This might be offensive to the esteemed Marchioness, but as your elder and your aunt, I must remind you: she is older than you. You need her to bear you a child as soon as possible.
"A Marquisate without an heir will not be stable. Your authority in Tuscan is founded upon your marriage to her. If you have a child, you'll be able to rule Tuscan through them, even if some unforeseen situation arises." Judith glanced toward the hall door before turning to Eric, her expression serious.
"How has Uncle been lately?" Eric ignored Judith's point, changing the subject.
"The same as always—run ragged by matters in Sicily. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. If we appease the Normans, the Lombards revolt. If we appease all the nobility, the Greek citizens claim they're being treated unfairly. And if we somehow manage to appease the Normans, Lombards, and Greeks, then the Saracens will find something else to complain about.
