Queen Victoria's Curse

After Friedrich's engagement was settled, Franz moved at the fastest pace possible to arrange the marriages of his other three sons. Since the children were still young, these engagements were only verbal for now; the ceremony would be made up later.

Royal marriages in this age were all arranged by parents, with emphasis placed on matching social standing. As long as both sets of parents came to an agreement, the matter was basically settled. The opinions of those involved were rarely sought.

And even if they were asked, it would be pointless. The oldest was only in his teens, while the youngest was not even ten. Asking them to consider a lifelong commitment was simply too cruel.

Seeing that Franz was not in high spirits, Queen Helen asked in puzzlement, "What is it? Do you have something on your mind?"

"Yes. I was wondering whether arranging engagements for the little ones now is right or wrong. If we chose the wrong people, would they blame us?" Franz replied.

Queen Helen burst out laughing. "Franz, you are overthinking this! Haven't royal family members always lived this way? No matter how bad it gets, how bad can it really be?

"Blame us? On what grounds? I personally asked for their opinions. They agreed to it themselves—are they planning to go back on their word now?"

Looking at the queen's imposing manner, Franz almost suspected there was something wrong with his eyes. He had never noticed Helen's domineering side before.

As for asking for "the sons' opinions," Franz simply ignored that part. Was persuading a bunch of ten-year-old brats really difficult?

Franz shamelessly passed the buck. "Fine. They chose these wives themselves, so they must take responsibility for their own choices."

That was right—they had indeed chosen their own wives. At this time,