Two weeks after the gifting of Rosemont Estate, Walter called Eudora to his study with news that made her both excited and nervous.
"There's to be a state visit," he announced. "To the Kingdom of Bavaria. King Ludwig has specifically requested that you accompany me."
Eudora's eyes widened. "Me? Why?"
"Because word of England's common queen has spread across Europe," Walter explained with a slight smile. "You've become something of a fascination. Other monarchs want to see for themselves the woman I chose to marry."
"Is that truly the reason?" Eudora asked skeptically.
Walter's expression grew more serious. "Partially. But there are also important trade negotiations to conduct, and King Ludwig has expressed interest in some of your charitable reforms. He's been facing unrest among his own common people, and he's curious about alternative approaches to governance."
"So I'm to be both curiosity and advisor," Eudora said dryly.
"You're to be my queen and my partner," Walter corrected. He crossed to her and took her hands. "This will be your first major diplomatic engagement. I won't lie,it will be challenging. Foreign courts can be even more judgmental than our own. But I have complete faith in you."
The journey to Bavaria took two weeks,first by ship across the Channel, then by carriage through France and into German territories. Eudora had never traveled beyond England's borders, and everything fascinated her,the changing landscapes, the different languages and customs, the sheer vastness of the world beyond her small village.
Walter proved to be an excellent traveling companion. During the long carriage rides, he told her stories of his own travels, pointed out landmarks and historical sites, and patiently answered her endless questions about everything they saw.
"You're insatiable in your curiosity," Walter teased one afternoon as Eudora peppered him with questions about French architecture.
"Is that a bad thing?" Eudora asked.
"Not at all," Walter replied warmly. "It's one of the things I," He paused, seeming to catch himself. "One of the things I admire most about you."
At night, they stayed in inns or small palaces along the route. Though they maintained separate sleeping arrangements, Eudora found herself lingering longer each evening when they said goodnight, conversation flowing easily between them.
Their arrival in Bavaria was marked by great ceremony. King Ludwig greeted them personally, a portly man in his fifties with a kind face and shrewd eyes.
"Your Majesties," he said in accented but excellent English. "Welcome to Bavaria. We are honored by your visit."
"The honor is ours, Your Majesty," Walter replied formally.
Ludwig's eyes moved to Eudora, and she saw undisguised curiosity there. "And this must be the famous Queen Eudora. The common girl who became a queen. You've caused quite a stir across Europe, my dear."
Eudora curtsied deeply. "I hope a positive stir, Your Majesty."
Ludwig laughed, a booming sound. "We shall see! Come, you must be exhausted from your journey. I'll show you to your apartments, and tonight we feast in your honor!"
The Bavarian palace was magnificent,more ornate than the English palace, with gilt everywhere and frescoes covering every ceiling. Eudora tried not to gape too obviously as they were led through endless corridors.
Their apartments were sumptuous, with connecting chambers that were even more luxurious than their rooms in England. What caught Eudora's attention was the balcony overlooking the Alps in the distance, their snow-capped peaks glowing pink in the sunset.
"It's beautiful," she breathed.
Walter came to stand beside her on the balcony. "Not as beautiful as you look in this light."
Eudora felt heat rise to her cheeks. "You're too generous with your compliments."
"I'm only honest," Walter said softly. Then, more hesitantly, "Eudora, do you think... are you happy? With our marriage, I mean?"
She turned to look at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his question. "I am," she said truthfully. "More than I expected to be. You've been kind to me, generous beyond measure to my family. You treat me as an equal, not a possession. Yes, Walter, I'm happy."
The relief on his face was palpable. "Good. That's,that's all I want. Your happiness."
The feast that night was overwhelming. Hundreds of Bavarian nobles filled the great hall, all eager to catch a glimpse of the English queen. Eudora was seated between Walter and King Ludwig, and she could feel every eye upon her.
But she remembered her training, remembered who she was and why she mattered. She conversed with Ludwig about his kingdom, asked intelligent questions about Bavarian culture and history, and charmed him completely when she complimented the local wine.
"You're not what I expected," Ludwig admitted halfway through the meal. "The rumors made you sound like an ambitious schemer who had ensnared a young king."
"And what do you think now?" Eudora asked.
Ludwig studied her thoughtfully. "I think my informants were wrong. I think you're exactly what England needs,someone who understands both the nobility and the common people. Someone who can bridge that gap."
After dinner, there was dancing. Walter led Eudora out for the first waltz, and as they moved together across the floor, she forgot about the watching nobles, the weight of expectations. There was only this moment, this man, this perfect harmony between them.
"You're doing wonderfully," Walter murmured as they danced. "Ludwig is completely charmed, and I've overheard several nobles praising your grace and intelligence."
"They're probably just being polite," Eudora demurred.
"They're being honest," Walter corrected. "You're exceptional, Eudora. When will you start believing that?"
As the evening wore on, Eudora found herself in conversation with Ludwig's daughter, Princess Adelaide,a sharp-eyed woman close to Eudora's own age.
"Tell me truly," Adelaide said, pulling Eudora aside. "Is it a love match? Or did you marry for advantage?"
Eudora considered how to answer. "It started as duty," she admitted. "But it's becoming something more. Something I didn't expect but find myself grateful for."
Adelaide smiled. "A diplomatic answer. But I've been watching you and King Walter all evening. The way he looks at you,that's not duty. That's genuine affection."
"Perhaps it is," Eudora said softly, surprised by the warmth the thought brought her.
"And what of your feelings?" Adelaide pressed gently.
Eudora was quiet for a moment. "I'm learning that affection can grow where you least expect it. That kindness and respect can be the foundation for something deeper."
That night, as they prepared to retire to their separate chambers, Walter walked Eudora to her door.
"Thank you for being such a wonderful partner today," he said. "I couldn't have asked for a better queen by my side."
"We make a good team," Eudora agreed.
Walter reached for her hand, lifting it to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Goodnight, Eudora."
"Goodnight, Walter."
As she prepared for bed, Eudora found herself touching the hand he'd kissed, a small smile playing at her lips. Whatever this was becoming between them, it felt right. Natural. Like pieces of a puzzle slowly clicking into place.
She didn't know that tomorrow would bring revelations that would test everything they were building together.