Telling the Bishop

"But a royal wedding should be a major state occasion," Bishop Tamblin protested. "Something like that takes time to organise properly - several weeks, months even. But if that is truly what Your Highness - I beg your pardon, I should say 'Your Majesty' now - wishes..." He turned to Cecilia.

Might as well get it over with, Cecilia thought miserably. "It is," she said. "Do the best you can. Perhaps we could have a small private ceremony tomorrow and then make our vows to each other in a public ceremony at some later date?"

"Very well, Your Majesty. I will see to the arrangements. But before I do, perhaps I could have a quick word with you in private?"

Belboz gave Tamblin a dirty look, as if he suspected some treachery, but evidently he could think of no reason to object. Once the bishop was alone with Cecilia, he said: "My child, do you really want to go through with this? Belboz is at least fifty years older than you are. And what about that fine young man Gunther? I saw the way that the two of you used to look at each other, before you disappeared."

"I don't want to do it, but what choice do I have?" And Cecilia told him everything. When she had finished, he said:

1. "I'm afraid you are right. You have no choice. You cannot break your word."
2. "Your word was given under duress. In my opinion you need not feel yourself bound by it. But Belboz is a dangerous man to cross, so you must be careful."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree