“You were very wise. Purely personal and family arrangements need not be regarded in such a case. Well, Count, this marriage must not be allowed to take place.”
“Your Majesty’s opinion is my own.”
“What steps would you suggest as likely to prevent it? Speak freely.”
“In my choice of weapons, sir, I would take a lesson from the enemy.”
“In other words,” said the Emperor of Pannonia, “you would counteract the plans of the Princess of Dardania by arranging another project of marriage for the young King. A marriage with whom, Count?”
“With an Imperial Princess of Germanic birth, sir, belonging preferably to the illustrious Hercynian house.”
“You aim high for your sovereign. Why an Imperial Princess?”
“In order, sir, that the splendour of the alliance may reconcile the nation to a Queen not belonging to the Orthodox faith.”
“Good!” interrupted the Emperor of Hercynia. “But why a member of my family?”
“That the complications might be avoided which would arise from the introduction of a third form of religion into the Thracian Court, sir.”