The Royal Heir Problem
By: Mark Starlin
Tags: Historical Fiction, Novel, Problem Solving, Adventure, Baron Britpop

The Royal Heir Problem

I shall resume the narration.

While Andelbert was in the kitchen baking bread for the King, a footman knocked on the door of my room.

“Yes?” I asked after opening the door.

“Baron Blastfurnace, Comte de Falkenstien wishes to see you in the royal gardens.”

“Lead the way,” I replied.

Trying to describe the gardens of Versailles is a hopeless task. The gardens stretch farther than the eye can see. There are separate gardens, or groves, enclosed by walls of hedges. Each of these gardens contains its own unique features such as waterfalls, fountains, and monuments. Everywhere you look, there are trees, bushes, and statues all in orderly rows or in decorative arrangements. They all surround a grand canal, which was dug over an eleven-year period.

The canals house a fleet of vessels for the King’s enjoyment. It is like a miniature Venice. I am told ice skating is very popular in the winter when it freezes. It brings back memories of the canal in Kapri. Surrounding the canals are forests and more gardens, plus royal residences with their own gardens. I am convinced a man could spend months here and not see it all.

The footman led me to one of the groves where Emperor Joseph was waiting by a fountain. There was no one else in the grove. The footman left, and I walked over to the Emperor.

“Good day, Baron.”

“Good day, Comte de Falkenstien.”

The Emperor chuckled. “Well done, Baron. I have been informed that the Queen has taken a liking to you. And you have talked with her at length.”

“Yes. The Queen learned that you awarded my Barony and was seeking news of your well-being. I believe she was pleased to have the company of a fellow Austrian. She gave me a tour of her hamlet.”

“Ah, the hamlet. I do not wish to discuss that bit of foolishness, but I do want to ask you about her relationship with the King. Did she mention it in any of your discussions?”

I hesitated before answering, “The Queen said the King was distant. Forgive me, Your Highness, I am uncomfortable discussing this.”

“There is no need. As you know, I am not only the Emperor, I am also the Queen’s brother. The primary purpose of my visit is to discern why the King and Queen have not produced an heir. As you must realize, it is a matter of great concern for both the French and Austrian Empires.”

“I understand.”

“I plan to meet with them together privately to discuss it, but I want to be as prepared as possible.”

“I wish I could be of more help. I sense the Queen feels like an outsider and unwelcome in the court. Perhaps this is straining their relationship.”

“The King and Queen did not marry for love. They both understand this. They also know it is their duty to produce an heir to the throne. Their relationship has nothing to do with it.”

“I understand.”

“Very well. That is all, then.”

“If I may be so bold, Your Highness, there is another matter I hoped to discuss with you.”

“Indeed? What is it?”

“It is about my brother.”

“You mean, Andelbert, the footman at my former Kapri estate?”

I was dumbfounded and stared at The Emperor.

The Emperor laughed and said, “Heavens, man, do you think I would not remember the man who bakes the most delicious bread I have had the pleasure of eating? Ease your fears. I already told the King of your secret after the Marquises de Lafayette announced his talent to the King. He found it quite amusing.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. That is a great relief.”

“Think nothing of it. Just be sure to have Andelbert bake some extra loaves for me.”

“I will.”

“Good day, Baron.”

“Good day, Comte de Falkenstien.”