I'm glad. It goads him he has no power in England any more. I like to think I am reasonable, I have issues only with those that try to kill me. It just happens a lot of them a catholic. [she laughs dryly. Perhaps a trait of royalty. Her sense of humour was at the best of times, twisted.]
Both, and more then that besides. I won't marry a man who doesn't love me. Both as a woman, and as a Queen. I can't find a man who loves me, they just want to control me. Because women aren't supposed to be equals, we're supposed to submit... [her fingers curl up in agitation.] ... and would you want to be married when your mother was executed for failing as a wife? Your elder and most beloved cousin too? Perhaps I could be divorced and humiliated like my lady of Cleves? Or die in child bed. [shudder] Or worst then all that, go mad like my sister did, as well as losing the love of the people for marrying the wrong man who encouraged her to slaughter hundreds... No. It scares me, to risk so much in the hope of an heir... my loyalty is to my people, as it ever has been. That is the only thing I can afford to love any more. [Elizabeth had, and she wanted it still, because she was a daughter of her time, and marriage was so important for women.]
[She gave a fond kiss to Lenalee's head, just lightly.] It's a awful thing, to never let yourself be free with your affections and actions. I hope you find some respite. You are so young...
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Both, and more then that besides. I won't marry a man who doesn't love me. Both as a woman, and as a Queen. I can't find a man who loves me, they just want to control me. Because women aren't supposed to be equals, we're supposed to submit... [her fingers curl up in agitation.] ... and would you want to be married when your mother was executed for failing as a wife? Your elder and most beloved cousin too? Perhaps I could be divorced and humiliated like my lady of Cleves? Or die in child bed. [shudder] Or worst then all that, go mad like my sister did, as well as losing the love of the people for marrying the wrong man who encouraged her to slaughter hundreds... No. It scares me, to risk so much in the hope of an heir... my loyalty is to my people, as it ever has been. That is the only thing I can afford to love any more. [Elizabeth had, and she wanted it still, because she was a daughter of her time, and marriage was so important for women.]
[She gave a fond kiss to Lenalee's head, just lightly.] It's a awful thing, to never let yourself be free with your affections and actions. I hope you find some respite. You are so young...