Between the Chapters Book Club discussion

Prince Escalus is determined to prove Rosie innocent of the murder at her betrothal ball. While reading that scene, what did you believe his actions were driven by a quest for justice and a desire to maintain peace in Verona? Now that you’ve finished the book and know more about his character, what do you think his true motivations were?

Prince Escalus was certainly playing the long game. He observed Rosie for 3 years! He took his sweet time working up to wooing her and then took a shortcut (cheated) when he found he had a serious rival. Actually, I think Escalus would have defended Rosie even if she had killed Stephano since his list got Stephano involved in the first place. The prince is motivated to have a family, provide heirs, give his sister a normal life, and the Montagues and Rosie can do all that. His actions, rather than his words, also show that he has the hots for Rosie!

Pat wrote: "Prince Escalus was certainly playing the long game. He observed Rosie for 3 years! He took his sweet time working up to wooing her and then took a shortcut (cheated) when he found he had a serious ..."

Agree with all, and would add that he's the prince and in charge of justice in Verona so he won't let an innocent be railroaded *and* he needs to find the real killer to keep the peace.

He is definitely in favor of law and order. I wonder what he'd have done if Rosie had actually killed Stephano.