Chapter II
Happily Never Again
Edward
"Surely, you understand, son. This kingdom needs strength, which can only come from a strong relationship with another country. That means you marrying a princess from a strong neighboring nation. I hate to push you this way. I hate to force you into this, but I have a country and a people to think of," My father was explaining. He continued "There's also the matter of heirs. You're almost 26. All the greatest nations have sent their most beautiful princesses, and every time you are perfectly polite, charming and most importantly chivalrous. Then when we've all had a lovely evening I ask you what you thought of this one, and what do you say? 'She's a perfect princess, and I couldn't possibly marry her.'" I sighed.
"They're all beautiful, of course. But they're also stiff, or worse have poor manners and throw themselves at me,"
"By the time you get through, every young lady in the world will have had her heart broken or her hopes disappointed by you. And you will be no closer to marriage or children either," Carlisle countered.
"That's quite enough, boys!" my mother cut in. Neither of us could defy her. She told us it was time to eat and led us to the dining hall. When dinner was finished she brought up the issue again. Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie were waiting for us.
"Now, everyone knows about Edward's women troubles…" she started. Emmett snickered.
"Mom!" I groaned.
"Hush. I have something to say, and all of you will listen, and do as I say. Edward, you will continue to meet these girls and you will give every one of them the respect and attention they deserve. You will consider whether they deserve and can handle the role as queen of this country. In fact, you will be visiting a girl tomorrow," she ordered. I slouched in my seat, sulking, while Carlisle simply smirked smugly. "Don't look so smug, Carlisle," she said, practically reading my thoughts. "You are going to treat your son like an adult. He is an adult, and this is his decision. You cannot force him to get married. His happiness should be at the top of your priorities. So you will try, and find him girls he has a chance of falling in love with. You should remember how lucky you are to have had the options you did when you were making this decision almost twenty nine years ago. You managed to find love, and if you love your son you will try to help him find the same," she commanded. Carlisle surrendered with a nod. "And as for the rest of you, you won't be bothering Edward about any of this. You all have behaved like children, and I'm finished," she ended.
