witness their king among them. He waved towards them, still guarded by his most trusted men.
The little commotion was starting to draw more and more people around them.
They are now reaching the end of the courtyard, towards the entrance of the castle, in a smaller courtyard were several people were waiting for them. A mix of men and women dressed in some of their finest clothes.
They approach slowly, getting off of their horses. A tall man is at the front of the entrance. Tim recognizes him right away. Lord Patrick Walsh. A stern looking man. Besides him stand a blond woman. Must be Lady Jane Walsh. Behind them 3 men, all similar looking. The Walsh's brother. Grey informed him all about the family. Lord and Lady Walsh shares officially 3 sons and two daughters. UN-officially there is only one daughter biologically related to Lady Walsh. A indiscretion of Lord Walsh during his many travels abroad. A younger daughter called Lucy. Brought home by Lord Walsh when she was just a baby. No words have been said. This baby had been raised as a Walsh her whole life.
Next to the brothers is what Tim suppose to be Isabel Walsh. Rumors has been true. The woman in front of him is very pretty by all standards but seems to have something lacking in her eyes. What truly catches his eye is the brunette girl who's behind all of them. Something he can't even explain as his breath is taken away.