Put bluntly, Pedro II was king of Brazil only because people propped him up. If one day they tired of playing house, or the Kingdom of Brazil no longer needed to exist, they could make Pedro II disappear at any time.
The historical Pedro II had never considered these problems. But with Franz's prompting, he soon discovered the issues right in front of him—ones he had simply never thought about before.
A deep fear settled over Pedro II. The only solution he could think of was to arrange a marriage alliance with the Austrian Empire and rely on its strength to solve Brazil's domestic problems.
The Austrian Empire's war with Spain only reinforced Pedro II's thinking. He felt that only a country like the Austrian Empire could help him resolve Brazil's internal problems.
So Pedro II wrote to his stepmother, Amélie de Beauharnais, hoping Maria Amalia could marry Franz as a Brazilian princess. In return, he was willing to pay a large sum as Maria Amalia's dowry.
Amélie de Beauharnais was astonished when she received the letter. She had always thought her daughter exceptional, but it was no small thing for her to win the favor of both Sophie and Pedro II.
"Maria! Your brother has written."
"Mother, I'm coming."
Amelia put down the book in her hands. It was said that Franz had translated it himself, and its ideas were indeed fascinating. She liked it very much.
Mother and daughter sat together as Madame de Beauharnais unfolded the letter and read it carefully.
"Your brother still cares about you."
Madame de Beauharnais patted Amelia's hand as she spoke, but Amelia looked troubled.
"Mother, I know you want me to marry Franz Joseph I. But does he even remember me now?"
"Silly child, of course he does. With a face