Chapter Text
1
Princess Beatrice was… content. Prince Rowan was kind, and it didn’t hurt that he was handsome. Really though, she could make an accurate judgment of his character, having only met him for the first time today. Her mother was hopeful for the alliance their marriage would bring, and her ladies-in-waiting hadn’t stopped exclaiming over how distinguished he looked in his suit.
But, it was still an arranged marriage. And it meant the letter in her bureau from Lord Grant’s younger son would mean nothing.
2
Princess Beatrice was nervous but excited for this next step in her life. Her mother had already left to sit in the best seats in the front with Roland's father and mother, leaving her with her ladies-in-waiting. The courting period had been short but sweet, and in that time she found Rowan was a romantic. He’d sing to her, and recite poetry, or send her flowers. He was smart and ambitious like her, and they had long talks about history, politics, philosophy, and the best way to prepare flank steaks when he was able to visit Beatrice and her mother.
The music started up on the other side of the door. Princess Beatrice took a deep breath, took one last look at her ladies, and stepped out of the grand doors to the cathedral hall. It was time to become a married woman. Time to become a queen.
3
Queen Beatrice was tired. No, tired didn’t even cover it. Weary. Exhausted, drained, fatigued, spent... and Rowan wasn’t helping. She could understand his excitement, she could, but if he didn’t stop yelling she would brain him, ten minutes after giving birth or not. The nine-month term had been harder on her body than she had expected, and Rowan prancing around talking about the son she would have, a son that would look like him, his heir, his child, his legacy, his as if the child wasn’t being carried by her. As if he wasn’t a testament to their love and commitment to the kingdom.
“He shall be named Robert!" crowed the king.
“Do I have no say in what we name our son?” even her words were weary.
“My grandfather was a Robert, and some of our greatest kings were Roberts. It’s a kingly name.” he sounded so sure.
4
Queen Beatrice was bored and starting to become incredibly annoyed. Rowan was ignoring her advice on the newest tax reforms, and she could practically feel their citizens approaching anger. She was trained for this, prepared for this, and she thought that he at the very least respected her! But no. Ignored, stonewalled, shut out of meetings. Turned away by her dear husband and his advisors, as if she was stupid, naive!
5
Queen Beatrice was furious and so close to screaming it wasn’t even funny. That pig-headed, selfish, stuck up- no she wouldn’t think like that. It was her duty as queen to appear calm and collected, no matter how her husband was acting.
But if she wasn’t Queen… she’d stick his head in some horse manure.
+1
Beatrice was happy. For the first time in the longest time, she was pleased with her place in life. Gwen was Queen, Robert and Ella were touring the world, and, as for Rowan... he had finally pulled his head from his ass to take a second to think. Not about power, or the kingdom, or expanding trade or their borders. No, to think about her. To think about their children. About his own wants. He smiled again, would sing with her, take the time to ride around the grounds, and finally read those stupid romance novels she knew he always secretly loved.