King Nikolai's Receiving Room

I had summoned my daughter Natalia to my chambers as I had found a suitable husband for her to marry and in the process would gives us a nice alliance too.

My father has summoned me to his chambers. I can only guess what he is going to say to me .
Father you called for me. What is your wish my lord.

I looked at Natalia as she entered my chamber.

"Natalia, i have some very good news for you, I have found a suitable husband for you to marry.

I sit down in front of him  .   Who do you think will be a good match for me Father.  I guess that he meets your approval.

.   Father,  Hugh O'Donnell?   The King of Ireland?  The man we met at the wedding of King Gustav and Queen Mary? Father,  you just met him at the wedding.  Why would you have me marry someone you know nothing about. What his family is like or what sort of man he is.   A king , yes, but what kind of king is he.   I felt sad that my father would give me to just anyone

I looked at Natalia as I could see she was angry.

"Yes Natalia, you are to be wed to the King of Ireland. You will be surprised, I do actually know him quite well and he would be a great match for you. You always said to me that you wanted to be married to a King and be Queen, well now this is that chance. Hugh lost a wife not long ago, but he is ready to marry. He liked the portrait that I sent him of you Natalia.

. Father, you want me to go to a strange country to meet a man I have never spoken to. Am I to go alone or will be escorted by you or someone else? Would it not be prudent for you to be there to introduce me to my intended

I look at my daughter as once again she started to show attitude towards me.

"Natalia, we shall go to Ireland together for you to meet King Hugh, and please do try to behave, for we all remember what happened at the last meeting with a noble gentleman, don't we Natalia?

I try to understand why has my father promised me to a man. . Well if this all you wish to say to me I will go and prepare for my trip to Ireland. Good evening father.

I go to my chambers and have the ladies help me pack for my journey to Ireland.

I looked at my daughter and I could see that she was unhappy about this.

"Natalia, please tell me, are you unhappy about this?

My father looks at me with concern . With all due respect Father I am not sure if I want to meet the King Hugo. We know nothing about him. I have reservations about this and I am afraid.

I looked at Natalia and I did see her concern.

"I understand that this displeases you Natalia and therefore I have decided that perhaps it better that you write to King Hugo, to get to know him better. Do not make this harder for me Natalia.